The nonsuch professor in his Meridian splendor, or the singular actions of sanctified Christians. Laid open in seaven sermons at Allhallows church in the wall, London. / By William Secker preacher of the gospel.

THE Non-such Professor IN His Meridian splendor . OR , The singular Actions OF Sanctified Christians . MATTH. 5. 47. — What do ye more then others ?

IN a mountain the Law was propounded to Moses ; in a mountain the Law is expounded by Jesus ; the one to a man of God who was the meekest ; the other by the Son of God who was the greatest : The former to a Prophet of the Lord , the latter by the Lord of the Prophets . As his works were miraculous , so his words are mysterious : But what 's light in the book without light in the heart : Therefore as he opens the Scripture to our understandings , so he opens our understandings to the Scripture . The Scribes and Pharisees though they knew the letter of the Law , yet they were ignorant of the spirit of it : as the waves of the sea are discoverable when the wealth of the sea is invisible . They never crackt the shell , to taste the kernel ; nor unlockt the cabinet to find out the jewel . They made a difference of the Tables , as if one side had been of Gods writing , and the other of the Devils scribbling . They could not charge the Law with imperfections , but Christ charges them with mis-interpretations . They were better acquainted with the customs of nature , then with the Canons of Scripture . How shall the blind see when the Seers are blind ! yet their eyes are out which should put others in . The Law requires holiness in our inner parts as well as in our outward acts . It s like the Sun , from the lustre of whose rayes the most secret closets are not hid : Not only he that lyes with a woman , but he that lusts after a woman , is an Adulterer : He whose heart is full of hating , though his hand be free from striking , is a Murderer . Thus a law may be transgressed , when it is observed ; as lightning melts the sword without hurting of the scabbard . The lusts of men may be predominate , when the lives of men are not inordinate ; as guests may be in the house when they look not out at the door . The precepts of morality they order our conversations , but the precepts of Divinity they order our cogitations . The only way to have chrystal streams , is to cast salt into the spring . He that begins Religion where it should end , will end Religion where it should be begun . I have seen an end of all perfection , but thy commandments are exceeding large , Psal. 119. 96. You may see an end of all perfection , but of the Laws perfection there is no end to be seen ; you may sound the bottom of any deeps but of Gods deeps .

But as the Portal conducts to the Palace , or as the Suburbs directs us to the City , so the context will guide us to the text ; Vers. 46. If ye love them that love you , what reward have you ? do not the publicans the same ? they will shew kindness where kindness is shown , as an eccho returneth the voyce it receiveth : And shall publicans be as godly as the godly ? shall Eos ad altius quod dam foecunditatis genus Ch●istus excitat & attollit , dum hujusmodi illis interrogationem proponit , Quid eximiivos facitis ? fructus longè praestantissimos ab iis expectat , qui longè eminentissimum & doctorem , & doctrinam habuerunt , &c. Rous inter . reg. Dei Tract. 1. cap. 10. p. 157 , 158. the sons of men equalize the sons of God , or the Law of nature swell to so high a tide as the law of grace ? this were for the dribling river to vye with the drowning ocean .

If you salute your brethren only , what do you more than others ?

I shall not curiously carve out the words , least by painting the windows , I shut out the light . The native comeliness of the Scripture scorns the unnatural drugs of bewitching Jezabels . A rough Diamond is of greater value then a smooth counterfeit . I am not about a peice of Oratory , but of Divinity ; and my design is rather to express affections than to affect expressions . Though the sweetness of the sawce may yeeld us contentment , yet it s the soundness of the meat that affords us nourishment .

But that Aarons bells may ring and not jangle , the Text is like a precious jewel , small in quantity , but great in excellency .

In the words you have two parts .

1. An action propounded . 2. A question proposed .

1. An action propounded , about what is lawful , If you salute your brethren only .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 salutare quidem sig. ni●i●at , sed osculo , & complexu , qui mos islarum gentium erat . Bez. in

It signifies to salute with kisses and embraces :

There is a kiss of obedience and subjection , and that 's the Subjects kiss . There is a kiss of lusts and temptation and that is the Harlots kiss . There is a kiss of treachery and dissimulation , and that is the Traytors kiss . There is a kiss of love and affection , and that 's the brothers kiss .

What one verse calls saluting , the other calls loving . Because salutation is but a pledge of affection , it s but our hearts runing forth at our lips .

2. A question propounded about what is needful , What do you more then others ? 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , significat quid redundans , vel quid superabundans . Leigh . ●rit sacr . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 quid impar . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ultra , velquid excellens , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 supra . ●reg . Etym. par .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , what singular thing do ye . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as if it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Syms . Lex . This is as the well from whence I shall draw the water . And that I may not raise a superstruction without a foundation , take this as the corner stone .

Doct. That singular Christians must perform singular actions .

This celestial orbe is large enough for every star to shine in . You cannot rationally imagine that I should sluce out a bitter stream from so sweet a spring . Whosoever shall collect any pearls out of such a heap , will leave as good behinde him as any he carries with him . The Disciples of Christ , as they are more then others , so they should do more then others . A Heathen may move beyond a Sodomite , but a Christian must move beyond an Hypocrite . Though the naturally dead can do nothing , yet the spiritually dead may do something : Though they can do nothing as to the obtaining of the grace of life , yet they may do something as to the using of the means of life . Cicero complains of Homer that he taught the gods to live like men ; but grace teaches men to live like gods . Great persons they are like bells , which whilst they are rising strike apace , but when they are up , are set , and strike no more ; or like flowers , which by change of soil degenerate into weeds . Thus the highest mountains are the barrenest grounds . It s sad that we should live so long in the world , and do so little good ; or that we should live so little in the world , and do so much evil . All creatures have their several essences ; according to the creatures essence , is the creatures actings . Trees are in their bearing , as they are in their being . Other creatures are not more below a sinner , then a Saint is above a sinner . Man is the excellency of the creature , the Saint is the excellency of the man ; Grace is the excellency of the Saint , Glory is the excellency of Grace . Believers are among others as Saul among the Israelites , higher by the head and shoulders . They are but base-born to them that are twice born . What is the lowest shrubs in the bottom of the valleys , to the highest cedars on the tops of the mountain ? Stars that are placed in the highest orbes , give the clearest lights . Trees planted by the rivers of water yield the choycest fruits . They who look for a heaven made ready , should live as though they were in heaven already . Grace doth not only make a man more a man , but it makes him more then a man . The primitive Christians were the best of men , though they were but men at the best : None were more lowly in their dispositions , and none more lovely in their conversations ; Noah was a just man , and perfect in his generation , Gen. 6. 9. He was not a sinner amongst those that were Saints , but he was a Saint amongst those that were sinners : Who would ever have looked for so fair a bird in so foul a nest ? In a field of wheat , there may spring up tares . A Saint is not free from sin , that 's his burthen ; a Saint is not free to sin , that 's his blessing . Sin is in his soul ▪ that 's his lamentation ; his soul is not in sin , that 's his consolation ; And the Lord said unto Satan , Hast thou considered my servant Job , Job 1. 8. Why , what was there in Job that was so considerable ? there is none like him in all the earth . Though there was none so bad as Job in heaven , yet there was none so good as Job on earth . He was a man so like unto God , that there was never another man like unto him . Beleivers in the world , they are the Non-such's of the world . It was the saying of a gracious soul , hearing of the far goings of Hypocrites , Let Hypocrites go as far as they can , in that which is good I will follow them , and where they can go no further I will go beyond them . A Christian is not only to do more then all other men will do , but he is to do more then all other men can do . Whatsoever is not above the top of Nature , is below the bottom of grace . Some there are that believe and work not ; others there are that work and believe not ; but a Saint must do both . He must so obey the Law as if there were no Gospel to be beleived ; and so believe the Gospel as if there were no Law to be obeyed . It s by faith that our works are justified ; but it s by works that our faith is testified . A Christians work doth not lie in beleeving or in doing , but in beleiving and in doing .

There are Four sorts of things .

First , Some things that are neither good nor pleasant , as envy and detraction . The eclipsing of anothers sun will never make our own to shine with brighter beams . O pare off those envious nails that are ever scratching those faces that are fairer then your own . Why do you wound your selves with those plaisters that are laid upon your brethrens sores ? Or weep at every showre of rain that falls besides your own corn ? Who would grudge an Ox its fat pasture , which doth but fit it for the slaughter ? Or the Malefactors progress through the meadows which conducts him to the gallows ? Thou hast never the less , for others having of the more ; and others have never the more , for thy having of the less . Leahs fruitfulness , was not the spring of Rachels barrenness .

Secondly , Some things are pleasant but not good , as sin and transgression . This Bee carries honey in its mouth , but a sting in its tail . When Jael brings forth her milk and her butter , then beware of the nail and the hammer . Death is in the pot whilst you are tasting of the broth . The fish by leaping at the bait is catcht upon the hook . If the cup be sinful we must not taste it ; if the cup be lawful we must not carouze it : Reason forbids either the tasting of known poyson , or the being drunk with pleasant wine . Sin , it is like a river that begins in a quiet spring , but ends in a tumultuous sea .

Thirdly , Some things are good but not pleasant , as sorrow and affliction . Sin that 's pleasant , but unprofitable ; sorrow that profitable but unpleasant . God by affliction separates the sin that he hates so deadly , from the soul that he loves so dearly . They are not to take our spirits out of our flesh , but to take our flesh out of our spirits . They are not to pull down the tabernacle of Nature without us , but to rear up the temple of Grace within us . Waters are purest when they are in their motion , and Saints are holiest when they are in affliction . A foul feskue may point us to a fair lesson . Some children never learn their books but when the rod is on their backs . By the greatest affliction God doth give the sweetest instruction . Though you may resist the Judgements that are laid before you in the word , yet you cannot resist the Judgements that are laid upon you by the rod. The purest gold is the most ductible : that 's a good blade that bends well without retaining its crooked figure .

Fourthly , Some things that are both good and pleasant , and they are gracious operations . A Beleivers bed of graces is more fragrant then a bed of spices . He that gives his Image to us , he loves his Image in us . Finally my brethren , whatsoever things are true , whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just , whatsoever things are lovely , whatsoever things are of good report , if there be any vertue , if there be any praise , think on these things , Phil. 4. 8. That ye may approve things that are excellent , Phil. 1. 10. But because you cannot see so well by a candle inclosed in a lanthorn , as by a taper burning in the candlestick ; I shall crack the shell that you may tast the kernel .

There are two channels that I shall cut out for these Chrystal streams to run in .

First , I shall speak to the Explication of what is Doctrinal .

Secondly , To the Application of what is Practical .

The former is like the cutting out of the suit ; the latter is like the putting it upon the back .

First . I shall speak to the Explication of what is Doctrinal . And that I may not sluce in a sea of water into a little river , I shall make a double banck .

First , Why it is that the Disciples of Christ must do more then others .

Secondly , What it is that the Disciples of Christ must do more then others .

I begin with the first , why it is that the Disciples of Christ must do more then others : Now that these nails may stick the faster , I shall drive them home with an eight fold hammer .

1. Because more is done for Beleevers then is done for others ; therefore more must be done by Beleivers then is done by others . God gives favours not for their sakes that receive them , but for his sake that bestows them . Now where there is a superaddition to our priviledges , there must be a superaddition to our practices . You do not look for so much splendor from the burnings of a candle as from the beamings of the Sun . Nor for so much moisture from the dropings of a bucket , as from the disolving of a cloud . The Philosophers rule is true , Quicquid recipitur , recipitur ad modum recipientis . The heat which melts the wax , hardens the clay . The juyce that goes into the Rose makes it sweet , but that which goes into the Nettle makes it stink . The mercies of God if they be not loadstones to draw us to salvation , they will be milstones to drown us in perdition . To whom much is given , of Quò plura accepisti , gratias eò majores , gloriamque da●ori referre obligaris . Rous inter . reg. Dei . p. 153. them much shall be required : God doth not exact much where little is bestowed ; nor except little where much is received . A drop of praises is not commensurate to a sea of favours . Hear ye the word of the Lord , O children of Israel , you only have I known of all the families of the earth , Amos 3. 2. They were more known to God then others , therefore they must more acknowledge God then others . They can never speak good enough of God who have tasted the goodness of God . It s but reason that they should bless most , who are the most blessed . Nature hath made other Creatures , but Grace hath made you Christians . In Creation God hath given us to our selves , but in Redemption he hath given himself to us . It s a greater favor to be converted , then it is to be created ; yea better have no being , then not to have a new being . Now differencing mercy calls for differencing duty . They who hold the largest farms , they should pay the greatest rents . Where he sows the preciousest seeds , there he looks for the fruitfulest harvest . When we were full of blood , then he was full of bowels . When thou wert setting sail to the Devil , God blew with a contrary wind and altered thy course . Now will I sing to my beloved , a song of my beloved touching his vineyard ; My wel-beloved had a vineyard in a very fruitful hill , and he fenced it , and gathered out the stones thereof , and planted it with the choycest vine , and built a tower in the midst of it , and also made a wine press therein , Isa. 5. 1 , 2. Here is an Inventory of the goodness of God to his vineyard ; now what follows ? He looked that it should bring forth grapes , and it brought forth wilde grapes . He looked that they should be better to him then others , because he had been better to them then he had been to others . The flowers of Paradise are seated in a better soil then the weeds of the wilderness . When others are the Devils throughfare , these are Gods enclosure . God hath kissed you that are believers over many shoulders ; You are like Dyals in the sun , on which the beams of the sun of Righteousness do shine . How is it that thou wilt shew thy self to us and not to the world , who mightst have shewn thy self to the world and not to us ! Joh. 14. 22. He hath exalted you above others , who are of the same mould with others . Hath God shewn himself to you and not to the world , and will not you shew your selves for God , and not for the world ? It lies as a great blemish upon Hezekiah , that his returning was not answerable to his receiving . If God do great things for beleivers , he will not accept of small things from believers .

2. Christians they should do more then others , because they stand in a nearer relation to God then others . The nearer the relation , the greater the obligation . In this respect believers on earth have a greater honor then the Angels in heaven : Christ is related to them as a Lord to his Servants ; but he is united to these as a head to the members . There is no glased eyes that is set in our Redeemers head ; there is no wooden legs that are united to his body ; there is no barren branches that grows upon the Tree of Life . The Lord Jesus is as far from being the head of a body that 's ulcerous , as he is from being the head of a body that 's monstrous . The everlasting Father , Isa. 9. 6. Others they are made of God , but these are born of God . A son honoreth his father , and a servant his Master ; If then I be a father , where is my honor ? if a master , where is my fear ? Mal. 1. 6. As a Father , so he will be reverenced for his goodness ; as a Master , he will be feared for his greatness . Give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars , and unto God the things that are Gods . If honor be not due to him , let it not be bestowed ; if it be due to him , let it not be denied . We are all born to serve God , and better we had never been born , then that we should not serve him . As A. Fulvius said to his Son , when he found him in the conspiracy of Cataline , Non ego te Catilinae , genui sed patriae . This is the speech of God to every man , I gave thee not a body and a soul to serve sin withal , but to serve me withal . Do but see the great out-cry that God makes against his own sons , Isa. 1. 2 , 3. Hear O heavens , and be astonished O earth , for I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me . Where the relation is nearest , there the provocation is greatest . It s a more pleasing spectacle to see Rebels becoming children , then it s to see children becoming rebels . When Caesar was wounded by the Senators , Brutus also gave him a stab , with that he looks upon him and saith , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , What thou my son Brutus ? Sue●onius juxta fin● vitae Iu● . Caes . What mother can endure to see those lips that drew her brests , suck her blood ? The unkindness of a friend hath the most in it of an enemy . When others appear before God as prisoners appear before a Judge , Beleevers appear before him as children do before a Father . The Roman Censors took such a distaste at the son of Africanus , that they pluckt the ring from off his figner in which his fathers image was engraven : They would not suffer him to wear his Fathers picture , who was so unlike his Quin & familiaribus quaeren . tibus vellet n Olympiae in stadio decurrere ? ( era● enim pedibus velor ) soquidem , respondit , reges sunt meum d●certaturi . Plut. in ini ●vit A. lex & Q. Curt. ● . 1. fathers person . God will not suffer any man to wear the livery of Christ upon him , who wants the likeness of Christ within him . When his companions would have Alexander ( that was swift on foot ) to run in the Olympick games ; I would , saith he , so there were but Kings and Princes to run with me . Give me such a Saint as will do nothing upon earth that is unsuitable to his birth from heaven . What , shall he walk in darkness , whose father is light ? Shall that tongue be found lying so constantly to men , that was found praying so earnestly to God ? or those eyes be found gazing on sinful objects , that were found reading of sacred Oracles ?

The remembrance of our dignity should engage us to the performance of our duty . It is not for Kings , O Lemuel , it is not for Kings to drink wine , nor for Princes strong drink , Prov. 31. 4. Such a sin is bad in a Subject , but worse in a Soveraign . As a spot in scarlet is worse then a stain in russet . That 's the second .

3. Christians should do more then others , because they profess more then others . As plants are known by their fruits , so Saints are known by their works . Shall such as have received Christs press-money , fight under Satans colours ? Though there be many Professors that are no Beleevers , yet there are no Beleevers but are Professors . They profess that they know God , but in works they deny him , being abominable and disobedient , and to every good work reprobate , Tit. 1. 16. A man is not what he says , but he is what he does . To say what we do , and not to do what we say , is to be like trees that are full of leaves , but empty of fruits : Or like a barn wherein there is much chaff but little corn . It s better never to shine , then not to be gold . What is it to put off your old manners , and to keep on the old man ? A snake may change her coat , and yet keep her sting . The Gospel professed that lifts a man unto heaven ; but it s the Gospel practised that leads a man into heaven . To be a Professor of piety , and a Practiser of iniquity , it s so far from advancing your commendation , that its an encreasing of your condemnation . Why call ye me Lord , Lord , and do not the word that I say ! Either obey my commands more , or else call me Lord no more . Either take me into your lives , or cast me out of your lips . Our Lord Jesus disdains to have his name seen on , as Princes scorn to have their Effigies stampt on base mettals . Let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity . If godliness be evil , why is it so much professed ? if goodliness be good , why is it so litle practised ? Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling , 2 Tim. 1. 10. A holy calling , should be attended with a holy carriage . It s a greater glory to us that we serve God , then it is to God that we serve him . It is not he that 's made happy by us , but it s we that are made happy by him . He needs not such servants as we are upon earth , but we need such a Master as he is in heaven , A man may finde many that talks of grace , but he shall find but a few that tastes of grace . Every one doth no live like a Christian that looks like a Christian . Thou that makest thy boast of the Law , through breaking the Law dishonorest thou God! Rom. 2. 23. It s monstrous to see that Christians tongues should be larger then their hands . That they should carry a lanthorn before others , and yet tread in the dark themselves . A vicious patern more infects , then a vertuous doctrine instructs . he that gives good precepts , and then sets bad paterns , is like a man that first blows the fire to kindle it , and after casts water to quench it again . These Physitians whilest they give cordials to others , they faint themselves . I may say of such Professors , as he said of a vicious Preacher , That when in the Pulpit , it was pity he should ever come out , he was so good in his instructions ; but when out of the pulpit , that it was pity he should ever come in again , he was so bad in his conversation . We must not be offended at the profession of Religion , because all are not religious that make a profession . The sheep doth not despise his fleece , because the Woolf hath worn it . Who blames a chrystial river because some melancholly men have drowned themselves in its streams . The best Drugs have their adulterate ? What though you have been cheated with false colours ▪ yet disestimate not them that are dyed in grain : He is a bad husband , that having a spot in his coat will cut off the cloath , when he should wash out the dirt . But when you make a good profession , be sure to make your profession good .

4. The Disciples of Christ are to do more then others , because every Beleever is to be conformed to his Redeemer . Jesus Christ , as he is the principle of excellency , to which all must come , so he is the patern of excellency to which all must conform . As he is the root on which a Saint grows , so he is the rule by which a Saint squares . God hath made one Son like unto all , that he might make all his sons like unto one . He 〈◊〉 to teach us how to live , and he died to teach us how to die . Yea , as he lived and died for our good , so he lived and died in our stead . It s a rule , Primum unoquoque genere est mensura reliquorum : That which is the first in any kind , &c. Learn of me , for I am meek and lowly , Matth. 11. 29. Never was Nature better graced , and never was Grace better natured . Well may the Stars be obscured , when the Sun was eclipsed . For I have given you an example , that you should do as I have done to you , Joh. 13. 5. If the life of Christ be not your patern , the death of Christ will not be your pardon . The Lord Jesus though he was a man of sorrows , yet he was not a man of sins . Though we cannot equalize his holiness , yet we should imitate his holiness : As it is the same light which shines from the body of the sun in its meridian , and which breaks forth in the dawnings of the morning . There 's the same water in the streams that bubbles up at the spring-head . Summa religionis est , 〈◊〉 eum quem colis . Lactant. There should be such a conformity between the life of Christ and the life of a Christian , as there is between the Counterpain and its Original . As face answers to face in the water , so should life answer to life in the Scripture . What he was by nature , that we should be by grace . He that was a way to others , never went out of the way himself . A holy life is a chrystal glass wherein Jesus Christ beholds his own face . In our Sacramental participations , we shew forth the death of Christ , but in our evangelical conversations we shew forth the life of Christ . An excellent Christ calls for excellent Christians : And why should we ●ay his yoke is heavy , when he says his yoke is easie ? He went about doing good , Acts 10. 38. As he was never ill imployed , so he was never unimployed . Jesus Christ submits his person to be judged by his actions . If I do not the works — beleeve me not . If I act not like a Saviour , do not take me for a Saviour . Thus should it be with a Saint ; Never take me for a Christian , if I act not like a Christian . If men finde no more among Saints then they find among men , they will say , Here is a man and a man , and not a man and a Christian . Man naturally is an aspiring piece , and loves to be nearest to those that are highest . Now a Christ that did more then others , calls on Christians to do more then others . Methinks you should take as much delight in those precepts that enjoyn holiness , as in those promises that assures happiness ; and be as willing to be ruled by Christ , as you are willing to be saved by Christ . To the Saints that are in the earth , and to the excellent , in whom is all my delight , Psa. 16. 3. Was it so in his time , and shall i● not be so in our time ? The New Testament out-shines the Old , as much as the splendor of the sun doth the brightness of the stars . If you live under more glorious dispensations , you should have more gracious conversations . As he is , so are we in this world , 1 Joh. 4. 17. As he was , so should we be on earth ; and as he is , so shall we be in heaven . If there be no congruity between Christ and you in holiness , there will be no society between Christ and you in happiness . That 's the fourth .

5. The Disciples of Christ must do more then others , because they are more lookt upon then others . If once a man be a Professor , the eyes of the whole world are placed upon him . Because our profession in the world is a separation from the world , Beleevers should condemn those by their lives , who condemn them with their lips . Teach me thy way , O Lord , and lead me in a plain path because of mine enemies , Psal. 27. 11. Heb. Because of my observers , or propter insidiatores meos , because of those that lye in wait for me . If you walk in the unpaved road of licentious loosness , the world will not go backwards , like Shem and Japhet to cover your nakedness , but they will march forward , like cursed Cham to uncover your nakedness . They make use of your weakness , as a shield to defend their own wickedness . Men are merciless in their censures , though God hath more equitable scales , and wil give grains of allowance to his own gold . A true Christian though he be a Dove in Gods eyes , yet he is a Rave● in theirs . An unholy conversation p●lls off the jewels from the beautiful Queen of Religion . Sin allowed of in a Saint , it s like a slit in a piece of cloth of gold ; or like a crack in a silver bell . The foulest spots are soonest seen in the fairest cloaths . The world will sooner allow its own enormities , then of your infirmities . The loose walkings of Christians , are the reproaches of Christ . Si Christus sancta d●●uisset , sancta à Christianis fierent ; qualis secta , talis sectatores . Quomodo bonus magistor , eujus tam pravos videmus Discipulos ? as Lactantius brings in the Heathens ubraiding the Nations . So much malice is there lodged in sinners as to reproach the rectitude of the rule for the obliquity of their lives who swerve and vary from it . Now your pure lives should hang a padlock upon their impure lips , who throw the dirt of Professors upon the face of Profession . One hour of the suns eclipsing attracts more eyes to view it , then all its illustrious shinings . Dr. Whitaker reading that fifth of Matthew , breaks forth into these words , Aut hoc non est Evangelium , aut nos non sumus Evangelici ; Either this is not Gospel that we Christians profess ; or else we are not Christians that profess the Gospel . The curelty of the Spaniards to the Indians made them cry out , Quam malus Deus iste , qui habet tam malos servos ? What an evil God is this that hath such evil servants ? Gods Jewels should cast a sparkling lustre in the eyes of others . One scar may stain the beauty of the fairest face . It was a glorious Encomium given of Zachary and Elizabeth , They were both righteous before God , walking in all the commandm●nts and ordinances of the Lord blam ●●ss , Luk. 1. 6. As they were harmless in their actings , so they were blameless in their walkings . Pure Religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this , to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world , Jam. 1. 2. If you would keep your selves unspotted from the world , you must keep your selves unspotted in the world . Christians , such even threads should be spun by you , as none might fasten a snarl upon you . That 's the fifth .

6. Ground is , Because if you do no more then others , it will appear that you are no more then others . Vna actio non denominat fidelem . It is not one action that makes a Beleever , no more then its one Swallow that makes a Summer . As there is none so evil but may do some good ; so there is none so good , but may do some evil . Every being nath its proper acting ; and where we do not finde the working , we may deny the being . You would be thought to be more then Publicans and Sinners ; what , and yet act no more then Publicans and Sinners ? Ye shall know them by their fruits , Mat. 7. 20. By the leaves the tree is seen , but by the fruit the tree is known . The hand of the Dyal is without in going , as the wheels of the clock are within in moving . Where the heart is of a good constitution , the life will be of a fair complexion . When the Conduit is walled in , how shall we judge of the Spring , but by the water that runs out of the pipes ? A Sinner may shew the good he wants , but a Saint cannot hide the good he hath . When Saul was made a Soveraign , he had another spirit poured out upon him , a spirit of Government for a place of Government ; When a sinner is made a Saint , he hath another spirit poured out upon him : As he is what he was not , so he does what he did not . It s reported of a Harlot , when she saw one with whom she had formerly committed folly , she renewed her inticements , to whom he answered , Ego non sum ego , though she was the same woman she was , yet he was not the same man he was . For him that is more then a man , to do no more then a man , where is the Christian ? Are ye not carnal , and walk as men ? 1 Cor. 3. 3. If men act like beasts , God will call them beasts ; and if Christians act like men , he will stile them men . There is no passing for currant coyn on earth , without having of the stamp of heaven . That 's the sixth .

7. The Disciples of Christ are to do more then others , because they are to be judges of others . If you consult sacred Records , you shall find that both God , and Christ , and the Saints are said to judge the world ; the ordination is Gods , the execution is Christs , the approbation is the Saints . When the Apostle would stop the sinful suits among the Corinthian brethren , that did not want men of Eminency to put a period unto controversie , Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world ? and if the world shall be judged by you , are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters ? 1 Cor. 6. 2. If you shall judge in causes between God and man , how much more in causes between man and man ? if about matters that are eternal , then about matters that are external ? fellons may be jovial in the prison , but they tremble at the Bar. When wicked men come like miserable captives out of their holes , how shall the Saints rise out of their graves like morning suns ? Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied saying , Behold , the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints , to execute judgement upon all , Jude 14 , 15. This shall no more derogate from Christs Office then the Session of the Justices doth from the authority of the Judge ; they are Co-operators , though not Coadjutators in that peculiar act . When the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory , ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel , Matth. 19. 28. Now the world judges the Saints , but then the Saints shall judge the world ; the act of the head is imputed to the members ; and the act of the members is acknowledged by the head . Now shall there be no difference between him that sits on the Bench and him that stands at the Bar ?

How will you be able to pass a righteous sentence upon others for those evils you are guilty of your selves ? In maxima fortuna minima licentia , In the greatest majesty there is the smallest liberty . As he said to Caesar , Caesari cum omnia licent , propter hoc minus liceat ; Seeing all things are lawful for Caesar to do , it is therefore the less lawful for Caesar to do them . By faith Noah built an Ark by which he condemned the world , Heb. 11. 7. The Saints judge the world not only by their faith but by their facts . In the innocency of your lives , you should shew the world the filthiness of theirs ; Thou art more righteous then I. What is the usual prejudice that the world hath against Religion but this , that it makes no man better though it makes some men stricter . Do not we see that they who profess against pride more then others , are themselves as as proud as others ? These people they often meet together to be better , but they are never the better for their often meeting together ; do but take away their profession , and you take away their Religion . They have nothing of the sheep but the skin . Do but see how the God of Israel doth upbraid the Israel of God ; Hath a Nation changed their gods , which are yet no gods ? but my people hath changed their glory for that which doth not profit , Jer. 2. 11. Here is a professing people out-gone by a people that made no profession . The Heathens , if they take up their gods , they will keep up their gods . They were true to their false gods , when these were false to the true God . Hear O heavens , and be astonished O earth , Isa. 1. 2. Why , what is the matter ? the ox knoweth his own , and the Ass his Masters crib ; but my people doth not know , and Israel doth not consider . God did not call down a Jury of Angels to condemn them , but empannels a jury of Oxes and Asses to pass sentence upon them . O that Oxes and Asses should be more religious , then those who do profess Religion ! In their kind they are more kind ; for if the owner feeds them , the owner rides them . That is the seventh .

8. Reason why the Disciples of Christ should do more then others , because they expect more then others . And every man that hath this hope , purifies himself as he is pure , 1 Joh. 3. 3. Hope its too pure a plant to grow in an impure soil . You must not look to dance with the Devil all day , and sup with Chr●●● at night : or to go from Dalilahs lap , to Abrahams bosom . If falvation were easily come by , it would be slightly set by . It s the not raigning of sin in our mortal bodies , which makes way for the raigning of our immortal souls . Grace is such a pilot as without its stearage you will suffer shipwrack in your voyage . Blessed are the pure in heart , for they shall see God , Matth. 5. 8. A dusty glass will not represent the face . We do not look for a Turkish Paradise , but for a sinless state ; nor to bathe our selves in carnal pleasures , but to be consorts of the Immaculate Lamb. Giving thanks to the Father who hath made us meet partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light , Col. 1. 12. You season the vessel with water , before you trust it with wine ; God will season the vessel with the water of grace before he pours into it the wine of glory . It s hard to say whether God discovers more love in preparing of glory for Saints , or in the preparing of Saints for glory . Beleevers , let you● present deportment be suitable to your future preferment . There is no living a life that is vicious , and then dying a death that is righteous . As Justice crushes none before they are corrupted , so Mercy crowns none before they are converted . Follow peace with all men , and holiness , without which no man shall see the Lord , Heb. 12. 14. Holiness , though it be that which a sinner scorns , yet it s that which a Saviour crowns : The soul of man that is the cabinet , and grace that is the jewel ; and Christ will throw away the cabinet , where he doth not find the jewel . Though the wheat be for the Garner , yet the chaff is for the fire . The Scripture presents us not only with what God will do for man , but with what man must do for God . So run that ye may obtain . The neglecting of the race of holiness , will be the obstructing of the prize of blessedness . He that made thee without thy assistance , will not save thee without thy obedience . Every tree that beareth not good fruit is hewen down and cast into the fire , Mat. 7. 19. If you be not plants for bearing , you will be sticks for burning . If you be not for fruits , you are for flames . Men are sentenced not only for their sinfulness , but for their slothfulness . Men may perish for being servants that are unprofitable , as well as for sinners that are abominable . There is no making out of your salvation , but by working out of your salvation . God binds up none in the bundle of life , but such as are the heirs of life . Therefore my beloved brethren , be ye stedfast and unmovable , ever abounding in the work of the Lord , for asmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord , 1 Cor. 15. 58. How abundant should they be in the work of the Lord , that know their labor shall not be in vain in the Lord ? How chearfully should we cast in the net , when we are sure to make such an excellent draught ? If you do no more then others , you shall enjoy no more then others . If you love them that love you , what reward have you ? Matth. 5. 46. All this is but nature , that love should be returned from whence it hath been received . Now natural works shall have but natural wages . Common graces shall have but common favours . If you would not have God to put you off with a Pharisees recompence , do not you put off God with a Pharisees performance . God he baits the hook to catch the fish , and spreads the net to inclose the bird . He hangs the promises of the Gospel upon the precepts of the Law . A Merchant will run through the intemperate Zones of heat and cold for a little treasure : And the Souldier undergo a bloody seeds time , to enjoy a happy harvest . Shall they take pains for earthly Mammon , and we take none for heavenly Mansions ?

Thus have I dispatched the first General , Why it is that the Disciples of Christ should do more then others .

I come now to the second General , What it is that the Disciples of Christ must do more then others .

And here I shall make a golden chain of twenty links , for Beleivers to wear about their necks .

1. To do much good , and make but little noise , that 's a singular thing . Others they say much but do nothing , but Christians they should do much but say nothing . To deserve praise where none is obtained , is better then to obtain praise where none is deserved . Qui honorem desiderat , non est dignus honore . Abulens . Take heed that Nè propter ▪ humanam gloriam boni essent ( Christiani ) docuit enim illos Magister illorum dicens , Cavete sacere justitiam vestram , &c. Aug. de . Civ . Dei l. 5. c 14 , you do not your alms before men , to be seen of men ; otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven , Matth. 6. 18. A Saint may be seen doing more works then any , and yet a Saint must not do any of his works to be seen . Non est ingrata Deo eleemosyna quae videtur , sed quae ideo fit ut videatur . Though good ends makes not bad actions lawful , yet bad ends makes good actions sinful . The harp sounds sweetly though it hears not its own melody . Moses had more glory by his vail , then he had by his face . We should lay our selves in the dust by our humility , when we raise the poor from the dust by our charity . Therefore when They did them in Synagogis , ut videantur à s●pientibus : & in vicis , ut videantur à turhis , & hoc non ut den● honum exemplum videntibus , sed ut honorificentur ab hominibus . G●rran . in loc. thou dost thine alms , do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the Synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory from men , Matth. 6. 2. What the first verse calls a doing to be seen of men , this calls a doing to receive glory from men . Hypocrites would never care that men should see them , but that by seeing them men should praise them . The indigent was more beholden to their vanity then they were beholden to their charity . They gave alms more for the rich to look upon then the poor to live upon . This is the using of the masters coyn for the servants gain . Hypocrites are more for the market then they are for the closet ; and for the corners of the streets then for corners of the house . It s meat and drink for a formalist to fast if others see it . The Nightingale never sings so sweetly , as when others stand by to hear her melody . Come see my zeal for the Lord of hosts , when there was no zeal for the Lord of hosts to be seen . Religion did but hold the stirrup to mount him into the saddle ; your sounding souls , are seldom souls that are sound . A Jehu's vote is always linked to a Judas heart . Some persons are like hens that after laying must be cackling . If they bestow a little money on a Churches repairs , they will set it down in glased windows . But under the praises of Nature lurks the enemies of Grace . Dum laudatur hypocrita , laeditur gratia . Look how much we arrogate to our own applause , we derogate from Gods praises . Vain-glory is like Naamans Leprosie , a foul character upon a fair paper . What is the acclamations of men to the approbation of God ? To be cried up on earth by them that are about us , and cried down in heaven by him that is above us ? As one flaw robs the diamond of the oriency of its splendor ; so one flye spoils the Apothecaries box of the fragrancy of its odor . Therefore when thou dost thine alms let Vid. Chem. Harm . Evang. cap. 5● . p. 772. 773. not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth , Matth. 6. 3. Acts of mercy they are right hand acts , and so singular ; but the left hand must not know them because the left hand will make them known . It is a rare thing for a Christian to do much in secret , and to keep it secret when it s done . God is nearer to us then we are unto our selves . You need not sound a trumpet , for any thing that is bestowed ; for when the trumpet shall sound , every thing shall be revealed . Where the river is the deepest , there the water glides the smoothest . Empty casks sound most , when the well fraught vessel silences its own fulness . The shadow of the Sun is largest when his beams are weakest . Honor me before Quid aliud amant ( hypocritae ) quam gloriam , quâ volebantetiam post mortem tanquam vivere in ore laudantium Aug. ubi prius . the people , 1 Sam. 15. 30. There is little worth in outward splendor , if vertue yield it not an inward lustre . When this sun is in its meridian , it may be masked with a cloud . By climbing of too high a bough , you may hang your selves upon the tree . Some had rather suffer the agony of the cross , then the infamy of the cross . It s more to them to be dispraised then it is to be destroyed . And a certain woman cast a peice of a milstone upon Abimelecks head , and brake his scull ; then he called hastily unto the young man his Armor-bearer , and said nnto him , Draw thy sword and slay me , that men may not say A woman slew me , Judg. 9. 53 , 54. Behold saith one , Homo moritur , at superbia non moritur ; The man dyes , but his pride dies not . God may reject those as copper , whom men do adore as silve● . He is a Jew which is one inwardly , and circumcision is that of the heart , in the spirit , whose praise is not of men but of God , Rom. 2. 29. The praise of an Hypocrite is not of God but of man ; the praise of an Israelite is not of man but of God . The one desires to seem good that he may be praised , the other to be good that God may be pleased . The Saints on earth are to imitate the Angels in heaven ; and they had the hands of a man under their wings , Ezek. 1. 8. They had not their wings under their hands , but their hands under their wings : Their hands note their activity , their wings their celerity ; Their having their hands under their wings , the obscurity of their motions : They will not have others to fall down to worship them about the Throne , but fall down themselves to worship him upon the Throne . Our Lord Jesus Christ , that did the most excellent works that ever were done , He shall not cry , nor lift up , nor suffer his voyce to be heard in the streets , Isa. 42. 2. He shall not cry , that is , he shall not be contentious ; He shall not lift up his voyce in the streets , he shall not be vain-glorious . The Pharisee stood and prayed with himself , God , I thank thee I am not as other men are , extortioners , unjust , adulterers , or even as this publican , Luk. 18. 11. Hypocrites are better in O quot babet isle in saeculo imitatores , qui festucam in oculo fratris vident , trabē autem in oculo suo non considerant . Stel. in loc. Nec quicquam jam ferre potest Caesar●● priorem , Pompeiusve parem . Lucan . shewing forth their own worth , then they are in shewing forth of their wants ; at the displaying the banners of their perfections , then at the discovering of the baseness of their transgressions . I am not as other men are ; as if he had been such a fellow as had no fellow . Ambition is so great a planet that it must have a whole orbe to itself , and its impatient of a consort . Because he was not so bad as the most , he thought himself as good as the best . A Sun-burnt-face seems fair when compared with a Blackamoor . But can cyphers compleat a sum ? This Pharisee was as far from being religious , as he was from being scandalous . But upon what foundation Celavit hic Pharisaeus peccata , quae confiteri debuerat & bona siquae feverat patefecit . Stella loc. jam citato did he rear this superstruction ? vers. 12. I fast twice aweek , I give tithes of all I possess . He proclaims all without doors that is done within . They say of the sea it loses as much in one part of the land as it gains in another : Thus what victory formalists seemingly get over one lust , they lose it again by being imprisoned to another : They trade not for Gods glory , but for their own glory . If a tear be shed , or a prayer be made , whatever is performed by them , shall be divulged by them . He that trafficks in Gods services , to fraught himself with mans praises , suffers shipwrack in the haven , and loses his wages when he comes to receive pay for his works . It s storied of Alexanders Footman , that he ran so swift upon the sand , that the print of his footsteps were not seen : Thus should it be with Christians , nothing is more pleasing unto God , then a hand that is largely opened , and a mouth that is straitly closed . Most persons are like Themistocles , that never found himself so much contented , as when he heard himself praised . I will not say a gracious heart never lifts up it self , but I will say that grace in the heart never lifts up it self . Grace in the heart ever acts like it self , but a gracious heart doth not always so . A Saint should be like a spire steeple , minimus in summo , that is , smallest where it is highest : or like those orient stars , the higher they are seated , the lesser they are viewed . Usually your greatest boasters are your smallest workers . Your deep rivers pay larger tribute to the sea then shallow brooks , and yet empty themselves without a murmuring noise . I have read a story of a harlot that offered to build up the walls of a City that Alexander had thrown down , so she might set her own arms upon them . O what will not an Hypocrite do , so he may set his own arms upon it , when it is done ? That is the first .

2. To bring up the bottom of our lives to the top of our lights . Look how far our lives are from Gods precepts to do them , so far his ears are from our prayers to hear them . Since the tree of knowledge hath been tasted , the key of knowledge hath been rusted . Man sinned away his light , when he sinned against his light . Adams candle aspiring to be a sun , hath burnt the dimmer ever since . The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God , for they are foolishness to him , neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned , I Cor. 2. 14. Spiritual truths , they oppose the wickedness of reason ; because they are against it ; therefore a natural man cannot relish them . They exceed the weakness of Reason , because they are above it , therefore a natural man cannot perceive them . It s better to be a toe in the foot , and to be sound , then to be an eye in the head , and to be blind . But grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , 2 Pet. 3. 18. Without grace there may be a knowledge that is seeming , but without grace there cannot be a knowledge that is saving . As the water engenders the ice , and the ice the water ; so by knowledge is grace produced , and by grace is knowledge increased . If ye know these things , happy are ye if you do them . To obey the truth , and not to know , is impossible ; to know the truth and not to obey it is unprofitable .

Not every one that saith unto me Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdom of heaven , but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven , Mat. 7. 21. Divine knowledge is not like the light of the moon to sleep by , but it s like the light of the sun to work by . It s not a Loyterer in the market place , but a laborer in the vineyard . A man may be a great Schollar , and yet be a great sinner . Judas the Traytor , was Judas the Preacher . The Toad hath a pearl in its head , and poyson in its bowels . The tree of knowledge may be planted , where the tree of life never grew . A man may be acquainted with the grace of truth , who never knew the truth of grace . Parts and gifts without grace and holiness , are but like Vriah's letters , that cut the throat of him that carried them . You are never the better for your light , if you be never the better by your light . The sun that whitens the cloth , tanns the Blackamoor . Shall that be the brand of Christians which was the bane of Heathens ; Because when they knew God , they glorified him not as God , Rom. 1. 21. The flint strikes the steel in vain that propagates no sparks . You had as good let the Devil put out your eyes that you should not see the truth , as let him cut off your legs , that you should not walk in the truth . Naked knowledg it may make the head giddy , but it will not make the heart holy . Who would fraught his ship with such drossy ore ? or stay for such a gale as cannot waft him to his harbor ? shall we hold a candle in one hand , and draw a sword with the other : How many Professors are there Isti omnes similes illis sunt qui pro bonae valitudine sacrificant , & in ipso sacro epulis se ingurgitant , quae bone valetudini sunt contrariae . Stamp . prompt . Mor. p. 120. that know what is to be done , but never do what is to be known ? they carry a bright candle in a dark lanthorn . Give me the Christian that perfectly fees the way that he goes , and readily goes the way that he sees . That 's bad ground that brings forth nothing except it be forced . To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not , to him it is sin , Jam. 4. 17. Though sins of ignorance are more numerous , yet sins of knowledge are more dangerous . Your darkness will be the blacker , because your light hath been the clearer .

Pharnaces sends a Crown to Caesar at the same time that he rebelled against him , to whom Caesar makes this return , Faceret imperata prius ; Let him first lay down his rebellion , and then I will accept of his crown .

There is many that set a crown of glory upon the head of Christ by a good profession , that plat a crown of thorns upon the head of Christ by an evil conversation . By the words of our lips we may adore Religion ; but it s by the works of our lives that we adorn Religion .

It was the saying of one , That in the best reformed Churches , there was the most deformed Christians . Look to it ; for all will be pulled down without you , if there be nothing raised up within you . But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord , are changed from glory to glory by the spirit of the Lord , 2 Cor. 3. 18. As trees without fruits are unprofitable ; so knowledge without works is abominable . Those two sisters Leah and Rachel are fit Emblems of knowledge and obedience : Knowledg like Rachel is beautiful , but Obedience like Leah is fruitful . He that will not do what he knows , shall not know what to do . Be wise as Serpents , and innocent as Doves ; The Serpents eye is an ornament , when it s placed in the Doves head . O how unanswerable are the lives of Professors to the lights of Professors ? They have the light of the sun for wisdom and knowledge , but want the heat of a candle for grace and holiness .

I have read a story of a Painter that being blamed by a Cardinal for putting too much red in the faces of St. Paul and St. Peter , answered , It was to show how much they blushed at their behaviours that stiled themselves their Successors . Were Abraham now on earth who is in heaven , how would the Father of the Faithful blush to see their actions , that stile themselves his off-spring ! The Saints of old though there was less grace discovered to them , yet there was more grace discovered by them . They knew little , but did much ; we know much , but do little . He was a burning and shining light . To shine is not enough , a glo-worm will do so : To burn is not enough , a fire-brand will do so . Light without heat , doth little good ; and heat without light doth much hurt . Give me those Christians that are burning lamps as well as they are shining lights . The Sun is as vigorous in its moving , as it is luminous in its shining . I know the light of nature wants force to repel the lusts of nature . But will any say the day is dawning , when the skie puts on her sable cloathing ? And how monsterous is it to see that Christians tongues should be larger then their hands ! That they should speak so much of God to others , and act so little for God themselves . That is the second .

3. Singular action that should be done by a singular Christian , is to prefer the duty that he ows , above the danger that he fears . Christians should prize their services above their safeties . The wicked flies when no man pursues , but the righteous are as bold as a Lion , Prov. 28. 1. The fearful Hare squats at every noyse , when the stout lion is unmoved at the greatest clamors . Should Believers for every cross wind that blows shrink back on earth , they would never keep their road to heaven . My righteousness I hold fast , and will not let it go , Job 27. 6. He kept his righteousness in his heart , when he could not keep his riches in his hands ; uprightness is such a complexion as is not subject to alteration . The lawrel keeps its greenness in the winter season . Times of trouble have ever been times of trial . It s the suffering season that is the sifting season . Now dangers makes the world leave their duties . The sithe of persecution cuts down the tender grass of their devotion . They that carry not the yoke of Christ upon their necks , will never carry the cross of Christ upon their backs . It s the doing of what is good , that supports in the suffering of what is evil . The flesh it is an enemy unto sufferings , because sufferings is an enemy to the flesh . It may make a man an earthly Courtier , but it will never make a man an heavenly Martyr . Wicked men they stumble at straws in the way of salvation , that can leap over blocks in the rode of destruction . Lay heavy weights upon rotten boughs and they will quickly break in sunder ; if they take up Religion in a fair day , they will lay it down in a foul one . God likes no such bargains ; Lord , I am willing to serve thee , but unwilling to suffer for thee . I will go to sea , but on condition I shall meet with no storms . I will enter the war but on condition I shall have no blows . They would fain be wafted to the point of felicity in such vessels as might not be tossed on the waters of calamity . Such think much to borrow a thorn though it be taken from their Saviours Crown .

Some there are that will sacrifice a stout heart to a stubborn will ; And will rather dye as Martyrs for errors , then bow as servants to truth . How shall they ever stand for Christ , who did never stand in Christ ? But beleevers study more how to adorn the cross , then how to avoid the cross ? as deeming it better to be saved in rough waters , then drowned in a calm ocean .

Temporary Professors are like Hedge-hogs that have two holes , one to the North , the other to the South ; when the South wind suns them , they open to the North , and when the North wind chills them , they go to the South . They will lose their activity , to finde their security . It was the saying of the King of Navar to Beza , That he would in the cause of Christ , sail no further then he might retreat safe to the shore .

Man is a life-loving creature ; he is afaid to follow truth too near at the heels , lest it should lift up his foot and dash out his brains . Weak grace will do for God ; but it must be strong grace that will dye for God . A true Christians will lay down his lusts at the command of Christ , and he will lay down his life for the cause of Christ . The trees of righteousness , the more they are shaken by the wind , the faster they are rooted in the ground . What art thou a member of Christ , and yet afraid to be a Martyr for Christ ? Si beati sunt qui moriuntur in Domino , quam beati sunt illi qui moriuntur pro Domino ? If they be blessed that die in the Lord , how blessed are they that die for the Lord ?

What though the flesh do return to dust , so the spirit do return to rest ? what is the body of Adam for a soul to live in , to the bosom of Abraham for a Saint to lye in ? Righteous Abel , the first Soldier in the Church Militant , was the first Saint in the Church Triumphant : He offered up a Sacrifice , when the Altar was sprinkled with his own blood . But as his body was the first that ever took possession of earth , so his soul was the first that ever had a translation to heaven .

Should such a man as I flie ? saith Nehemiah ; A man that hath been so much honoured , and a man that hath been so much used . It is better to dye a Conqueror then to live a Coward . They who will be no less then combatants , they shall be more then conquerors . None are so couragious as those who are religious . A Christian if he lives , he knows by whose might he stands ; and if he dies , he knows for whose sake he falls . Where there is no confidence in God , there will be no continuance with God . When the wind ceases to fill the sails , the ship ceases to plough the seas . The taints of Ishmael , shall never make an Isaac out of love with his inheritance .

If a righteous cause brings you into sufferings , a righteous God will bring you out of sufferings . Christ is beholden to his enemies as well as to his friends . Their malicious opposition wrought out his glorious exaltation . The worst that men can do against Beleevers , is the best that men can do for Beleivers . The worst that they can act against them , is to send them out of earth ; and the best they can do for them , is to send them up to heaven .

It was the expression of one of the Martyrs to his Persecutors , You take a life from me that I cannot keep , and bestow a life upon me that I cannot lose ; which is as if you should rob a man of counters , and furnish him with gold . He that is assured of a life that hath no end , cares not how soon this life is at an end .

All this is come upon us , yet have we not forgotten thee , neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant . Our heart is not turned back , neither have our steps declined from thy way . Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of Dragons , and covered us with the shadow of death , Psal. 44. 17 , 18 , 19. Beleevers are like the moon , that wades out of her shadows by keeping her motion , and leaves not her shining for the barking of dogs . Shall we cease to be Professors , because others will not cease to be Persecutors ? by the seed of the serpent the heel of the woman may be bruised ; but by the seed of the woman the Serpents head shall be broken . Christians , see you good times ? prepare for bad times ; there is no spring without its fall ; no Summer , but hath its Winter ; he never reaped comfort in the night of adversity , that did not sow it in the day of prosperity .

Many waters cannot queneh love , neither can the floods drown it , Cant. 8. 6. The fire of affection is not quenched by the water of affliction . But if the trade of piety cannot be peaceably driven , Formalists will shut up their shop-windows . They will rather tarry out of the land of Canaan , then swim to it through the red sea . But a beleever never falls asleep for Jesus , till he falls asleep in Jesus .

If it be thou , bid me come to thee on the water , Matth. 14. 18. Love can walk on the water without drowning , and lie in the fire without burning . It s said of the Serpent , that he cares not to what danger he exposes his body , so he secures his head . Thus it is with a Christian , he cares not to what hazard he exposes his substance , so he may but enjoy his Saviour .

None of these things move me , neither count I my life dear to my self , so I may finish my course with joy , Act. 20. 24. A Saint is inwardly pious , when he is not outwardly prosperous . The sharper such Physick is in its taking , the sounder the Patient is for its working . The higher the floods swell on earth , the nearer the Ark mounts up to heaven .

God can strike strait strokes with crooked sticks , and make the Devils dross to fetch off the rust that cleaves to his gold . Christians are crucified by the world , that they might be crucified to the world . God makes it to be an enemy to you , that he might make you an enmy to it . Remember Christians , that Religion is that Phoenix that hath always flourished in her own ashes . Magistrates they defend the truth with their swords , but Martyrs they defend the truth with their bloods : And the losing of their heads makes way for the receiving of their crowns .

How should we land at the haven of rest , if we vvere not tossed upon the seas of trouble ? If Joseph had not been Egypts prisoner , he had not been Egypts Governour . The iron chains about his feet , ushered in the golden chain about his neck . Temporal disadvantages are but gentle blasts , but eternal are insupportable storms . Tell me beleevers , is not Christ with his cross for a few years , better then Dives with his dainties for a few days ? What is a short happiness attended with an everlasting misery , to a short misery attended with an everlasting happiness ? That 's the third .

4. Singular thing is , To seek the publick good of others , above the private good of ourselves . Non nobis solum nati sumus ( ut praeclare scriptum est à Platone ) ortusque nostri partem patria vendicat , partem parentes , partem amici . Tull. lib. 1. de Officiis . As we are not born by our selves , so we are not born for our selves .

Seekest thou great things for thy self ? seek them not , Jer. 45. 5. For Saints to set their hearts upon what beasts do set their feet , it is as if a King should leave his Throne to follow the plough ; Or as if one should desert a Mine of gold , to dig in a pit of gravel . Self-searching makes a man that is vertuous ; but self-seeking speaks a man that 's covetous . I am loth to draw a line in any mans picture with a black caol . Yet how many are there who have been in publick places , that have had private spirits ? they which pretended to do every thing for the good of others , intended not to do any thing but for the good of themselves . Such succours at the root draw away the sap from the tree . They set Kingdoms on fire to rost their eggs by its flames . These Drones creeping into the Hive , have stoln away the honey , whilst the labouring Bees are starved .

O that too many were not like crows , which at first seem to bewail the dying sheep , but at last are found picking out their eyes . Some there are that will never want fire , so long as others yards afford fuel . They make themselves fair cupboards with others plate .

There is a proverb , but none of Solomons , Every man for himself , and God for us all . But where every man is for himself , the Devil will have all . The heathen encca was of another judgment Ego sic vivam quasi sciam me alii natum . de vita be a●a . c. 20. A self pleaser is a God-displeaser ; though he may find himself whilst he lives , yet he will lose himself when he dies . How justly may that complaint be taken up , which so sadly was laid down , For all seek their own , but none the things that are Jesus Christs ! Phil. 2. 21. A selfish spirit will not sow the seed , except he may reap the harvest : Non quae ad ●a ●●m pro●●morū & honor●m ●ei quaeru●● , sed qu● âd luc●um , & gl●riam . Aqum in loc . nor plant the vines except he may taste the grapes . There is no driving of such chariots without oyling of their wheels . May , we not say to many , as a great man said to his servant , Your rise hath been my fall !

If Dives be tormented , quia cupide servavit sua , what shall be his portion , qui avide rapit aliena ? If those fists shall be cut off which so closely clasped their own , what shall become of those hands that are open to graspe other mens ? It was Israels lamentation , that those who were clad in scarlet embraced the dunghil ; but it may be Englands lamentation , that those who embraced the dunghil are cloathed in scarlet . Every mans private advantage is wrapt up in the good of the publick . A drop of water is soon dried up when alone , which in the Ocean retains its moysture . A single beam of light is suddenly obscured , which in the body of the Sun secures its splendor . Yet how many have turned the Commonweal into a Common wo , by spinning their fine cloaths Nullum vitium tetrius qua● avaritia praesertim in principinus & Remp. gu●ernantibus ; habere Rem ab questui , non modo ●u●pecst , sedetiam s●el●ratum , & nesarium . Sibelius conc . sept. p. 143. on t of the Nations fleece , when it was torn to pieces ? How many noble birds have been deplumed , that their wings might be richly feathered ? When any springs have been opened , they have laid pipes to conveigh the water into their own cisterns . Our pretended Pilots have steared the ship of plenty into their own haven . But I hope Justice will squeeze such spunges , and leave them as dry at the last as they were at the first . They are no better then moaths that eat into other mens cloathes , that make a mask of Religion , only to hide the face of Rebellion .

To advance the riches of a private person , out of the publick ruines of a Nation , is as if the stomach , a publick Officer , should keep all the meat to it self , and starve the whole body . Naturally every man is his own Alpha and his own Omega ; he hath his begining from himself , and his ending in himself .

It was a dogged speech of Cain , Am I my brothers keeper ? He that would not be his brothers He thought it was not his duty to be his brothers keeper , but never thought it was against his duty to be his brothers executioner . Assem . Annot. in loc . keeper , would be his brothers Butcher . How many have riveted themselves into their possessions , by the bones of their murdered brethren ; and paved causies to preferments with the sculls of noble Patriots !

Self-seeking hath been so long pulling the ropes , that it hath rung the passing bell of three Nations . O how sad is it to see the chamber a triming , whilst the house is a burning ? the cabin a filling , whilst the ship is a sinking ? or the nest a building , whilst the tree is falling ? But can better fruits grow upon the tree of Anarchy and confusion then cruelty and oppression ? They deserve to have their heads separated from their bodies , who have separated the body from its head .

If I perish I perish ; But how can I endure to see the evill that Thus Aeneas tells ●ido how unwilling Anchises was to live after the ruines of Troy . Abnegat excisâ vitam producere Trojâ . Virg. Aen. l. 2. propè fin●m . Virumque hortatus ut pi●tat●m perfectam custodirent : hâc enim 〈◊〉 quit ) & pax conservatur , & bella conficiuntur . Theod. Hist. Ec. l. ● . c. 25. shall come upon my people , Esther 8. 6. She did not prefer her own life above her peoples , but her peoples lives above her own . Theodosius , when he lay upon his dying pillow , was more studious how to do his Kingdom good , then how to bear his own pains , as appears by his counsel to his sons , to whom he left it .

The Eagle though she was the Queen of birds , as the Lion is the King of beasts , was not offered up in sacrifice herself , because she lived on the spoil of others . Grace makes a Christian homo homini Deus ; not only to carry it like a man to God , but to carry it like a God to man .

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , that though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor , that ye through his poverty might be rich , 2 Cor. 8. 9. A drop of his blood is worth a sea of ours , and yet he died our death , that we might live his life , and suffered our hell , to bring us to his heaven . He was conceived in the bowels of his mother , that we might be received into the bosom of his Father . His love began in his eternal purposes of grace . and ends in our eternal possessions of glory .

Why was the Bread of life an hungry , but to feed the hungry with the bread of life ? why was Rest it self weary , but to give the weary rest ? why did he hang upon the cross in mount Calvary , but that we might sit upon the throne in mount Sion ? His face was covered with spittle , that ours might be enamelled with glory . Why did this Jonah cast himself into the sea of his fathers wrath , but to save the ship of his Church from drowning ? Christians , you are not vessels in which the waters of life are lodged , but pipes through which it is to be conveyed .

If the mountains overflow with moysture , the valleys are the richer ; but if the head be full of ill humors , the whole body is the worser . Happy are those persons that God will use as besoms to sweep out the dust from his Temple ; that shall tug at an oar in that boat where Christ and his Church are carried .

For David after he had served his own Generation , by the will of God , fell asleep , Act. 13. 36. Davids service was not swallowed up in the narrow gulf of self . He did not Advertite a●i● um , popusi cap●ta , atque à ●avid distite ▪ quid cor vestrum a pe●ere de●eat . M●nd●●u●us fallaci u● o●i●us in●ia●e ●●● 〈◊〉 decet . Sibel . ubi supra . draw al his lines to the ignoble center of his own ends . Such birds are bad in the nest , but worse when winged to fly abroad . He served his own generation ; not the generation that was before him , for they were dead before he was living ; nor the generation that was behinde him , for they were living after he was dead . Every gracious spirit is publick , though every publick spirit is not gracious . God may use the Midwifery of the Egyptians , to bring forth the children of the Israelties . An Iron key may open a golden treasury , and leaden pipes convey pleasant waters .

I saw a great wonder in heaven , a woman cloathed with the sun , and the moon was under her feet , Rev. 12. 1. Though carnal blessings may be communicated to a man that is spiritual , yet spiritual blessings shall not be communicated to a man that is carnal : When the Moon is waxing , she hath her shut end towards the earth , and her open end towards heaven ; but when the moon is waining , she hath her open end towards earth , and her shut ends toward heaven : They that live most downwards , they dye most upwards . Meteors , whilst they keep above in the firmament yield a glorious lustre , but if they decline they fall to the earth and come to nothing .

If I do not remember thee , let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth , if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy , Psalm . 137. 6. Old Ely mourned more for the loss of his Religion , then for the loss of his relation ; his heart was broken before his neck was broken . If the Church be lost we cannot be saved , if the Church be saved we cannot be lost .

Augustus Caesar carried such an intire love to his Country , that he called it Filiam suam , his own daughter ; therefore refused And this he had with the consent of all . Patris patriae cognomen universi repentino maximoque consensu detulerunt ei . Suet. p. 101. to be called its Master , but would be called its Father , because he ruled it non per timorem , sed per amorem ; Not by fear but by love . The people at his expiration used this bitter lamentation , Vtinam aut non nasceretur , aut non moreretur . Macrob. O would to God that either he had never lived , or else that he had never died . The worth of good Rulers is best seen in the want of good Rulers . As we see more in the discomposure of a Watch then when its wheels are set together . Such whose lives deserve no prayers , their deaths deserve no tears .

A self-seeker he breaths unrespected , and he dies unlamented . When once a man becomes a God to himself , he then becomes a devil to others , and cares not who sinks in the sea so he arrive but safe at the shore . Those wretches in the Acts , rather then a few shrine-makers should lose their gains , cared not though a whole City lost their souls .

It s reported of Agrippina the mother of Nero , who being told that if ever her son came to be an Emperor , she would find him to be her murderer ; she answered , Peream ego , modo ille imperet ; Let me perish , so he may be Emperor . There is many such , who though they do not utter it with their tongues , yet harbour it in their breasts ; Pereat Religio , modo ego imperem ; Let Religion perish , so I may flourish : Now therefore let me alone , that my wrath may wax hot against them , and that I may consume them , and I will make of thee a great Nation , Exod. 32. 10. But the affection of Moses as a Ruler , quencht the affections of Moses as a Father .

And such was the noble disposition of Joshua , that he first divided Canaan into several parts , and portions for the Tribes of Israel , before any provision was made for his own family . Give me such carvers , as lay not all the meat upon their own trenchers . That 's the fourth .

5. Singular thing , is to have the beautifullest conversations among the blackest persons . A wicked man as he poysons the air in which he breaths , so he pollutes the age in which he lives . The putrid grape corrupts the Principis mores mirâ vi in populū transsunduntur . Stapl. pro. mor. p. 57● sound cluster . Joseph by living in the Court of Pharoah , had learnt to swear by the life of Pharoah . A High Priests hall will instruct a Peter how to disclaim his Master . The sweet streams lose their freshness by gliding into the salt seas . They which sail amongst such rocks , may quickly split their own ships .

When vice runs in a single stream , it s then a passable shallow ; but when many of these meet together they swell a deeper channel . I will put enmity between thee and the woman , and between thy seed and her seed , Gen. 3. 15. There must be no harmony where the chief Musician will have a jar . It s better to have the enmity of wicked men then it is to have the society of wicked men . By the former they are most hateful , but by the latter they are most hurtful . A good man in bad company , is like a green stick amongst dry ones ; They may sooner kindle him then he can quench them . As sheep amongst briars are injurious unto their fleeces ; so Saints among sinners do an injury to their graces .

Be not unequally yoked together with unbeleevers ; for what fellowship Non debetis jugum ducere cum infidelibus , quia alius habitus est in vobis , alius in illis ; in vobis qu●dem est habitus justitiae ▪ in illis verò est habitus in quitatis Aquin. in loc . hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath beleiveth with an Infidel ? 2 Cor. 6. 14 , 15. To see a Saint and a sinner associated with one another , is to see the living & the dead to keep house together . Christs doves Peccatum adeò sacile alios unvadid , ut nulla pestis tantop●re acrem in●icere possit . 〈◊〉 ●ar . 〈…〉 wil be sullied amongst the pots . By the evil the good may sooner be corrupted , then by the good the evil can be converted : The finer bread in the oven partakes of the courser , but seldom doth the course partake of the finer . If you put an equal proportion of sowre vinegar to sweet wine , the vinegar will sooner sowre the wine , then the wine will sweeten the vinegar .

That is a sound body that is healthful in a pest-house . It s as great a wonder to see a Saint so good amongst those that are evil , as it is to see a sinner so evil amongst those that are good . In the salt sea the fish retains its freshness , amongst the noysom weeds the rose preserves its sweetness ; the fire burns the hottest when the weather is the coldest .

It was the saying of a Christian as often as ever he came amongst the ungodly , He returned less Vt ligna arida igni admota cito flammam concipiunt , sit bomines ob naturae corruptionem aliorum improborum exemplis facillinie impelluntur , ut secure eadem committere audeant . Idem . ib. a man from them , then he was before he came to them . It is a singular thing for Saints to carry it so amongst sinners , as to do much good to them , and Theodosius tame ●si in ipsâregiâ natus educatusque erat , nihil tamen ex illa educatione omn no contraxit mollitiae , tarditatisve Socr. Eccl. Hist. l. 7. I , 22. to receive no hurt from them ; to touch pitch and not to be defiled . If we cannot help them , it s their unholiness ; if they hurt us , it s our unhappiness . By keeping of evil company , men are like those that walk in the sun , tanned insensibly .

Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works , and glorifie your father which is in heaven , Mat. 5. 16. Light abides pure ; though the air in which it dwels be corrupted , yet it admits of no corruption . Men may defile themselves in the light , but they cannot Non mediocris titulus virtutis inter pravos vivere ●onum , & inter ma lignantes innoce tiae retinere caendorem , & mo●um lenitatem . Bern. in cant . serm. 48. defile the light it self . The sun shines all over an unclean world , and yet is without uncleaness . How many are there that are like dirty swine in the fairest meadow ; like Judas , that instead of being a Disciple amongst Devils , was a Devil amongst Disciples !

Good company it brings fire to Vivitur exemplis magis quam legibus . kindle our graces when they are freezing ; but bad company it brings water to quench them when they are flaming .

Some observe that those are the sweetest flowers that grows nearest the stinckingest weeds . The Poets affirm , That Venus never appeared so beautiful as when she sate by black Vulcans side . And Stevens face never shined so gloriously in the Church where all were gracious , as before the Council where all were vicious ? How will that fire subdue dry fuel , that hath prevailed against the green ? Needs must that jewel be glorious in the sun that glitters in the shade . There are many men that can suit with any men ; they can be Professors amongst those that are Professors , and scorners amongst those that are scorners . These are like the Planet Mercury in the horoscope of mans Nativity , that is good in conjunction with those that are good , but evil in the conjunction of those that are evil .

Every man loves to be a man that is beloved , and is apt to take pleasure in them , who do take pleasure in him ; but take heed of ceasing to be good Christians , that others may think you good companions : It s hard to be conformed to the world in the outward man , and transformed to God in the inward man : to be an outward Heathen Noscitur ex socio , qui non dignoscitur ex se . and an inward Christian . It s a Spanish proverb , Tell me but where thou goest , & I will tell thee what thou doest . And our English Proverb will English this Proverb , That birds of a feather will flock together : To be too intimate with sinners , is to intimate that you are sinners .

And being let go they went to their own company , Acts 4. 23. To whom should beleevers joyn to but beleevers ? There is no trusting the tamest natures ; let but the lions out of their fetters , and they will soon show you their bloody natures . How darest thou be found lodging , in that house where God himself is not found dwelling ? There is no sleeping with dogs , without swarming with fleas .

It s a royal Diadem that Christ sets on the head of his Spouse ; As a Lilly All the States , & Societies of men upon earth being compared to the Church , are but like thorns unto Lillies and Roses , without all beauty , and delight , unpleasant and harmful plants . Pemble in his serm. on 2 Ca● . 1. amongst thorns , so is my Beloved among the daughters , Cant. 2. 2. There are many thorns that are amongst the Lillies , but few Lillies that are amongst the thorns . How rare a spectacle is it to see a beleever keep his beauty in the midst of Blackamoors ? to be like Solus ipse diversâ ambularit viâ , virtutem malitiae praefereus , &c. Chrys. hom. 22. in cap. ● . Gen. Noah , a new man in an old world ? If Lot had been polluted with Sodoms sins , he might have been consumed in Sodoms flames .

It s ill breathing in an infectious air . Satans progeny loves not to go to hell without society : It s better to be with Philpot in his colehouse then with Bonner in his Palace . A man may pass through Ethiopia and yet be unchanged , but if he remains there he will be discoloured .

Ecclesiastical history saith Illius enim uxor prior irretita-laqueis Ariani ●rroris , irretivit , & ipsum adduxit ad communem secum in barathrum casum . Theod. Eccl. Hist. lib. 4. cap. 12. of Valens the Emperor , that by marrying an Arian Lady he was himself ininsnared in that wicked opinion . Come out of her my people , that you be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues , Rev. 18. 4. If Rome have left us in the foundation , let us leave them in the superstruction . Where they are fallen from God , there let us fall from them . Where such worms breeds in the body of a Nation , they will be sure to eat out the bowels of Religion . Not to take away such traytors , is to make a nest wherein to hatch their treasons . That is the fifth .

6. Singular thing is this , To chuse the worst of sorrows , before you commit the least of sins . Others they chuse the greatest sin before the smallest suffering : which is like the fish that leaps out of the broyling-pan into the burning flame ; by seeking to shun an external calamity , they rush Thus Spira , by labouring to preserve his outward estate , indangered the loss of his immortal soul . into eternal misery : What is this , but as if a man to save his hat , should lose his head ? Or to sink the ship that is sailing , to avoid the storm that is rising ? It is better to have the flesh defaced , then Peccatum inter omnia mala existimare debemus maximum malum . Chem Evan. har. p. 878. it is to have the spirit defiled .

Though man be the Butt , yet it is sin that is the mark , at which all the arrows of divine vengeance are shot . These spiders weave their own webs , and then are intangled in them . Our own damnation is but the product of our own transgression .

Wherefore doth a living man complain , a man for the punishment of his sins ! Lam. 3. 39. When man had no evil within him , man had no evil upon Peccatum omnia mala habet sibi adjuncta eorumque sons , & origo existit . id . ibid. him . He began to be sorrowful , when he began to be sinful . When the soul shall be fully released from the guilt of its impieties , the body shall be wholly delivered from the grief of its infirmities . Sorrow shall never be a visitant , where sin is not an inhabitant ; the former would be a foraigner , if the latter were not a sojourner .

God is as far from beating his children for nothing , as he is from beating his children to nothing . There is no way to calm the sea , but Si serpentem negligis basiliscus fiet ; si parvae navis foramina non abturas , ●qua paulatim acrescens submerget navens Stapl. p. m. p. 443. to excommunicate Jonah from the ship . Kill the root and the branches wither . Diminish the spring and the streams will fail . Remove but the fuel of corruption , and you extinguish the fire of affliction . The wages of sin is death , Rom. 6. 23. The works of sin are hateful , and the wages of sin are mortal . The corruption of nature , is the cause of the dissolution of nature . The candle of our lives , is blown out by the wind of our lusts ; that is the weed that overtops the corn , the smoak that depresses the flame , and the cloud that over-shadows the sun .

Were it not for sin , death had never had a beginning ; and Supersint in nobis peccati reliquiae adhaerentes carni nostrae , donee s●mus in hâc v●tâ , at hae reliquiae mort● toll●atur . ●●use . ●oc . 〈◊〉 . de ●em . pec . p. 53. were it not for death sin would never have an ending . Man , as a creature , is a debtor to Gods Soveraignty commanding ; but man as a sinner is a debtor to Gods severity condemning .

What is so sweet a good as Christ , and what is so great an evil as lust ? Sin hath brought many a Beleever into suffering , and suffering Affl●ctiones sunt re●edia ▪ peccatorum , ut peccata sunt causae afflictionum . Stap. promp . Mor. p. 197. hath kept many a Beleever out of sin . It is better to be preserved in brine , then to rot in honey . The bitterest Physick is to be chosen before the sweetest poyson : Sicut aurum reprobum igne consumitur , probum vero igne declaratur . In the same fire where the dross is consumed , the gold is refined . How many thousands of souls had never obtained the hopes of heaven , if they had not sailed by the gates of hell ? As every mercy is a drop derived from the ocean of Gods goodness ; so every misery is a dram weighed by the wisdom of Gods providence .

When Eudoxia threatned Chrysostom with banishment ; Go tell her , saith he , Nil nisi peccatum timeo ; I fear nothing but sin . And indeed nothing but sin is to be feared . Before we lanch out into any undertaking , it behoves us to ask our selves what is our tackling , if a storm should overtake us in our voyage . A bad conscience imbitters the sweetest comforts , when a good conscience sweetens the bitterest crosses . Et quantam in conscientia relinquent cicatricem vitia , vel aetate tenerrima perpetrata ! He that is not afraid to do evil , will be afraid to suffer evil . But what need he fear a cross on the back , who doth feel a Christ in Afflictio pins non constituit infaelices aut miseros , uti humana judicat ratio , sed contra felices , a●beatos . Lau. ●● Ep. Iac. p 78. the heart ? It s the water without the ship that tosses it , but it s the water within the ship that drowns it . It s better to have a body consumed to ashes , then a soul that shall dwell with everlasting burnings . Though we cannot Diligo quidem pati , sed nescio an dignus sim . Ignat in Ep. ad Trall . live without afflictions , yet le ts live above afflictions . Our Patmos is our way to Paradise . Non nisi per angusta , ad augusta .

Suppose the furnace be heated seven times hotter , it is but to make us seven times better . They that are here crossed for well doing , shall be hereafter crowned for well-dying . There is none so welcome to the spiritual Canaan , as those that swim to it through the red sea of their own blood .

Christian , when thou comest into the world , thou dost but live to die again ; and when thou goest out of the world , thou dost but dye to live again . What is the grain the worse for the fan by which it is winowed , or the gold for the fire by which it is purified !

Pendleton promised rather to fry out a fat body in flames of martyrdom , then to betray his Religion ; but when the trial approacht he said , As he came not frying into the world , so he would not go flaming out of the world . They who will not part with their lusts for Christ , will never part with their lives for Christ . But Paul and Silas they had their prison Thus that undaunted champion of Christ , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. frumentum Dei , dentibus ferarum molar , ut mundus panis Dei inveniar . Ign. in Ep. ad Rom songs , in the midst of their prison-sufferings . These caged birds sang as sweetly as those that have skie freedom .

I have read a story of a woman that being in travel in prison , a little before her death she cried out of her sorrows : The Keeper askt her , how she could indure the fire , that made such a noise at the bringing forth of a child ? Well enough , saith she , for now I suffer for my sins , but then I shall suffer for my Saviour . There is more evill in a drop of corruption , then there is in a sea of affliction . In suffering , the offence is done to us ; in finning , the offence is done to God : In suffering there is an infringement of mans liberty , in sinning there is a violation of Gods authority . The evil of suffering is transient , but the evill of sin is permanent . In suffering we lose the favour of men , in sinning we hazard the favour of God . The rose is sweeter under the Still where it drops , then on the stalk where it sprouts . The face of godliness is never so beautiful as when its spit upon . The best corn is that which lies under the clods in snowy weather .

It was a brave saying of Vincentius to his persecutors , Rage and do your worst , you shall finde the Spirit of God more strengthening the tormented , then the spirit of the devil can strengthen their tormentors . Let but Professors do their best , and then let persecutors ●e●cuss●res nihil mora●amur , praese●tim ●um moriendum esse nobis sciamu● , Justin 2. Defens . ad An●on . 〈◊〉 . do their worst . Though you may feel their might , yet you should not fear their malice . Nil desperandum Christo duce , & auspice Christo .

It s storied of Hooper , when he came to suffer ; O Sir , saith one , have a care of your self ; life is Thus the Proconsul perswaded and besought the noble German ( who suffered under Verus ) Vt quoniam admodum ju●enis , & in flore esset , sui ipsius misereretur . Euseb. Hist. Eccl. cap. 15. sweet , and death is bitter : Ah , saith he , this I know ; but the life to come is more full of sweetness , and the death to come is more full of bitterness . A man may suffer without sinning , but a man cannot sin without suffering . When Philip asked Demosthenes , If he was not afraid to lose his head ; No , saith he , for if I lose my head , the Athenians will give me one immortal .

Do but listen to the language that drops out of the mouthes of those three children , or rather of those three Vos occidere quidem potestis , nocere non potestis . ●ust . ubi prius . champions , Dan. 3. 17 , 18. We are not careful to answer thee in this matter ; if it be so , our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace , and he will deliver us out of thy hand O King . But if not , be it known unto thee O King , that we will not serve thy gods , nor worship the golden image that thou hast set up . Either they must sin fouly , or they must suffer sadly . Either they must bow to a golden Image , or burn in a fiery furnace . Yet they were as far from worshipping of his gods , as he Thus Polycarpe was assaulted by Herod , and Nicetes , who said , Quidnam mali fuerit dicere Domine Caefar , sacrificareque & conservari ? But he answered , Facturus non sum quod consulitis ; and chose rather a flaming fire then to consent unto their fawning words . Euseb. ubi prius . was from worshipping of theirs . And Daniel chuses the den of the lions , before he will forsake the cause of the Lamb. Shall not we for his sake bear the wrath of man , who for our sakes did bear the wrath of God ? Though obedience be better then sacrifice , yet sometimes to sacrifice a mans self is the best obedience . He that loses a baser life for Christ , shall finde a better life in Christ .

Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God , then to enjoy the pleasures of sin which are but for a season , Heb. 11. 25. What is a cup of physick that takes away the disease , to a cup of poyson that takes away the life ? They that live upon God in the use of the creature , can live upon God in the loss of the creature . It was a brave expression of one , What I receive thankfully as a token of Gods love to me , I part with all contentedly , as a token of my love to him .

For a good man one will even dare to dye , Rom. 5. 7. Will one dare to die for a good man , and shall we be afraid to die for a good God ? And others were tortured , not accepting Melius est mibi emori propter Christum Iesum quam imperare sinibus terrae . Ign. ad Rom. deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection , Heb. 11. 35. Some would have used any pick-lock to have opened a passage to their liberty ; but they knew too much of another world to bid so high a rate for this world .

It is storied of Hormisdas a noble man of Persia , who was degraded of all his promotion , because he would not alter his professions ; afterward they restored them all again , and sollicited him to deny Christ , but he rent his purple robe , and laid all his Honours at the feet of the Emperor , saying , Siideo me sperasti pietatem deserturam , habe tibi donum tuum una cum impietate ; If you think to make me deny Christ for The like constancy and resolution you may read of in the noble Suenes , and the zealous Benjamin , both barbarously used by the same Prince . Id. ibid. the obtaining of my honours , take them all back again . He thought that Christ without his honors , was better then his honours without Christ .

It is storied of one of the Martyrs going to the stake , a Noble man wisht him to have a care of his soul : So I will , saith he ; for I give my body to be burned , to keep my soul from being defiled . How many are there that had rather have sinful self satisfied , then to have sinful self crucified ? As grace comes in at one door , vice goes out at another : as in a well , when one bucket comes up full , the other returns down empty . The only way to have the house of Saul weakened , is to get the house of David strengthned . Those Philistims that could not stand before Sampson in his health , how scornfully did they dance about him in his sickness ! O remember sin , it is that which in this life doth debase us , and it is that which in the next life doth destroy us . Those whose end is damnation , their damnation is without end . No condition is so intolerably easeless , as that condition which is unalterably changeless .

One seeing a woman going chearfully to prison , O , saith he , you have not yet tasted of the bitterness of death : No , saith she , nor never shall ; for Christ hath promised that they who keep his sayings shall never see death . A beleever may feel the stroke of death , but he shall never feel the sting of death . The first death may bring his body to corruption , but the second death shall never bring his soul to damnation . Though the cross may be endured by them , yet the curse is removed from them . Though they may live a life that is dying , yet they shall not dye a death that is living . There is no condemnation belongs to those Christians who do belong to Christ . That is the sixth .

7. Singular thing is this , To be a father to all in charity , and yet a servant to all in humility .

First , To be a father to all in charity . That crop that is sown in mercy , shall be reaped in glory . In heaven there is riches enough , but no poor to receive them ; In hell Thesauros in orbe illo supero struit , qui pauperibus eos in hoc infero distribuit . Drex . ubi infra . there is poor enough , but no rich to relieve them . Others they are deaf to the requests of mercy , They will do no good in Those that forget benefits bestowed are not more to blame ( in a very heathens account ) then those that forget to bestow them : Qui beneficium non redit uon magis peccat , quam qui non dat. Sen. de Bon. l. 1. the world , with the goods of the world . They are like spunges that greedily sucks up the waters , but yields it not forth again till they be squeezed . Necessity is not like to be undrest of misery , whilst those that would help cannot , for want of ability , and they which may help will not for want of charity . There is not a drop of water for such Diveses in hell , that have not a crum of bread for such Lazerusses upon earth . Every act of charity , is but an act of equity . It s not the bestowing of your gifts , but the paying of your debts . The riches superfluity was ordained to releive the poors necessity . A Lady giving six pence to a beggar , told him , That she had given him more then ever God had given her . To whom he replied , No Madam , God hath given you all your abundance . No , saith she , He hath but lent that to such as me , that we should give it to such as you .

Whosoever beleiveth that Jesus is the Christ , is born of God . And every one that loveth him that begat , loveth him also that is begotten of him , 1 Joh. 5. 1. Holiness as it works a likeness to him that begets it , so it works a likeing of them that enjoys it . It is impossible that he should love the person of Christ , who doth not love the picture of Christ . He that loves himself , will not hate his brother ; for whilst he is out of charity with his brother , God is out of charity with him , And we lose more for want of Gods love , then our brethren lose for want of our love .

Make to your selves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness , that when they fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations , Luk. 16. 9. He is not a covetous man that lays up some thing providently , but he is a Audite , O divites , novam è coelo artem ; novas colligendi thesaurimodus , SPARGERE . Errastis hactenus , nam dando ditescimus , non corradendo , & servando . Drex . Christian . Zod. Sig 7. p. 63. covetous man that gives out nothing willingly .

The Sun of charity , though it rises at home , yet it should set abroad . The hopes of life should not make you covetous , but the thoughts of death should make you T was a Divi e saying of the heathen , Nihilmagis possidereme credam , quam bened onata . Sen. de vi● . bea● . c 20. bounteous . Without your mercy the poor cannot live on earth , and without Gods mercy you shall not live in heaven . Others , their churlishness doth swallow up their charitableness : Instead of praying one for another they are making a prey one of another .

When I consider that our hearts are not softer , I wonder that the times are no harder : That God should give the rich so much , and the rich give the poor so little .

Some observe that the barrenest grounds are nearest to the goldenest mines . It is too often true in a spiritual sence , that they whom God hath made the most fruitful with Estates , are most barren of good works . The rich they spend their goods more wantonly , but the poor they give their Almes more willingly . A penny comes more hardly out of a bag that 's full crammed , then a shilling out of a purse that 's half empty . Wherefore Parùm potes ? sufficit multum voluisse ; multum potes ? cave velis parùm dare . Drex . ubi . priu ▪ p. 65. doth the Lord make your cups run over , but that others lips might tast of your liquor ? The showers that fall upon the highest Mountains , they glide inthe lowest valleys ; give and it shall be given you .

It s infidelity that is the spring of cruelty ; Therefore where you have ● precept for the one , you have a promise of the other . If thou deniest to those that are vertuous , thou killest bees ; if thou bestowest on those that are vitious , thou supportest drones . But it s better to favour a bastard then to Murder a child . God looks not so much on the merits of the beggar , as upon the mercy of the giver .

He hath shewed the O man what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee , but to do Justice , to love mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God! Micah 6. 8. Here is a trinity of precepts , from a trinity of persons . If all were rich , no Alms need be received ; if all were poor , no almes could be bestowed . But he that could have made all men wealthy , hath made some men empty , that the poor might have Christ for an example of patience , and the rich for an example of goodness . Cruelty is one of the highest scandals of piety , which makes lambs of Lyons , and tames the feircest tempers .

Be ye merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful . Luke 6. 36. Clemency is one of the brightest Diamonds in the Crown of Majesty , Mat. 5. 48. Be ye perfect as your heavenly father is perfect ; what the one calls merciful , the other stiles perfect , as if ( Vna misericordia omnes perfectiones ) this one perfection of mercy included all . He that sheweth mercy when it may best be spared , will receive mercy when it shall most be needed .

It s storyed of one of the Dukes of Savoy , that being askt what hounds he kept , by certayne Embassadors that came to his Court , he shewed them ( a company of poor people sitting at his Table , ) these saith he , are all the hounds I have on earth , with which I hunt after the Kingdom of heaven . It s counted an honour to live like Princes , but 't is a greater honour to give like Princes .

Pure Religion and undefiled before God , and the father , is this ; to visit the fatherless and widows , in their affliction , and to keep himself unspoted from the world , James 1. 27. The flames of piety towards God , should be perfumed with the Incense of charity towards man ; mercy is so good a servant that it will never let its Mr. dye a beggar . Quantos avaritia ad incitas redegit ? eleemosyna nullos ; its pitty that those D●ek ubi prius . who have drained their own wels dry , should perish for want of water , to quench their thirst .

Then shall the King say unto them of Venite benedicti , fragmen panis samelico dedistis ; en mensam paratissimam ; venit , aeternum ●●ulaturi peregrinos tecto non exclusistis , angelorum civis ves esse j●b●o &c. Drex . Libro jam citato . p. 68. his right hand , Come ye blessed of my Father , inherite the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world ; for I was an hungry and you gave me meat , I was thirsty and ye gave me drink , &c. Mercy is the Queen of beauty , that is espoused to the King of glory . Charity though it make Vix ulla virtus majorem intota scriptura mercedem repromissam habet , quam eleemosyna , Stap. prom . mor. par. aest . p. 62. your coyne lighter , yet it will make your crown greater ; he that would have his name registred in the book of eternity , let him write it himself with the pen of charity . I know no better way to preserve your dough , then by parting with your cake . Methinks full brests should milk themselves without drawning , and larg springs should issue forth their waters , without pumping . Your charity should seek the poor , before the poor seek your charity .

Put on as the elect of Gods bowels of mercy , Colos. 3. 12. he that hath put off the bowels of compassion , he hath put of the badge of election ; others can love at their tongues end , but you should love at your fingers end . If a man be naked , they can bid him be cloathed ; if a man be empty , they can bid him be filled , as if poor Christians were like Camelians , that could live upon the air ; liberality doth not lye in good words , but it lyes in good works . The doubtful are to be resolved by our counsels , but the needful are to be releived with our morsells : methinks its exceeding lovely to see the pictures of purity , though they be hung in the frames of poverty .

If you be coveteous of any thing , let it be of this , rather to lay out on necessity , then to lay up for posterity ; Charity is seed , and Stapl. ubi priùs . Sicunt semen surgit cum multo faenore , sie eleemosyna cum multa mercede . the Husbandman doth not grow rich by the saving of his seed , but by the sowing of his seed .

Secondly , A Servant to D●scendi●e ut ascendatis ad Deum ; ●ccidistis enim ascendendo contra eum . Aug. conf. l. 4. cap. 12. all in humility ; our first fall was by rising , but our best rise is by falling . The acknowledgment of our own impotence , is the onely stock for the ingrafting of divine asistance . An humble Saint on earth looks likest to a Citizen of heaven ; and whosoever will be chief among you , let him be your servant , Matth. 20. 27. That is the most lovely professor who is the most lowly professor , as incense smells the sweetest when its beaten smallest , Pride in the soul is like the spleen in the body , that growes most when other parts decay ; God will not suffer such a weed to grow in his garden , without taking some course to root it up . A beleiver is like a vessel cast into the Sea , the more it fills , the more it sincks .

Pride goes before destruction , and a haughty spirit before a fall , Prov. 16. 18. The flowing river , quickly turns to an ebbing water . It s not all the world that can pull a humble man down , because God will exalt him ; nor is it all the world that can keep a proud man up , because God will debase him .

Do but see how one of the best of Verae humlitasis ●o● proprium est , ut quo quis , caeloteste , sanctior , eo , se judice , villor censeatur , Drex . Ch●istian Zod. p. 74. Saints , looks upon himself as one of the least of Saints : For I am the least of the Apostles , not worthy to be called an Apostle , 1 Cor. 15. 9. In the highest heavens the beams of Majesty are displaied , but to the lowest hearts the bowels of mercy are dispenced . Be ye cloathed with humility . Pride is a sinners excrement , but humility is a Saints ornament . The cloth of humility , should always be worn on the back of Christianity .

God doth many times stick a thorne in the flesh , to prick the bladder of pride in the spirit . Missa fuit Interdum sub●rahitur gratia , non pro superbiá quae jam est sed quae futura est , nisi subtrahatur . Bron. in cant . Ier. 54. miseria , ut dimissa fiat creatura . The first Adam was for self-advancement , but the second is for self-debasement ; the former was to have self deified , the latter was to have self crucified .

Though there may be some thing left by self denial , yet there is nothing lost by self denial : nay , a man can never enjoy himself till he deny himself . We live by dying to our selves , and die by living in our selves . There is no proud man but he is foolish , and almost no foolish man but he is proud . It s the owle of ignorance that broods and hatches the Peacock of pride .

God abhors them worst , that adore themselves most . Pride it s not a Bethel for Gods dwelling , but a Babel of the devils building . It is not only a thing that is sinful , but it is a thing that is seminal . All other Rarum aiunt esse generosum pharmacum , cui non insit veneni aliquid ; nullum certe vitium est , in quo non aliquid superbiae . Drex . ch●ist . Zod. p. 71. lusts , as they are found lodging in it , so they are found flowing from it .

Wherefore he saith , God resisteth the proud , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , he setteth himself in battel array against them : Instructa acie , atque Fontes & flumina , non per acclivia decurrunt nec mon●es petunt sed per declivia , & valles labuntur . Stapl. in Dom. 10. ●ost Pent. veluti ex adverso praelio obsistit . Lorinus ; but he gives grace to the humble , Jam. 4. 6. Specialiter propter majorem sui exinanitionem . Gor. in loc. Where humility is the corner stone , there piety is as the top stone . It s good to have true thoughts of our selves , but bad to have high thoughts of our selves , Though all men forsake thee , yet will not I. Poor Peter , he was the most impotent , when he was the most arogant . He that thought to stand whilst others were falling , he fell whilst others were standing .

It was an excellent saying of one , Where grace sits below me , I Humilitas virtus est ut in se praestantissima , ita deo gratissima . S●a● . in Dom. 10. post . Pent. will acknowledge its dignity , but where vice crawls above me I will abhor its vanity . An humble heart may meet with opposition from man , but it shall meet with acceptation from God . That is the seventh .

8. Singular thing is this , To mourn most for those lusts before God , that appear least before men . Others they cannot mourn in secret for their publick sins , but we should mourn in publick for our secret sins . That must be gained by repentance , that hath been lost by disobedience .

Outward acts are more scandalous , but inward lusts are more dangerous . If you would know the heart of your sins , you must then know the sin of your hearts . Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts , murders , adulteries , fornications , thefts , false witness , blasphemies , Mat. 15. 19. Cor ut est sons vitae , itactiam omnium pravarum cogita ionum ▪ Diaholus & adjutor & incensoresse potest , non autem ea●um a●ctor , Chem. Hat . Evan. p. 15. 28. Those streams of defilement that are in your lives , do but shew what a fountain of wickedness there is in your hearts : As a little ware you lay on your stalls , shews the great abundance you have in your shops . The thought of foolishness is sin , Prov. 24. 9. Mercury is poyson in the water distilled , as well as in the gross body .

Repentance , though it be mans act , yet it is Gods gift : The same power goes to the hearts melting , that goes to the hearts making ; yet a heart that is broken is better then a face that is brazen . Supernas enim beatorum mansiones attingit ●ern . in Cant. ser. 10. poenitentiae odor . Though we are faln from a state of Poenitentia est lorda●'s fl●vius in quo Naa maa mundatur ; & Mare ruburm in quo Aegvptii submerguntur . Gor. in ●● a● . 5. 4. innocency , yet we should rise to a state of penitency . Those sins shall never make a hell for us , which are a hell to us .

Others they do nothing more then make work for repentance , and yet do nothing less then repent of their works . They have sin enough for all their sorrows , but they have not sorrow enough for all their sins . Their eyes are casements to let in lusts , that should be flood-gates to pour out tears .

Those men will hardly stave off new sins , that did Quem conscientia recentis , et crudi sceleris sollicitat , fortius , & tona●i ▪ us amplectitur pietatem , &c. Bapt. Fer. orat . 2. p. 4. never grieve for old ones ; but when sorrow has possession of the house , it will shut sin out of the doors . Thou breakest the heads of Leviathan in the waters , Psal. 74. 14. T is usually allegorized of great sins that are weakned , and washed away with tears , Gorr . in 5. Mat. 4. and Playf . in his Mean . mourn , there must be a falling out with our lusts , before there be a falling off from our lusts ; a loathing of sin in our affections , before there be Dolorem tanquam gladium arripimus , quo peccatum interimimus Stella . a leaving of sin in our conversations . A hearty mourning for our transgresgressions , makes way for a happy funeral of our corruptions .

You that have filled the Book of God with your sins , should fill the bottle of God with your tears . When Christ draws the picture of the new creature , his first pensill is steeped in water . Except ye repent ye shall Christus nos omnes ad poenitentiam suadet , si perire nolumus ; haec enim est secunda tabula post naufragium . Stella in l c. all likewise perish , Luk. 13. 3. Is it not better to repent without perishing , then to perish without repenting ? Your sins have been your greatest traytors , and your sorrows will be your choycest When Alexander had read a long Epistle written by Antipater against his mother Olympias , he said unto him Ignoras in finitas epistolas unicâ ? matris lachrymâ oblilaerari . Plut. in vita Al●x . helpers .

Godly sorrow it s such a grace , as without it , not a man shall be saved , and with it not a man shall be damned . Is it not better swiming in the water works of repentance , then its burning in the fire-works of vengeance ? Or will the tears that in hell are offered , put out the flames that in hell are suffered ?

Him hath God exhalted to be a Prince and a Saviour , to give repentance to Israel , and the remission of sins , Acts 5. 31. As a Prince he gives repentance , as a Priest he gives indulgence . Our humiliation is the fruit of his exhaltation ; as he was abased for the creatures exaltment , so he was exalted for the creatures abasement .

Remember sinner , if thy heart be not broken in thee , thy guilt is not broken from thee . If you lay not your sins to your hearts that you may be humbled , he will lay your sins to your charge that you may be damned . Repentance , though it be not a pardons obtainer , yet it is a pardons forerunner .

He that lives in sin without repentance , shall dye in sin without forgiveness . There is no coming to the fair In catalogo beatorum scribuntur stentes , Stel. in Luc. 6. 21. haven of glory , without sailing thorow the narrow straits of repentance . Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5. 4. Out of the saltest water , God can brew the Flebile prencipium melior fortuna secuta est . Ovid. Lib. 7. Metam . sweetest liquor . As the Bee gathers the best honey from the bitterest herbs : when the cloud hath been disolved into a shower , presently there follows a glorious sun shine ; the more a stone is wounded by the hand of the Ingraver , the more beauty is superinduced upon it . By groans unutterable , God doth usher in joyes unspeakable . Haec ( poenitentia scil. ) te peccatorum fluctibus mersum perlevabit , & in portum divinae clementiae protelabit . Tert. lib. de paenit .

None do more sing in the possessing of Christ , then they who do most sigh for the forsaking of Christ ; usually their liftings up are commensurate to their castings down ; a tender heart is like melting wax ; ah what choice impressions is there stampt upon such dispositions !

A Christian should mourn more for the lusts of the flesh , then for the works of the flesh ; the sin of our natures transends the nature of our sins : carnal sins they defile the soul , by the body , but spiritual sins they defile the soul in the body . Others they can mourn over a body from whom a Siquem detuis charis mortali exitu perdidisse● , ingemisteres dolenter , & flere ; Animam tuam misere perdidisti & non acriter plangis , non jugiter ingemiscis . Cypryan de lapsis . soul is departed , but they cannot mourn over a soul whom God hath deserted : Alas , what 's the biting of a Flea , to the stinging of a Scorpion , or a spot in the face to a stab at the heart ! Inward diseases though they are least palbable , yet they are most miserable : needs must they end in that which is mortal that begin on that which is vital : a man may dye of the plague whose spots are never seen .

It s sin in the soul that 's like Jonah in the ship , which turnes the smoothest Seas into the curledst waves . Sola penitentia superest , quae satisfaciat . Id. Ibid. They shall look upon me whom they pierced : and they shall mourn for him : as one mourneth for his onely son , and shall be in bitterness for Beati sunt qui in h●c Lacry marum valle ipsis etiam lachrymis palcuntur . Stella in Luc. 6. 21. him as one that is in bitterness for his first born , Zach. 12. 10. The nailes that pierced his hands shall now pierce their hearts : they shall wound themselves with their sorrows , which have wounded him with their sins . That they have grieved his spirit , it shall grieve their spirits .

A beleiver puts on his mourning garment , for puting off his wedding garment ; As the Suger-loaf is disolved , and weeps it self away when it s dipt in wine ; so do our hearts disolve and melt themselves away in the sweet sence of Divine love and our refusals of it ; O that ever I should be so bad a child to him that hath been so good a Father !

Of sin , because they beliive not in me , John 16. 9. Unbelief it s a sin that least visible , and yet a sin that 's most damnable . Not to fetch our lives from Christ , is to bring the greatest death upon Christ . Insidelity is the greatest robbery ; it frustrates not onely all the actions of Christ in doing , but all the passions of Christ in dying .

Other persons are like Lapwings , that flutter most at the greatest remoteness from the nests ; if they have teares for their outward losses , but none for their inward lusts ; they can mourn for the evil that sin brings , but not for the sin which brings the evil . As Pharoah more lamented the hard strokes that was upon him , then the hard heart that was within him . Esau mourned not because he sold the Birthright , which was his sin , but because he lost the blessing , which was his punishment : This is like weeping with an Onion ; the eye sheds tears because it smarts .

A Marriner casts over those goods in a Tempestuous season , that he courts a return off , when the winds are silenced , many complain more of the sorrows to which they are born , then of the sins in which they are born . The venome of sin is not ever distastful , when the vengeance of sin is affrightful .

The sinners in Sion are affraid , fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites . Why what 's the matter ? Who amongst us shall dwell with the devouring fire , who amongsts us shall dwell with everlasting burnings . Isai . 33. 14. They fear corruption , not as it is a cole that is blacking , but as it is a fire that is burning . A stroke from Justice brake Judases heart into despaire ; but a look from mercy melted Peters hearts into teares .

There are two things in our sins ; There s the devillishness of them , and the dangerousnes of them .

Now take a Saint and a sinner ; Quid feci ? quò me praecipitaveram , nisi mihi Dei misericordia subveniret ? Cal. inst. l. 3. c. 3. sec. 15. the one saith what have I done ? the other what must I suffer ; the one mourns for the active evil , that hath been committed by him ▪ the other mourns for the passive evil that shall be inflicted on him . The former grieves because his soul is defiled ; The latter grieves because his soul is condemned .

Water may gush from a Rock when is smitten by a rod ; But such heartless humiliations are hearty dissimulations . Did sin bring sorrow into the world ? O let sorrow carry sin out of the world .

Whilst the vessel is leaking , the Pump is going ; it s too early to wipe Tota vita vestra . poenitentia sit ; haec enim vita locus est poenitentia . Stel. in Luc. 3. 3. away tears from your eyes , till God sweep away dust from your hearts . It s better to go to heaven sadly , then to go to hell securely . Give me a melancholy Saint , rather then a merry devil ; nothing can quench Magni igitur constat poenitentiae . Ferrar. the fire that sin hath kindled , but the water which repentance hath caused .

Did the rocks rend when Christ dyed for our sins ? and shall not our hearts rend that have lived in our sins ? If we confess our sins , he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins , and to clense us from all unrighteousness , 1 John 1. 9. Do but you acknowledg the debt , and he will cansel the bond .

Is it not better to be savedby Divine mercy , then to be sued by Divine Justice ? do you open the Offensum se Deus obliviscitur , si nos offensi cum dolore recordemur . Drex . Christi . Zod. p. 115. ulcer that is paining , and he will apply the plaister that is healing ; till we are opressed with our own burdens , we shall never be eased by Christs Shoulders .

Where misery passes undiscerned there mercy passes undesired : behold I stand at the door and knock , if any man hear my voice , and open the door , I will come in to him , and sup with him , and he with me , Rev. 3. 20. Christ doth many times come unto the door , when he doth not come into the house ; but how willing is he to be received , who is unwilling to be denied ? as you knock at his doors for audience , so he knocks at your doors for entrance ; if you shut out his person , he will shut out your Prayers ; the onely way to have our will of God , is to do the will of God .

A Saints tears are better then a sinners triumps . Lachrymae poenitentium Bern. serm. 30. super Cant. sunt vinum Angelorum . A sinners repenting is the Angels rejoycing ; and give me such a mourning on earth as creates Musick in heaven ; if you would not sin in your griefs , then grieve for your sins . Why should God shew him mercy that doth not acknowledge himself guilty ? how many are there that are battered , as lead by the hammer , that were never bettered as gold by the fire ?

Look to it least your repentance of dead works be not it self a work that 's dead , that you shed such tears as need no tears for the sheding of them . Usually that repentance that begins in the fears of hell , ends in the flames of hell ; that 's the eighth .

9. Singular thing is , to keep our hearts lowest when God raises our estates highest ; charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded , nor trust in uncertain riches , 1 Tim. 6. 17. Sinful arrogance doth usually attend sinful considence .

Worldly wealthyness is a great quill to blow up the bladder of high-mindedness ; when mens estates are lifted up , then mens hearts are puffed up . Oh how proud is thin dust of thick clay ! Pride breeds Thus Romulus secundis rebus elatus , & tumidus m nime serendam superbiam , & contumaciam sumebat . P●●t in vita Rom. in great estates as wormes do in sweet fruits ; but Christians , if you be poor in the world , you should be rich in faith ; but if you be rich in the world , you should be poor in spirit ; the way to ascend is to descend ; the deeper a tree is in its rooting , the larger a tree is in its spreading : The face of prosperity shines brightest through the Mask of humility .

As none have so little but they have matter for blessing , so none have so much that they have matter for bosting ; shall the stage-player be proud of his borowed robes , or the mud-wall rise and swell , because the beames of a beautiful sun shine upon it ?

Gold in your bags , may make you greater , but its grace in your brests that will make you better . Goodness without greatness shall be esteemed , when greatness without goodness shall be confounded .

Proud sinners are fit companions for none but proud devils . The more prosperity man enjoys , the more humility God enjoyns .

Nature teaches us , that those trees bend the most freely , which bear the most fully . A proud heart as it loves none but it self , so it is beloved by none but by it self .

Consider , in adversity , as thou art a man , thou art no less then him that is greatest ; and in prosperity , as thou art a man , thou art no more then him that is meanest : Who would climb those pinacles that never any went up without They are like the inh●bitants of Asia , who ( as Agesilaus affirmes ) si libertate fruerentur , mali , si servirent , boni essent . Plut. Apoth . sec. 84. fears , or got down without falls ? Carnal persons , they are never good , but when they are under the rod ; and then , not because God is displeased with their disilements , but because they are overawed by his judgments .

It s written of Timotheus the Athenian , when he had given an account to the State of his Government , he often interlaced this speech , In this Fortune had no hand : After which he never prospered in any thing which he attempted . When men disown God , and cast off him , God disowns men , and casts off men .

It s storied of Philip of Macedon , that after an unexpected victory , he looked very sadly , more like a mourner , then like a triumpher : He knew that what was got by the sword , was subject to be lost by the sword .

God will not indure that any man should think well of himself , but himself ; and when they are glorying in all their pride , he is staining the pride of all their glory . It is hard for any to be great in others eyes , and little in their own . Most Christians they are like Chamelions , that when they take in the air , they presently swell .

As that is a naughty heart which the world can soil , so that is an empty heart that the world can fill . Prosperous winds soon fill the sails , but blowing too strongly overturn the ship . Give me that brave person that in the midst of all his honours , is rather pressed down with the weight of them , then puffed up with the blasts of them .

You see your calling brethren , how that not many wise men after the flesh , not many mighty , not many We may say of such as Luther said of Elizabeth Q. of Denmark a pious Princess ; Christus aliquando voluit Reginam incaelum vebere . noble are called , 1 Cor. 1. 26. You Nobles , I call you to see how few Nobles are called : He doth not say , not any such are called , but he saith , Not many such are called . A rich man is a rare dish at Gods table .

It s observed by those that are experienced in the sport of angling , that the little fishes bite more then the great ones . Oh how few great fish do we finde so much as nibling at the Gospels book .

When King James's Tutor lay upon his expiring pillow , his Majesty sent to see how he did : Go , saith he , and tell him , that I am a going to a place where few Kings are coming . Under the Law the Lamb and the Dove were offered , when the Lion and the Eagle were rejected . In Heraldry they say that the plainest coats are the richest arms . Usually the poorest on earth , are the richest in heaven .

The tree of life is seldom planted in a terrestrial Paradise . The shining diamond of a great estate is often found upon the stinking dunghil of a wicked heart . St. Bernard saith of riches , Non tam bona , quam minora mala . They are not so much good things as they are Sapiùs ventis agitatur ingenis Pinus , & celsae graviore casu decidunt turres ; feriuntque summos Fulmina montes . Hor. Lib. 2. Ode . 10. lesser evil things . Where there is the most prosperity , there is the least security . The tallest Cedars are more subject unto boysterous blasts , then the lowest shrubs : The little Pinnace rides safe by the shore , when the gallant ship advancing with its top-sails is cast away . Sheep that have the most wool upon their backs , are soonest robbed of their suits .

The worlds fawning , is worse then the worlds frowning . Poverty is its own defence from robery . Who will disturb those nests , in which there are hatcht no birds ?

In our days , Malignants could not make estates , but yet estates could make Malignants : If they took away their lives , it was but to get away their lands . These Hounds though they could finde nothing against them worth the barking , yet they found something amongst them worth the taking : But I shall leave them in their dregs , that are left in the sudds ; hoping that the hands of Justice will restore what the hands of Violence did impair .

Others , when their estates are low , their hearts are high ; but Believers , when their estates are high , their hearts are low . Then went King David in , and sate before the Lord , and said , Who am I O Lord God , and what is my house , that thou hast brought me hitherto ? 2 Sam. 7. 18. The weighty clusters humbled the branches of this royal vine . He doth not quarrel with God for mercies denied , but adores God for mercies bestowed .

Humility it looks with one eye on grace to keep it thankeful ; and with another eye on vice , to keep it mournful : As the Peacock by viewing of its black feet , puls down its plumed feathers .

Theodosius thought it more honour to be a member of the Church , then to be a Monarch of the world . Wilt thou set thy heart upon that which is not ? Every thing will come to nothing , but he that made every thing on t of nothing .

Many think it shall go well with them hereafter , because it is so well with them here : As if silver and gold which came out of the bowels of the earth , had wings to carry a soul into the bosom of heaven . The gates of the new Jerusalem , though they stand open to gracious hearts , yet they are not got open by golden keys . A man may lie Perunt illa congregata , sed pejus perit congregator eonum , si non in Deo dives suerit . Id. 1 bid . in the bosom of the creatures for a time , and yet lye in the bosom of the Devil for ever .

The worm of pride is such a gnawing vice , that it crops the sweetest flowers of grace . Either shut this sin out on earth , or else this sin will shut you out of heaven . The bowing reed is preserved whole , when the stirdy oke is broke to pieces .

A proud person thinks every thing too much that is done by him , and every thing too little that is done for him . God is as far from pleasing him with his mercies , as he is from pleasing of God in his duties . Behold his soul which is lifted up in him is not upright , Hab. 2. 4. When we see a man blown up and swelled with the dropsie , we can tell his blood is naught and waterish , without opening a vein for the trial . I will not say a good man is never proud , but I will say a proud man is never good . That is the nineth .

10. Singular thing is To be better inwardly in our substances , then we are outwardly in our appearance . For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly , neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh ; but he is a Jew which is one inwardly , and circumcision is that of the heart , in the spirit , whose praise is not of men but of God , Rom. 2. 28 , 29. We do not use to set our hands to blancks , though we set our seals to bonds .

Formality often takes its chambers next door to integrity , and so marches under its Mask : the soul not suspecting that hell should aproach , so neer heaven ; but of the two give me a substance that makes no show , rather then a show that hath no substance ; he that gives truth to our inward parts , he loves truth in our inward parts .

A rotten post though guilt with gold , is fitter for the burning of the fire , then for the building of the Fabrick . Where there is a pure conscience , there will be a pure conversation ; as the Index showes what 's in the book , so the actions show what 's in the heart .

It s a vain thing to say its day when there is nothing but darkness in the sky ; but a man cannot tell alwayes what 's a clock in a mans breast , by the dyal of his face ; the humblest looks is somtimes linked to the proudest hearts ; unclean spirits may have the chambers , when they look not out at the windowes ; an hypocrite he is both the fairest , and the foulest creature in the world ; he is the fairest outwardly , to the eyes of man , but the foulest inwardly to the eyes Cygnus plumas habet omni nive candidiores , sed carnem nigram ; sic bypocrita sub verbis mellitissimis venenum alit . Stapl. in Dom. 5. post . Pent. of God ; who will baptize them with the name of Satan , though shrouded in the mantle of Samuel .

Many appear righteous , who are onely righteous in appearance . But such as deceive others with the false shows of holiness deceive themselves with the false hope of happiness .

Some would not seem evil , and yet would be so ; others would seem good , and yet would not be so . Either be what thou seemest , or else seemwhat thou beest ; Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof , from such turn away . 2 Tim 3. 5. Though they who have the power of godliness , cannot deny the forme ; yet , they who have the forme of godliness , can deny the power .

Hypocrites are like looking-glasses , that present the faces that are not in them . Oh how desirous are men to draw the fairest gloves over the fowlest hands : To put the goodliest paints upon the rottenest posts , and to Enamel a dunghil with sun beames ! to counterfeit the coyne of heaven , is Treason against the King of Heaven ; who would spread such curious Carpets over a dusty Table .

If a man set forth in an unsound bottom , he may lose himself in the voyage ; either get oyl into your lamps , or else part with your lamps ; there s no such Blacka-mores in the eyes of the Deity , as those which paint for spiritual beauty . Hypocrita inverbis sanctus est , in corde va●us . Stapl. Ib.

Others they are better in their outsides , then they are in their in . But Christians are better in their insides then they are in their out ; they are not like painted Tombs that make an inclosure of rotten bones : The Kings daughter is all glorious within , her cloathing is of wrought gold , Psal. 45. 13. She is all glorious within , though within is not all her glory , I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews , and and are not , but are the Synagogue of Satan , Rev. 2. 9. A false friend is worse then an open enemy . A painted Harlot is better then a painted Hypocrite . A treatcherous Judas is more abhorred by God then a bloody Pilat .

Christians , remember that the sheeps coat shall be taken off from the woolfs back . The velvet plaister of profession , shall not always cover the stinking ulcer of corruption . There is no sailing in the ship of formality , to the shore of felicity .

The blasing lamps of foolish Virgins , will never light them to the Bridegrooms chamber . Either get the nature of Christians within you , or else never take the honour of Christians unto you . The Hypocrites purpose is , ( not virtutem colere , sed vitia colorare ) not to embrace vertue with a good intention , but to paint over vice with a fair complexion .

Oh what a vanity is it to lop the boughs , and to leave the roots that can send forth more ; or to empty the cistern , and leave the fountain running that can fill it again ! Such persons may swim in the pond of the visible Church , but when the net is drawn to the shoar they shall be cast away as stinking fish . How pious and devoute did the Pharisees seem before men ; the people thought them the only Saints upon earth : they judged their insides by their out , but God judged their outside by their in . And he said unto them , ye are they which justifie your selves before men , but God knoweth your hearts : for that which is highly esteemed amongst men , is abomination in the sight of God , Luk. 16. 15. There shows of holiness before men , was but holiness in show before God .

A man may be a God in the eyes Hypocrita veste virtutis induitur coram hominibus , & veste impietatis coram Deo . Stapl. in Dom. 1. post . Pent. of men , and yet be a Devil in the eyes of God . The conversation may be civilized , when the affections are not sanctified .

There is as vaste a difference between nature restrained , and nature renewed , as there is between the shinings of a gloworm , and the beamings of the sun . Malus ubi bonum se simulat , tunc est pessimus . A bad man is certainly worst when he is scemingly best .

What is it to have the scabbard trimming , if the sword be rusting ? To have hands as white as wool , and hearts as black as hell ? such professors are like curious bubles , smooth and clear without , but nothing save wind within ; a man may wear Christs livery , and yet do the Devils drudgery . The skin of an apple may be fare when its rotten at the Coar .

Though all gold do glister , yet all that glisters is not gould . Aurichalco Hypocrita proprie assimilatur , auri colorem non valorem habet . Stapl. dom. 5. post . Pent. Men views your acts , but God views your hearts . Who would not prize a vessel in the Cellar full of generous wine , before a guilt Tun that hangs up at the door for a sign . He that walketh uprightly , walketh surely , but he that perverteth his ways shall be known , Prov. 10. 9. He that promises to cover the sincere souls infirmities , threatens to disclose the Hypocrites impieties .

O remember Judas who purchased nothing by his deceitful dealing , but a halter , in which his body was hanged , and a fire in which his soul was burned ; that 's the tenth .

11. singular thing is , to be more afflicted with the Churches heaviness , then we are affected with our own happiness . When we suffer not from the Enemies of Christ by persecution , we should suffer with the friends of Christ by compassion ; wherefore the King said unto me , Why is thy countenance sad , seeing thou art not sick ? Nehemiah 2. 2.

Sadness is the fruit of sickness : What sad when the Kings cup bearer , and wine so neare ? the third verse informes you the reason , why should not my countenance be sad , when the City the place of my Fathers Sepulchres lieth wast , and the gates thereof are consumed with fire .

Let not Sions sons be rejoycing whilst their mothers mourning : are not her breaches like the Sea , and there s none to heal them ! though you cannot make up her breaches , yet let your hearts break for her breaches . Have pitty upon me , have Non oportet nos laetari in malis proximorum , sed compati . Stel. in Luc. 1● . 3. pitty upon me O me my friends ; for the hand of God hath touched me . Job 19. 21. It s observed of the Bees , that if one be sick , the other will lament . Christianity strips no man of humanity ; some observe in Swine that there is a sympathy , when one is killed the rest are troubled ; and shall that be lost amongst men , which is found amongst Swine ?

Will you see the Church bleed to death and never ask balm to cure her wounds ? how can such rejoyce in her standing , that do not mourn for her falling ?

Others what they do not feel by sence , that they will not feel by Sympathy , Nero could be playing when Rome was burning ; we may Suet. in vit. Ner. Thus the killing of the infants was , Spectaculum Herodi jucundum , quia luctuosum . Bap. Ferra. Orat. 5. draw up that charge against many persons , Amos 6. 4 , 6. They lye upon beds of Ivory , and stretch themselves upon their Couches : and eat the Lambs out of the flock , and the Calves out of the midst of the stall that drink wine in bowls , and anoint themselves with the chief oyntments , but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph .

They can weep for the● dying groanes of a child , but not for the dying grones of a Church ; their love unto their relations transcends their love unto their Religion . But he that hath a stock going in the Churches ship , cannot but lament at every storme .

I should be jealous that thats but a silver eye in the head , an Ivory tooth in the Mouth , a Wooden Leg in the body , that is unsensible of its sorrows . I will know that the Churches Enimies , though they may be Waves to toss her , yet they shal never be rocks to split her . It s only such fabricks as are bottomed upon the sands that are overturned by the wind ; he that is a well of water within her to keep her from fainting , is a wall of fire about her , to keep her from hurting .

Though he may scoure his plate , and his Jewels , yet ye will throw such wispes on the dunghills ; yet Enemies will be found pushing , as far as their short hornes are reaching : Sion like a bottle may be dipt in the water , but she shall never be drownd in the water .

Many had rather see a Churches Expiration , then see a Churches reformation ; they had rather view her as one thats nullified , then view her as one that 's purified : they care not how many Tares spring up amongst Gods Wheat .

When the Churches adversaries make long furrows upon her back , we should cast in the seed of tears ; Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ; Thus the head cryes out in heaven , whilst the Toe is trod upon on earth .

Jesus Christ though he hath altered his condition , yet he hath not altered his affection : Death took away his life for us , but it did not take away his love from us ; he that loves to see the face of his Church beautiful , eare long will wipe away those bloody teares , that run trickling down her cheeks ; the prise of her redemption is already paid , and the Lords will not require that debt again ! Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem , and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished , that her iniquity is pardoned , Isa. 40. 2.

When we see the Church pledgin her beloved in the cup of affliction , we should drink to her in the cup of consolation ; a heavy burden is easile born , by the assistance of many shoulders ; others they are like Galeo , that care for none of those things : Nay when they should be Sympat hisers with them in their miserie , Temerarium judicium est , quod ex levi conjecturâ levibusque signis colligitur . Stapl. in Dom. 1. post . Pent. they are Censurers of them for their misery ; they judge the golds not good because it s tryed and the grounds is naught because it s plowed .

It s dangerous smitting them with our tongues whom God hath smitten with his hands . Christ himself because he suffered for transgressors , was therefore numbred with transgressors : What 's this but to give the sharpest Vinegar where we should give the sweetest wine : Pour out thine indignation upon them , and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them , Psal. 69. 24. But what 's their sin ? 26. verse , for they persecute them whom thou hast smitten ; and they talk , to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded .

Sympathy is a debt which we owe to sufferer , and creature comforts will fit those seasons no better then a Silver lace would do a Mourning sute ; a particular loss it s but like the putting of out a candle , which brings darkness to a room ; but a general loss , is like the Eclipsing of the Sun , which overshadows the whole Hemisphear . Pliny tels us of two Goats meeting together on a narrow bridge ; when the one could not get forward , nor the other go backwards , the one lay down , that the other might go over him : How much of men were there in these beasts ! but how much of beasts are there in some men !

It s better to be in the humble posture of a mourner , then in the proud gesture of a scorner . Have mercy upon me , O Lord , thou Son of David , my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil , Mat. 15. 22. The childs malady , was the parents misery ; the tortures of the daughter , was the torment of the mother ; as if the one had been possessed till the other was dispossessed . The righteous When Alexanders Army was ready to perish with thirst , he himself refused water that was proffered to him , with this Heroick Ipeech , Nec solus bibere sustineo , nec tam ex iguum dividere omnibus possum . Quin. Curt. l. ● . Sect 5. perish and no man lays it to heart . Isa. 57. 1. Sympathy with others makes an estate that is joyful more happy ; and an estate that is doleful , less heavy .

It should be between Christians , as it is between Lute strings that are tuned together ; when the one is touched , the others tremble . Beleevers should neither be proud flesh nor dead flesh . Fellow-members have always fellow-feelings . Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them .

Others woes are our warnings ; their desolations are our informations . I am the man that hath seen afflictions by the rod of his wrath , Lam. 3. 1. He suffered least in his own person , as being under a royal protection : But though he was freed from the bill of mortality , yet he was filled with the bowels of sympathy . Though they were the Jews desolations , yet they were Jeremiah's lamentations . That is the eleventh .

12. Singular thing is the rendring of the greatest good , for the receiving of the greatest evil . Mariners look for a storm at the seas , when the waters begin to utter a murmuring noise .

Theodosius the Emperor being moved to execute one that had reviled him , answered , That were it in his power if his enemies were dead , he had rather restore them to life , then being living to put them to death .

They say by the Laws of the land that Noble men have this priviledge , that none of them can be bound to the peace , because it s presumed that the peace is bound to them . Noble dspositions will never engage themselves in quarrels and contentions .

He makes a good market of bad commodities , that with kindness vanquishes discourtesies . For a man to conquer anothers person , and be led captive by his own passions ; what is this , but to lose the Palace of a Prince to gain the Cottage of a Peasant !

A spark of fire falling upon a solid body , expires immediately , which lighting on combustible matter , burns furiously . God hath bound every believer in Gospelcords to his good behaviour . Julian the Apostate knew this ; when he struck them on one cheek , he said , Their Master taught them to turn the other . Yea , his Souldiers would take away their cloaks , and tell them They must part with their coat also .

A carnal man may love his friends , but it s a Christian manthat loves his enemies . But I say unto you , love your enemies , bless them that curse you , do good to them that hate you , and pray for them that despitefully use you , and persecute you , Mat. 5. 44. Ad patientiam vocat , qui patientiae est . He calls us to patience , who is patience it self .

It s unnatural to hate them that love us ; but it is supernatural to love them that hate us . A sinner he can do much evil , but he will suffer none ; a Saint can suffer much evil , but he will do none . He that takes up fire to throw against his enemies , he will but burn his own fingers . A peece ill charged Inimi●um seris ? teipsum jam lethaliter laesisti ; et hoc est Prunas è foco rapere , sed omnium primò sibi manus amburere , dein alios iis perfundere , Drex . Sig. 9. p. 84. instead of hitting the mark , does but recoil on him that shoots it .

You should overcome others cruelty , with your kindness : If Injuries be our enemies , forgiveness must be our weapons . How many have had their bloods seen , because they would not have their backs seen .

Mens actions towards others , are usually excused by others actions towards them : As we are wont to say , fallere fallentem non est sraus : There is a frenzie of the heart which turns men out of their patience ; as well as a frenzie of the head , that turns them out of their prudence .

A sinner is so far from taking two blows without giving one , that he will give two blows without taking one . To forget an injury is more then nature can promise ; but to forgive an injury is no less then grace can perform . Patience affords us a shield to defend our selves , but Innocence denies us a sword to offend others . If ever thou hopest thy charity should live after thee , let others injuries dye before thee .

It s written in the law of Mahomet , That God made the Angels of light , and the Devils of flame . Sure I am , they are of a hellish constitution , that delight in the firy flames of contention . Be ye angry and sin not , Ephes. 4. 26. Anger , it should not be a black coal fetcht from the Devils kitchin , but a bright coal kindled on Gods Altar . It should be like fire in straw , that is as suddenly quenched , as it is easily kindled . He that would be angry and not sin , must not be angry but with sin .

Let not the sun go down upon your wrath , neither give place to the Devil ; if you carry your passions to bed with you , the Devil will creep between the sheets , and why should any give place , to him that will croud in to fast of himself ?

What shall thy life be mortal , and thy wrath immortal ? is it not better to give place to an offending brother , then to a destroying Murderer ? I know that a person is as unfit to receive Counsel in his anger as a Patient is to take Physick in a feavor ; how many are there that say they can forgive an injury , who cannot forget an injury ? these are like those that pretend to sweep the house , but leave the dust behind Nobilissimum & generosissimum vindictae geaus est , ignoscere cum possis ulcisci ; & longe glorio sius est tacendo vincere inimicum , quam respondendo . Drex . ibid. the door : when ever you give your brethen a discharge , make your hearts set their hands to the acquitance .

We must not onely break the teeth of malice by forgiveness , but pluck the sting out of its tail , by forgetfulness ; to lade our memories with the sence of injuries , is to fill that chest with rusty iron , which was made for refined gold . When the pot of Malice doth boyle over , its time to take it off from the fire . Yet if the Sea of sinful nature be quiet , it s no for want of foam , but for want of a storme . Can you look to fare better in the world , then he that was better then the world ? A Christian should wish well to them , who wish ill to him .

Aristides when two came before him , he that accused the other , said , This man accused thee at such a time ; to whom Aristides answered , I sit not to hear what he hath done against me , but to hear what he hath done against thee .

Others they render evil for good , but we should render good for evil ; therefore if thine enemy hunger , feed him ; if he thirst , give him drink ; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head , Rom. 12. 20. As the nature of man must not make his vices to be loved , so the vices of man must not make his nature to be hated : he that loved us when we were enemies , commands us to love our Enemies .

Father forgive them they know not what they do , Luke 23. 34. He gave his blood to drink , by them who gave gawl and vinegar to drink to him .

God spreads a large table every day , and the most that seed at it are his Enemies ; the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb , and the Leopard shall lye down with the Kid , and the calfe and the young Lyon and the fatling together , and a little child shall lead them , Isai . 11. 6. The Lord Jesus as he can kill the dearest lust , so he can tame the wildest beast .

It s onely a patient Christ that can make us patient Christians ; as our passions were the cause of his , so his passion is the cure of ours ; and he arose and rebuked the wind , and said unto the Sea , Peace and be still , and the wind ceased , and there was a great calme , Mark 4. 39. Whilst he lay down , the storme rose up ; whilst Christ was resting , the ship was tossing ; but when he spake , they held their peace ; shall not the troubled Ocean become a bed of rest for him who layes the beames of his Chambers in the waters ? shall not he clip the wings of the wind , that rides upon the wings of the wind ?

For if ye forgive men their Frustra Deum propitiars sibi quarit ▪ qui citò placari proximo negligit . Bern. ●e in t . dom. c. 51. trespasses , your heavenly father will also forgive you ; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespasses , Matt. 6. 14 , 15.

Without forgiving there is no forgiveness ; how can you expect to have pounds remitted to you , when pence are not remitted by you ? If there be moysture in smaller drops , there 's more in larger showers ; well may we shew mercy to others for Gods sake , who shows mercy to us for his own sake .

I have read a story of one who imbrued his hands in his own blood , because his armes were not long enough to reach his Enemies ; Dearly beloved avenge not your selves , but rather give place unto wrath : for it is written , Vengeance is mine , and I will repay it , saith the Lord , Rom. 11. 19. And they stoned Steven calling upon God , and saying , Lord Jesus receive my spirit ; and he kneeled Stephano pro inimicis oranti coelum panditur , velut si ad nobile hoc spectaculum coelites omnes sint intenti . Drex . Christ . zod . p. 82. down and cryed with a loud voyce , Lord lay not this sin to their charge , Acts 7. 59 , 60. Could living men do worse to a man that 's dying , or a dying man pray better for men that are living ?

Ludovicus saith , The world hath been already destroyed by water , for the heat of its luxury ; and it shall be again destroyed by fire , for the coldness of its charity .

To do evil for good is humane corruption ; to do good for good is civil retribution ; but to do good for evil is Christian perfection ; this though it be not the grace of nature , yet it is the nature of grace .

Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the King ? let me go over I pray thee , and take off his head ? 2 Sam. 16. 9. As if he should say , Seeing he will not keep his tongue in his mouth , why should he keep his head on his shoulders ? but marke the answer , vers. 10. And the King said , what have I to do with you , ye sons of Zerviah , because the Lord hath said unto him Curse David ! Who shall then say Wherefore hast thou done so ?

David was so far from biting at the stone , that he doth not bark at the hand by which it was thrown ; the back of charity is able to carry the burden of injury , without either being moved with violence , or being removed from patience .

Though God suffer not his people to sin in avenging their Enemies , yet he suffers not the sin of their Enemies to go unavenged : anger rests in the bosome of fools , Proverbs 12. 16. Where there is the most indignation , there is the least discretion , no men do more sweetly put up disgraces from others , then such as have learned to despise themselves .

Make not an Enemy of thy friend by returning him evil for good , but make a friend of thine Enemie , by returning him good for evil ; that 's the twelfth .

13. Singular thing , it s to take those reproofes best which we need most ; It was the saying of a heathen though no heathenish saying , that he that would be good , must either have a faithful friend to instruct him , or a watchful Enemy to correct him . Who would wound those that intend their cure , or like him the worser that would make them the better ?

The flaming sword of reprehension is but to keep thee from the forbidden fruit of Transgression ; Let the righteous smite me , and it shall be a kindness ; and let him reprove me , it shall be an excellent oyl , which shall not break my head : Psal. 141. 5. Let him smite me as with a hammer , ( so the word signifies ) it coming from the root , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 which is usually rendred , he Rober. Key to the Heb. Bible . did beat or knock ; he did not as the Papists , commend their holy water highly , but turn away their faces when it is sprinkled upon them ; a Boanerges is as useful as a Barnabas .

Am I become your Enimy , because I tell you the truth ? Gal. 4. 16. Light is pleasant , yet offensive to sore eyes , honey is sweet though it makes wounds to smart ; but we must not neglect the actions of a friend , for fear of drawing upon our selves the suspition of an Enemy .

It s better to lose the smiles of men , then it is to lose the souls of men ; thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart , nor suffer sin to lye upon him : He that love a garment hates the moaths that fret the garment ; Rebuke a wise man , and he will love thee , but rebuke a scorner , and he will hate thee . Prov. 9. 8. Reproof slides from a scorners brest , as water doth from an oyled post ; and who would sow those barren sands , where he shall lose both his time and pains ?

All that we can do at such houses , is to write A Lord have mercy on them at their doors . Instead of loving a man notwithstanding injuries , these will hate a man even for his courtesies .

Next to the , not deserving of reproof , is the well taking of reproof . It s a holy kind of Martyrdome to bear reproofs patiently . Most persons are like gauld horses that cannot indure the rubbing of their sores ; or like Bees that as soon as ever they are angry put forth their stings .

There 's a great deal of discretion to be used in reprehension . A word will do more with some , then a blow will do with others . A Venice glass is not to be rubbed so hard as a brazen kettle ; the bending reed is more easily bowed , then the sturdy Oak .

Christs warfare needs no carnal weapons ; dashing stormes wash Non asperè quantum existimo , non duriter , non modo imperiofo , ista tolluntur ; magis docendo , quam jubendo ; magis monendo , quam minando . Aug. ep. 64. ad Aur. away the seed , when gentle showers refresh the earth . Chariots too furiously driven , may be overturned with their own speed .

How many are there that check passion with passion , and are very angry in the dislike of anger ! thus to lay one Devil they raise another . These leave more work to undoe in the end , then they found to do at the beginning ; such a reproof of a vice is a vice to be reproved .

In reprehension take heed of carrying your teeth , in your tongues ; of biting whilst you are speaking ; Chyrurgeons think it not safe to stab their Patients ; because one perhaps was so delivered of an impostume .

It s hard taming the unruly surges of an inraged Ocean ; Brethren , if any man be overtaken with a fault , you that are spiritual restore such a man in the spirit of meekness , Gal. 6. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Set him in ioynt again ; and to restore a dis-joynted bone into its proper place , requires the Ladies hand ; tenderness as well as skilfulness ; Leigh . Crit. Sacr. Reprehension is not an act of Butchery , but an act of Surgery ; take heed of blunting the instrument by putting too keen an edge upon it ; mark the reason that 's added ; Considering thy self , least thou also be tempted . If thy neighbours house be on fire , thy own may be the next thats burnt ; they should be willing to lend mercy at one time , that may have occasion to borrow it at another .

We should deal with others sins , Vide Boules l. 2. cap. 15. past . evang. can. 3. as we do with our own sores ; if a prick with a pin will let out the corrupt matter , cutting and lancing shall not be used . If the birds will be driven away , its needless to bring a piece to shoot them . Open sinners deserve open censures ; but private admonitions will serve for private aberrations . Whilst we seek to heal a wound in our brethrens actions , we should not leave a scar upon our brethrens persons . The purest gold being too light for passage , we give it grains of allowance : That is a rare temper of spirit that can cover our faults from others eyes , and discover them to our own .

Under the Law the snuffers was made of gold , and the dishes into which the snuff was cast ; to shew that there is a great deal of excellency in casting a mantle over our brethrens infirmities .

That physick that stirs the humors , and doth not carry them away , leaves the body in a worse condition then it found it . Ah how many are there that vomit up these bitter pills , though they be wrapt up in sweet sugar ! Men love to be adored , but hate to be reproved . But how can we make them brick when they will not afford us straw ? or praise what they do , vvhen they do not vvhat is to be praised !

Theodosius the Emperor confest of St. Ambrose , notvvithstanding his severe dealings vvith him , Solum novi Ambrosium dignum Episcopi nomine ; That he knew none worthy to be a Bishop but Ambrose . Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them , Ephes. 5. 11. We are as accountable for our sins of communion , as we are for our sins of commission .

How securely would David have slept upon his adulterous pillow , if Nathan had not been sent to awake him ? How far do many travel in the Devils rode , for want of a wholesom reproof to stop them in their journey !

It was the saying of Austin , when Benevolentiae ergo , non odii signum est reprehendere , C●em . Asex . poe . ●ag . l. 1. his hearers were angry at his reproofs , Emendate vitia , & ego emendabo verba ; When you mend your lives , we shall mend our language .

A serpent the more he is stirred , the more he gathers up his poison to spit at you . Others are to reproofs , as Tygers are to Drums , that tear their own flesh if you beat them in their presence . Man is a cross creature , and cannot endure to be checkt and controlled : He would have a Noli me tangere written upon him . But who will blame the dogs barking at the theifs approaching .

Sin it s like the nettle that stings when it s gently touched , but doth not hurt when it s ruggedly handled . Haec omnia tendunt ad salutem , & sanitatem aeternam : This rough dealing is but to square you for the celestial building . As for flatterers they may be stiled the Devils Vpholsters ; who when they see men leaning towards their lusts , are laying pillows under their sleepy elbows ; but let them know that the want of the fire of zeal , will at last be punished with the fire of hell . Those are unskilful Painters that limb deformities in the fairest colours .

Reprehension , it should tread upon the heels of transgression . The plaister should be applied as soon as ever the wound is received . It s easier putting out a candle then it is quenching of a house on fire . Gentle physick will serve for a begun distemper ; but chronical diseases are cured with harshness ; Next to the keeping of our garments clean , is washing as soon as we have defiled them .

The sword of reproof must be drawn against the offence of the person , and not against the person of the offendor . Many think the cup of reprehension is not bitter enough unless they mingle it with their gawl and wormwood ! But the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God .

The dreadfulest sentences of the Qui arguit , impassibilitèr debet arguere , ut salutem expetat ejus qui arguitur , non vindictam . Orig. ( ut quidam asserunt ) in Psal. 37. Church are not mortal but medicinal ; they are to raise the dead to life , and not to put the living to death . Who knows how much the majesty of a Reprover tames the insolency of an Offender ! He that hates reproof is brutish , Prov. 12. 18. He is like a dog that barks and bites when the thorn is pulling out of his foot that pricks him : or like a horse that kicks when the Ostler is rubbing off the dirt that defiles him .

If thy brother shall trespass against thee , go and tell him his fault , between thee and him alone , Mat. 18. 15. If he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother . The dog that follows the game , by barking loses the prey . The presence of a multitude makes a man take up an unjust defence , rather then lie down in a just shame .

It s better to censure a man in private , then to spread his guilt by a proclamation ; yet how many do that in the market , that they should do in the closet ? Sin it s a miry depth ; if thou strivest to help one out and dost not , thou sinkest him in the further . Remember , tender lambs , though straying , must be gently reduced to the fold . That 's the thirteenth .

14. Singular thing is , To take up all duties in point of performance , and to lay them down in point of dependance . When the purest duties have been performed , the purest mercies should be implored .

Many have passed the rocks of gross sins , that have been cast away upon the sands of self-righteousness . Others they live more on their cushions then they do upon Christ ; more upon the prayers they make to God , then upon the God to whom they make their prayers ; which is as if a redeemed captive should reverence the sword , but not the man that hath wrought his rescue .

The name of God with a sling and a stone , will do more then Goliah with all his armour . Duties they are but dry pits in themselves , though never so curiously cut out , till Christ fills them .

I would have you neither be idle in the means , nor to make an Idol of the means . If a Mariner will have the help of the winds , he must weigh the anchor and spread the sails . The pipes can make no conveyance unless the spring yields its concurrence .

What 's hearing without Christ , but like a cabinet without a jewel ? or receiving without Christ , but like an empty glass without a cordial ?

It s only that ladder whose bottom stood on earth , on the staves of which we climb to heaven . And be found in him not having on mine own righteousness which is of the Law ; but that which is through the faith of Christ , the righteousness which is of God through faith , Phil. 3. 9. If you be found in your own righteousness , you wil be lost by your own righteousness . That garment was worn to pieces on Adams back , and lasted but for a days covering .

Duties they are good crutches to go upon , but they are bad Christs to lean upon ; when Augustus Caesar desired the Senate of Rome to joyn some with him in the Consulship , they replied , They held it a great dishonor to him to have any joyned with him . It s the greatest disparagement that Christians can do to Christ , to put their services in equipage with his sufferings . You must put off the rotten rags of the first Adam , if you would put on the royal robes of the Second .

To mix the Virgins milk with a Redeemers blood ; Though the voyce may be humble Jacobs , yet the hands are proud Esaus . Man is a creature that 's apt to warm himself by the sparks of his own fire , though he lie down in eternal flames for the kindling of them . Noahs dove made use of her wings , but she did rest in the Ark.

Duties can never have too much of our diligence , nor too little of our confidence . For he that is entred into rest , hath ceased from his works as God did from his , Heb. 4. 10. A Beleever doth not do good works to live , but a beleever he lives to do good works .

It was a proud saying of him , Coelum gratis non accipiam ; He would not accept of heaven gratis : But he shall have hell as a debt , that Non in carnab● bus 〈◊〉 s●d in solo Chr●sto fiduciam ●alut●● no●●rae omnem & ●●ll● a●iâ●m re colloca●●● . Zanc in loc . will not take heaven as a gift . For we are the circumcision , which worship God in the spirit , and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh , Phil. 3. 3. A Christian stands at as great a distance from the best of his services , as he doth from the worst of his sins : And makes not the greatest part of his holiness , to be the smallest part of his righteousness . When you have done all , then say we are unprofitable servants , Luk. 17. 10. When you have obeyed all the commandments from above , there is one commandment above them all to be obeyed , that is , to rest from your obedience . A bridge is made to give us a passage over a dangerous river , but he that stumbles on the bridge is in danger of falling into the river . In the most of our works , we are abominable sinners , but in the best of our works , we are unprofitable servants .

Our duties are not like the chrystal streams of a living fountain , but like the impure overflowings of an unruly torrent . I will go out in Omnis alia fiducia quae in quâvis aliâ re colocari potest , è cordibus nostris prorsus amputetur , omnino necesse est . Zanc. ubi prius . the strength of the Lord , and make mention of his righteousness , and of his only , Psal. 71. 16. The righteousness of Christ is to be magnified , but the righteousness of a Christian is not to be mentioned .

It s a hard thing for us to be nothing in our selves in the midst of our worthiness , and to be all in Christ in the midst of our weakness . To undertake all our duties , and yet to overlook all our duties . Our services they are like good wine that relishes of a bad cask ; The Law will not take Ninety nine for an Hundred ; it will neither accept of counterfeit coyn , nor of clipped money . The duty it exacts , is as impossible to be performed , as the penalty it inflicts is intolerable to be indured .

We sail to glory not in the salt seas of our own tears , but in the red sea of Christs blood . Crux Christi clavis Paradisi ; The gates of heaven were closly shut , till the cross of Christ beat them open . We owe the life of our souls to the death of our Saviour . It was his going into the furnace , that hath kept us from coming into the flame . T is the ruddiness of his blood , that takes away the redness of our guilt .

Man lives by death ; his natural life is preserved by the death of the creature ; his spiritual life is preserved by the death of his Redeemer .

Moses must lead the children of Israel through the wilderness , but Joshua must bring them into Canaan . Whilst we are in the wilderness of this world , we must walk under the conduct of Moses ; but when we enter into the spiritual Canaan , it must be by the merit of Jesus ; The same hand that hath shut the doors of hell to keep us out of perdition , hath opened the gates of heaven to let us into salvation .

They that carry the bucket to the puddle of their own merit , will never draw water out of the clear fountain of Gods mercy . Luther compares the Law and the Gospel , to Heaven and Earth ; we should walk in the earth of the Law in respect of obeying , but in the heaven of the Gospel , in respect of believing .

It was the saying of one , That he would swim through a sea of brimstone , so he might come to heaven at the last . What would not natural men do for heaven , if they might have heaven for their doings : But the heat of the Sun beams wil melt such weak and waxen wings .

He that hath no better righteousness Omnis anima eget oleo divinae misericordiae . then what is of his own providing , shall meet with no higher happiness then what is of his own deserving . For they being ignorant of the righteousness of God , and going about to establish their own righteousness , have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God , Rom. 11. 3.

Others if they rest not from their duties , then they rest in their duties : They will sail in their own bottoms , though they sink in the Ocean . Duties they are not destroyed by Christ , but they must be denied for Christ . The Master and the Servants may dwell together in one family , provided that he have the higher chambers , and they the lower rooms .

Who hath first given to him , and it shall be recompensed unto him again ? Rom. 11. 35. When a glass reflects the brightness of the sun , there is but an acknowledgement of what was , not an addition of what was not ; A c●rious picture praises a beautiful face , not by communicating what it wants , but by presenting what it enjoys

As God hath never the less for the mercy he gives , so he hath never the more for the duty he takes . Man is such a Debtor to God , that he can never pay his due to God ; yea the more we pay him , the more we owe him for our payments .

It s Christ only that is the righteousness of God to man , and its Christ only that is the righteousness of man to God . We are so far from paying of the utmost farthing , that at the utmost we have not a farthing to pay . That man will be a miserable spectacle of vanity , that stands upon the weak feet of his own ability .

15. Singular thing is , To take up our contentment in Gods appointment . Others as they do the things that God dislikes , so they dislike the things that God doth : If Israel have not meat for their lusts , they are weary of their lives . They are delighted with their corruptions , but perplexed with their conditions ; which is as if a man should be in love with his malady , and out of love with his medicine . They study more how to gratifie their humors , then how to satisfie their hungers : They complain of the shooe , when the disease is in the foot .

They that think too highly of their deserts , will think too meanly of their estates . It s even the task of God to satisfie the desires of man ; not that it argues a weakness in Gods power ▪ that can do all things , but a wickedness in mans nature that is not pleased with any thing .

There is no man but hath received more good then he hath deserved , and done more evil then he hath sustained . Therefore he should be contented though he see but little good , and not discontended though he suffer much evil . Let your conversation be without covetousness ( let not covetousness be within your conversation ) for he hath said , I will never leave thee nor forsake thee , Heb. 13. 5. Set but the seal of faith to the bond of truth , and he that hath said it will maintain thee in the want of maintenance .

A wicked man when his purse grows light , his heart grows heavy . When he hath something without to afflict him , he hath nothing within to support him : But a Christian Tu cum crescente tuo marsupio , crescit pariter animo , & cum decrescente decrescis ; tristitia contraberis , cum illud exinanitur ; & lati●a solveris ( aut certè superbiâ inflaris , cum impletur . in Bern. Cant. ser. 21. is more troubled that he should be discontented at any disappointment , then that he should be disappointed of any contentment . I know both how to be abased , and how to abound ; every where , and in all things I am instructed , both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need .

It s hard to carry a full cup without spilling , or carry a heavy load without breaking ; To walk in the clear day of prosperity without wandering , or in the dark night of adversity without stumbling ; but which way soever the wind blows a skilful Mariner knows how to turn his sails and meet it . They who have learnt to abound without rioting , will learn to want without murmuring . Non est in adversis timidus , qui non est in prosperis dissolutus .

Repenting is the work of a Christian man , but repining is the work of a carnal man . How many men are there that look upon their greatest blessings , as upon the greatest burthens ! Though their estates are like a fruitful Paradise , yet their hearts are like a barren wilderness : These are like spiders that suck poyson out of the sweetest flowers , and by a devillish chymistry extract dross out of the purest gold .

They sin in the midst of mercies , as Adam did in the midst of Paradise . Outward prosperity , cannot Nam divitiarum atqu●sitio quidem labo●●s , ●●ssessio vero timoris , amisso plena doloris invenitur . Bern. de pers. sust . c. 12. create inward tranquillity . Hearts-ease is a flower that never grows in the worlds garden . The ground of their trouble is not because they find not enough of the creature , but because they finde not enough in the creature . They plough up the level ground of their injoyments , into the wrinckled forrows of their disquietments . They have greatness enough in their possessions , but not goodness enough in their dispositions . Some are satisfied under the hand of God because they are not sensible of the hand of God ; they are without any fretting , because they are without any feeling .

A certain Stoick speaking of God , said , What God wills I will , what God wills not I will not . A Christian though he have a will of his own , yet it becomes not a Christian to own his will . The wisdom of the flesh is as fit for guiding , as the will of the flesh is fit for governing . None but such as live under the seduction of the former , will live under the dominion of the latter .

We are not to be troubled for this , that we have no more from God , but we are to be troubled for this , that we do no more for God . They who judge their estates are too low , we may judge their hearts are too high .

A whole World contents not Alexander , when a s●rry tub suffices Diogenes . Christians , the Lord is well pleased with your persons , and will not you be well pleased with your conditions ? there s more reason that thou shouldst be in love with it , then that he should be in love with thee .

Beleivers should be like sheep that change their pastures at the will of their Shepherds , or like Vessels in a house that stand to be filled or emptied , according to the pleasure of their owner ; he that sailes upon the Sea of this world in his own bottom , sinks at last : Never were any Saints their own Carvers , but before they had done they cut their own fingers .

As every thing is a great mercy to a man that is afflicted , so every thing is a good mercy to a mind that is contented . A covetous man is fretful , because he hath not so much as he desires ; but a gracious man is thankeful because he hath more then he deserves .

It s true I have not the sauce , but I merit not the meat ; I have not Habenies alimeala , non delectamenta● ind●monta , non ornamenta . Go● . in loc. the lace , but I deserve not the coat . I want that which may support my dignity , but I have that which may supply my indigency ; having food & rayment let us therewith be content , 1 Tim. 6. 8. you have the flesh of the creatures to fill your emptiness , and the fleece of the creature to cover your nakedness .

T is storied of a woman who when she was sick , was askt whither she was willing to live or dye , she answered , which God pleased ; but saith one , if God should refer it to you , which would you chuse ; truly saith she , if God should refer it to me , I would refer it to him again .

A Christian is to submit to the will of God disposing , as well as to the will of God commanding ; to be what he appoints , as well as to do what he approves ; that man obtaines his will of God , who subjects his will to God .

A contented heart is never out of heart ; It s an even sea , in the midst of all storms ; it s like a tree in Autum which secures its life , when it hath lost its leafes .

It was a rare expression of a Religious person , Put off your cares , when you put of your cloaths , so shall thy rest strengthen thy labour in the day , and thy labour sweeten thy rest in the night .

It is not meet that patients should prescribe rules to their Physitians . Worthy Mr. Hern lying upon his death-bed , his wife making much womanish lamentation , what should become of her and her children , Peace ( sweet heart ) saith he , that God that feeds the Ravens , will not starve the Hernes .

If the child be jealous of his Fathers affection , he will quickly be dubious of his Fathers provision , till we can find hearts without polution , we shall never find estates without vexation : Heaven only is the place where all is joyful , and hell only is the place where all is doleful ; in the former there is nothing but happiness to be expected , in the latter there is nothing but heaviness to be indured . But the most golden condition here , is set in a brazen Torch ; there is no gathering a rose without its prickles , till we come into Immannels land .

If there were nothing but showers , we should then conclude , the world would at length be drowned ; and if there were nothing but Sun-shine , we should then conclude , the world would at last be burned . Our comforts would be a Sea to drown us ; if our crosses were not a planck to save us .

By the farest gales a sinner may sail to destruction , and by the feircest winds , a Saint may arive at Salvation . I know that when our conditions are necessitous , then our corruptions do often prove impetuous , and rage the more because stopped by the dam of poverty ; so that if God does not help us seasonably , we are apt to help our selves sinfully ; if he be not stretching forth his hand of goodness , we are thrusting forth our hands to wickedness .

But remember that contentment without the world , is better then the world without contentment ; there are two things that make a Christian ; the first is to speak well of what God is , the second is to think well of what God does .

What gets the dog by the biting of the stone , but the breaking of his teeth , thou murmerest because thou art in want , and therefore thou art in want because thou murmurest .

Thou art impatient because thou art afflicted , and therefore thou art afflicted because thou art impatient .

The skilful Pilot knows what winds will best blow us to our harbour ; an unquiet patient makes but a slow recovery ; turbulent storms , doth but lengthen the voyage .

Contentment it s the best food for a sound man , to preserve him ; and it s the best Physick for a sick man , to restore him , it s like the gilt of the pill that makes a man swallow it down without tasting its bitterness ; or like the Philosophers stone , that turneth whatsoever it toucheth into gold ; it will make a cottage look as fair as a palace . He Nonqui parùm habet , sed qui Plus cupit pauper est . is not a poor man that hath little , but he is a poor man that hath little , but he is a poor man that wants much ; and in this sence , the rich are often poorest , and the poor are often richest .

Give me such Christians as will receive no more good , then God will give them , and will suffer no less evils then God will have them ; when the fire is kindled how is it quenched , not by the pouring of oyl upon it , but by the removing of fuel from it ! sivis esse dives , non est pecuniae adjiciendum , sed cupiditatibus detrahendum .

Confinement is the way to contentment ; when you cannot raise your estates as high as your hearts , then level your hearts as low as your estates ; but godliness with contentment is great gain , 1 Tim. 6. 6. This is too precious a seed to grow in every soyl ; although every godly man is not contented yet every contentented man is godly ; the Lord is my shepherd , I shall not want , Psal. 23. 1. showers falling from a cloud may be diminished , when waters issuing from a spring are continued .

Methinks the child should suck quietly , when although it takes not in the whole brest at once , yet the milk is spinning out to return a further draught , after the former is gone down ; As Seneca said to his friend Polybius , Never complain of thy hard fortunes , so long as Caesar is thy friend ; so say I to a beleiver , Never complain of thy hard fortunes , so long as the Lord Jesus is thy friend .

Let your condition be never so great , it s a hell without him ; let your condition be never so flat , it s a heaven with him . Who can say he injoyes any thing that wants Christ ; or that he wants any thing , who injoyes Christ ?

Should not Hagar be content though the water was spent in her bottle , when there was a well so near ? that 's the Fifteenth .

16. Singular thing , is this , To be more in love with the imployment of holiness , then with the injoyment of happiness ; a Christian cares not so much for the receiving of golden talents , as for the improveing of gratious talents .

Others they prize the wages of Religion above its works , but a Christian prizes the works of Religion above its wages . Give me the Preacher that prefers his labour above his lucre , the flock he keeps before the fleece he gets .

Others , their services are like dyals that are set by the sun of self respects ; they serve God , that they may serve themselves upon God ; he loves not religion sincerely , that loves not Religion Mortificationem simulant , ut simplicibus imponant , & sub pietatis praetextu praedam ali . quam capiant . Stapl. in Dom 5. post Pent. tex. 1. superlatively . Israel is an empty vine , he brings forth fruit unto himself Hos. 10. 10. Empty and yet fruitful ; fruitful and yet empty ; thus that fertility which sprouts out upon the account of self , has nothing but vacuity in the account of God .

How many are there that deal with Religion , as the Carpenters do with their Ladders ; that whilst they are building , carry them up and down on their shoulders , but when they have done , cast them away into corners ! these make not gain to stoop to godliness , but godliness to stoop to gain , which is as if a man should fit the foot to the shoo , when they should fit the shoo to the foot .

That Tradesman is poor and needy in what he deales , that must have ready money for all he sels . Man in the good he doth for God , seeks himself more then God . The clock of his heart will stand still , unless its wheels be oyled .

If the Virgin should yeild her consent , only for her Bridegrooms riches , she would not espouse her self unto his person , but unto his portion . As Seneca saith of friendship begotten upon a sinister account , negotiatio est Sen. ep . ● . non amicitia , quae ad commodum accedit ; quae , quid consecutura sit , spectat : so may I say of this , it were not properly to make a Marriage with him , but to make a Merchandize of him .

St. Austin hath an excellent saying , Non amat Christum , qui amat aliquid plus quam Christum ; he love not Christ at all , that loves not Christ above all . You seek me not because Quam multi non quaerunt Jesum nisi ut illis benefaciat ! 〈◊〉〈◊〉 officium non pro augendi●vi tutibus , sed pro requirendis subsidiis inhiare solent . Aq●i . in loc. ye saw the miracles , but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled , John 6. 26. Christ was the object of their actions but self was the end of their actions . They came to Christ to serve their turn , and when their turns were served , they turned away their service ; they were cubbord disciples ; more then men at their meat , but less then women at there work , when the loaves were gone , the disciples were gone ; when he left feeding of them , they left following of him .

Your weakest building needs the most under propings ; that 's but Kitchin fire that burns no longer then the grosse fewel of profit feeds it . Till you can love the naked truth , you will never love to go naked for the truth ; most persons are mercenary and servile in those works wherein they should be Son-like and free : They look more after the streams , then upon the spring , from whence they are issued ; and after the beams , then upon the Sun from whence they are darted .

The want of mercy is the onely spring of duty ; they ply their prayers , as Saylors do their pumps , only in a storm , and for fear of sinking . And now O Father glorifie thy Son , that thy son may glorifie thee , John 17. 1. He prayes for glory more for the Fathers sake that bestowes it , then for his own sake that receives it ; a true Christian doth not desire grace only for this end , that God may glorifie him , but he desires grace for this end that he may glorifie God .

Others , could they but find the mercyes of God , they would never seek the God of Mercyes : could they tell how to be well well without him , they would never come at him ; God hath but little of many mens society , but when they can find no other company .

Instead of looking upon godliness as their greatest gain , they look upon gain as their greatest godliness . They love Religion not for the beauty inhering in it , but for the dowry attending on it ; like the Fox that follows the Lyon for the prey that is falling from him ; if there be no honey in the pot , such Waspes will hover no longer about it : When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month , even those seventy years , did ye at all fast unto me ? and when ye did eat , and when ye did drink , did not ye eat for your selves , and drinck for your selves ? Zach. 7. 5 , 6. In fasting and in feasting , they cast not their eyes upon God , but upon themselves ; they forget not to eat , when they were hungry , but they forgat to praise God when they were full . Their greediness did swallow up their thankefulness .

Remember God will shut those duties out of heaven , that shut him out on earth . I have heard a story of a woman , that being met with fire in one hand , and water in another , was askt what she would do with them ? She answered , With this fire I would burn up all the joyes of heaven ; and with this water I would quench all the flames of hell , that I might neither serve God for fear of punishment , nor for hopes of reward .

The less you make these things the end of your working , the more will God make them the end of your work . God hath three sorts of servants in the world ; some are slaves , and serve him for fear ; other are hirelings , and serves him for wages ; others are sons and serve him for love .

Now a hireling will be a changling ; he that will serve God for something , will serve the Divel for more , he shall have his works , if he will but augment his wages : he had an eye to the recompence of reward , Heb. 11. 26. This is a good Inn for our desires baiting , but a bad home for our desires dwelling ; the Poets tell us of many who at first were Sutors to Penelope the Mistriss , but at last were marryed to the Maids that attended her : The ass which carryed the Egyptian goddess , had many bare heads , and bended knees , but none to the beast , but all to the burden .

Demetrius he crys up the goddess Diana but it was not her Temple , that he admired , but her silver shrines that he adored . He was more in love with her wealth , then he was in love with her worship ; Sirs , ye know that by this craft we have our wealth , Acts 19. 25. If her Temple had been demolished , their trade had been destroyed .

Doth Job serve God for naught ? yea , for Job served God when he had naught . He was as good in his poverty as he was in his plenty . In this sence , that man that serves not God for naught , that man is naught in serving God .

Love it trades not for returns here : it payes it self in serving its beloved ; It s storied of one that being askt , for whom he laboured most ? answered , for his friends ; And being askt , for whom he laboured least ? answered , for his friends ; love it doth most , and yet thinks least of what it does .

Hypocrites they are more in love with the gold of the Altar , then they are with the God of the Altar : Wo to your scribes and pharisees , Vae vobis quia avaritiam vestram Colore Religionis depingitis & Diabolo , Christi arma praestatis , ut iniquitas ametur , dum pietas aestimatur . Gor. in loc. for they devour widows houses , and for a pretence make long prayers ; therefore ye shall receivce : the greater damnation , Mat. 23. 14. They fasted all the day , but to feed upon the widows cost at night ; they hatcht the birds of oppression in the nests of devotion . These Spiders they weaved the webb of their works , to catch the fly of their wealth ; thus true is Augustines observation , Saepe aliter se habet species facti , aliter facientis animus ; there is oft a vast distance and difference between the face of the work , and heart of the worker . But a soul acted by God in service , though he may have self at the hither end , he will have God at the higher end .

A Christian is more in love with his present duty , then he is in love with his future glory . St. Paul was contented to stay a while out of heaven , that he might bring other souls into heaven . To me to live is Christ , and to dye is gain , Phil. 1. 21. His life to them was most useful , but his death to him was most gainful ; by dying he had injoyed his recompence sooner , but by living he made his recompence larger .

Were it possible to divorce those things asunder , which God himself hath linked together , a Christian had rather be holy without any happiness , then be happy without any holiness .

Luther hath this expression , Mallem in inferne esse cum Christo , quam in coelo sine Christo ; I had rather be in hell with Christ , then in heaven without Christ ; And indeed hell it self would be a heaven if God were in it ; and heaven would be a hell , if God were from it .

A gracious man makes this the request of his soul , Lord , let me rather have a good heart , then a great estate : Let me rather be pious without prosperity , then prosperous without piety . Though you may love many things beside Religion , yet you may not love any thing above religion .

The earth that is our work-house , but heaven that is our storehouse . This is a place to run in , and that is a place to rest in . Yet a Beleever on his dying pillow being asked how he did , O , saith he , sorry for nothing but that I am going to that Country where wages are received , and no works performed . That is the sixteenth .

17. Singular thing is , To be more in searching our own hearts , then we are in censuring others states . They are too busie Bishops , that lord it over others Diócesses . We are to allow beleevers for their failings : though we are not to allow beleevers in their failings . Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks , and look well to thy heards , Prov. 21. 23. It s of greater concernment to know the ▪ state of our hearts , then to know the state of our flocks .

It s the expression of Seneca , Vtimur perspicillis magis quam speculis . Men are more apt to use spectacles to see other mens faults , then looking-glasses to view their own .

Plato entertaining some friends at a neatly spread table , Diogenes coming in tramples upon it , saying , Calco fastum Platonis , I trample upon the pride of Plato ; to whom he answered , Yea , At cum majori fastu , but with a greater pride . He that is without sin , let him throw the first stone .

They are fittest to finde fault , in whom no fault is to be found ; and to blame others , who are blameless themselves . There is no removing of blots from the paper by laying upon it a blurred finger .

Thou hypocrite , first cast out the beam out of thine own eye , and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the moat out of Illud quasi cacoethes penitimmè inssium est , ut cum ▪ in gravissimis nobis ipsis nimium facilè , & indulgentur ignoscimus , aliorum tamen judices inclementissimi , & censores rigidissimi sumus . Chem. Evan. Har. cap. 51. thy brrthers eye . Mat. 7. 5. What dost thou get by throwing of stones in at thy enemies windows , whilst thy own Children look out at the casements ? He that blows in a heap of dust , is in danger to put out his own eyes : Is not the worst mens practices , a comment on the best mens principles ?

Are there not the same lusts lodging in your hearts , that are reigning in their lives ? The reason why there is so little self-manifestation , is because there is so little self-examination . For want of this men are like Travellers , skilled in other Countries , but ignorant of their own .

It is a sign they are sunk in their estates , who are afraid to look into their books : The trial of our selves , is the ready road to the knowledge of our selves . He that buys a jewel in a case , deserves to be couzened with a Bristol stone .

Many think themselves as surely going to heaven , as if they were already dwelling in heaven . Christians , would you see God , then cast your eyes upwards ; would you see your selves , then cast your eyes inward . Contemplation , that is a perspective glass to see our Saviour in , but examination that is a looking-glass to see our selves in . Bring your selves to the standard , and see whether you be in the narrow way that leads to life , or in the broad way that leads to death : whether your spirits be chairs for vice to sit in , or thrones for grace to rule in ; whether you be one of Christ Spouses , or one of the Devils harlots .

Nero thought no person chast , because Nero impurissimus neminem à libidine purum jud●cabat . himself was unchast . Such as are troubled with the Jaundise , see all things yellow . But such as are more religious , are less censorious . Why dost Temerarium ●st jud●cium cum in illo n●l ▪ lam jurisdictionem habeas . Gor. in loc. thou judge another mans servant , Rom. 14. 4. They that are fellow-creatures with men , should not be fellow-judges with God .

What will it advantage you to search anothers wounds , and let your own bleed to death ! Take heed your own cloaths be not full of dust , when you are brushing others garments ; or complaining of dirty streets , when heaps lie at your own doors . Many are never well longer then they are holding their fingers upon others sores ; such are no better then crows that fasten only upon carrion : Let every man prove his own works , so shall he have rejoycing in himself not in another , Gal. 6. 4.

For want of this men have their accounts to cast up , when they should have their accounts to give up , They have their evidences of grace to seek , when they should have their evidences of grace to shew : They lye down with such hopes in their beds of rest , which they dare not lye down withall in their beds of dust . Because he considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions , Ezek. 18. 28. Conversion begins in consideration . The hasty showr falls fastest , but the soft snow sinks deepest .

The Mariner that is running his ship against a rock , if he considers it , and stears another course , prevents a desperate shipwrack . Examine your selves Integritatis tuae curiosus explorator vitam tuam in quotidianâ discussione examina attende diligenter quantum proficias , vel quantum deficias . Bern med. 5. in lim . whether ye be in the faith or no ( or whether the faith be in you or no ) prove your own selves , know ye not your own selves , that Jesus Christ is in you except you be reprobates ? 2 Cor. 13. 5. See whether your hearts be the cabinets of such a jewel . A true Subject dares not deny any coyn which bears the image of the King .

If you will needs be Judges , sit upon your own benches ; I shall ever esteem such to be but lepers , that care not for looking-glasses . He that doth not mind what he hath done . Self-examination is the beaten path to perfection ; its like fire which doth not only try the gold , but purifies the gold . The sight of your selves in grace , will bring you to the sight of God in glory .

The Heathens tell us , that Nosce teipsum was an Oracle that came down from heaven . Sure I am , it is Oracle that will lead us up to heaven . The plague of the heart is not every mans plague , but the plague of the soul is every mans plague : though there be no vision that 's less pleasurable , yet there 's no vision that 's more profitable : till you know how deep the pit is in to which you are faln , you will never seek to get out of it again .

The bottom of our diseases lies in not searching our diseases to the bottome : so we have but some raggs to cover our nakedness , we seek not a remedy to cure our naughtiness . He that trusts his heart is a fool , and yet such fools are we as to trust our hearts ; the heart it s that which God searches by his Omnisciency , and its that which man should search by his industry ; if a man would know whether the sun shines , it s better viewing its beams on the pavement , then its body in the firmament . The readiest way to know whither or no you are in Christ , is to know whither or no Christ is in you ; for the fruit is more visible then the root ; that 's the Seventeenth .

18. Singular thing is , to set out for God at our beginning , and to hold out with God unto our ending : to be amongst the first that seeks God , and amongst the last that serve him . First , to set out for God at our beginning ; remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth , while the evil days come not nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them , Eccl. 12. 1.

In the stilling of strong waters , the first thats drawn is fuller of spirits then the rest that follows . The first of the first fruits of thy land , thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God , Exo. 23. 19. The way to have the whole harvest of your lives sanctified by God , is to have the first fruits of your lives dedicated to God . I remember the kindness of thy youth , the love of thine Espousal , Jer. 2. 2. God prises a Christian in the bud , and likes the blossomings of youth above the sheddings of age .

We should pay our tribute , as soon as ever our money comes out of the Mint . Is it not pitty that plant should grow in Egypt that will thrive so well in Canaan .

Your Naturalists tels us that the most orient pearls are generated of the morning due . They who are in Christ before us , are like to be in Christ above us . The way to keep a field from overgrowing with weeds , is to pluck them up in the spring . If youth be sick of the will nots , old age will dye of the cannots .

Under the law they who gathered not Manna in the morning , found none all the day ; if when you have seasons and want hearts , the time may come when you may have hearts but want seasons . Can the Ethiopian change his skin , or the Leopard his spots : then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil , Ier. 12. 23. He is a bad husband that hath money to spend on company abroad , but none to lay out for provisions ( to keep his family ) at home : Yet one accustomed to Drunkenness , will rather strarve his posterity then be bound in the cords of Sobriety .

It s hard casting off the Devils yoaks , when we Quod in morbis accidit cum invaluere per longas moras , ut Serò medicina paretur ; idem judicandum , nisi quis a puero rectam viam meat , et eidem assuescat . Rive● . in Ps. 119. 9. have worn them long upon our necks ; can a man be born again when he is old ? grace seldome grafts upon such withered stocks . An old sinner is nearer to the second death , then he is to the second birth ; It s more likely to see him taken out of the flesh , then to see the flesh taken out of him ; his body is nearer to corruption , then his soul is unto Salvation .

Where the Enemy is the stronger , there the victory is the harder . Usually where the Devil pleads antiquity , he keeps propriety . As there 's none so old as that they should dispaire of mercy ; so there 's none so young , as that they should presume on mercy ; if Gods To day be too soon for thy repentance , thy To morrow may be too late for his acceptance ; Mercies clock doth not alwayes strike at our beck . The longer poyson stayes in the stomack the more mortal .

Jesus Christ he had two Disciples whom he highly prized ; the one who was young for Comming so soon to him ; the other who was old for staying so long with him . O how amiable are the golden apples of grace , in the silver pictures of age ? God prizes a young friend , but punishes an old Enemy : Old sinners are like old serpents , the fullest of poyson .

It s a rare spectacle to view the Antient of dayes , in those who are not antient in days : To see green peeces of Timber hewing and squaring that they might be laid in the celestial building ; when nature is in its minority to see grace in its sincerity . Ps. 119. 99. I have more understanding then my teachers ; Ex disci . pulo doctorem me fecisti , etiam eorum qui doctores meifu●runt Rivet ▪ in loc. his youth was wiser then others age , his dawning was brigher then their noon tyde ; and this was the more admirable , because t was in his youth ; for when our lives are the most vigorous , our lusts are the most boysterous .

You teach a dog whilst he is a whelp , and break a horse whilst he is a Colt . A plentiful harvest is the issue of an early seed time : Thou writest bitter thing against me , thou makest me to possess the sins of my youth , Job 13. 26. Needs must that Iron gather rust that is not often filed .

Remember children your youthful sins layes a foundation for aged sorrows ; You have but one arrow to hit the mark ; and if that be shot at randome , God will never put another into your bow : I am Alpha and Omega , the beginning and the ending , or as some , the first and the last , Rev. 1. 8. He that is the first and the last , will be served from the first to the last ; you can never come to soon to him who is your beginning ; and you can never stay too long with him , who is your ending .

The flower of life it s of Christs setting , and shall it be of the Divels cropping ?

But what 's seting out without holding out ? Mutability is at best but the badg of infirmity . Letters ingraven in the bark of a tree whist it is young grow up with it till it comes to be old ; though a standing pool is soon dryed up , yet a fountain is always running . Its trees that are unsound at their roots , that soon cease from the putting forth of their fruits ; they who for the present are inwardly corrupt , will for the future be openly prophane .

That 's a crazy peece of building that must be cramped with Iron bars , to keep its standing ; false grace is always declining till it be wholy lost ; but true grace goes from a mornings dawning , unto a Meridian shining ; the vvool on the sheeps back if it be shorn vvill grovv again , but the vvoll on the shee skin , clip that and there comes no more in its room .

Philosophy playes vvith this , Nullum violentum est perpetuum ; There is nothing permanent that is violent ; as a stone that 's mounted upvvards , vvhen it loses its impress , sinks dovvnvvards ; but its dreadful to be cast off from God , for casting off the vvays , and vvork of God . A finger divorced from the hand , receives no influence , from the head : He that deserts his Colours , deserves to be cashered the Camp .

Ah beloved ! it would have bin well if we had made as much conscience in our liberty as we have had liberty for our conscience : but we have gone from one Religion unto all , till at last we are come from all Religions unto none : Every varition from unity , is but a progression towards nullity : be thou faithful unto death , and I will give thee a crown of life , Rev. 2. 10. He hath a Crown for runners , but a curse for run aways ; God accounts not himself served at all , if he be not always served .

Non tantum facite , sed perficite ; t is not enough to begin our course well , unless we Crown it with perseverance .

We live in the fall of the leaf ; divers Sibi ipsis indulgent ; ex fervidis repidi , ex repidis fergidi fiunt . Stapl. in Dom. 2. post Epip . ●ex . ● . trees which did put forth fair blossoms ; their spring is turned into an Autumn , and their fair mornings , have been overcast with cloudings . The Corn that promised a large harvest in the blade is blasted in the eare . The light remaines no longer then the sun shines ; When God ceases to be gracious , man ceases to be righteous .

The flowers of Paradise would quickly wither on earth , if they were not watered with drops from heaven . How have the mighty faln , when the Almighty hath not stood by them . The Divel would soon put out our candles , if Christ did not carry them in his Lanthorn ; be not weary in well doing , for in due season you shall reap if you faint not , Gal. 6. 9. To see a ship sink in the harbor , is more grievous then if it had perisht in the open Sea .

There goes the same power to a Saints strengthening , that there goes to a sinners quickening ; he that doth set us up , and make us holy , must keep us up , and make us steady .

How easily is a ship sailing to the shore carryed back again by a storme to the Sea ? O Ephraim , what shall I do unto thee , and Judah what shall I do unto thee ? why what 's the matter ? your goodness is as the morning cloud ; and as the early dew it goeth away , Hosea 6. 4. Their bowls began to slug , before they came to the end of the Alley .

Some have beat Jehues March ; they have driven furiously in Religion , but within a few years they have knockt off there Chariot wheels . After they have lifted up their hands to God , they have lift up their heels against him : that mans beginning was in Hypocrisie , whose ending is in apostacy . You look for happiness , as long as God hath a being in heaven ; & God looks for holiness , as long as you have a being on earth : he that endures to the end shall be saved . Vestis Aaronica expraescripto Dei deorsum ad pedes habuit , in circuitu quasi mala punica , et tintinnabula aurea . Mala punica , inter omnes alios sructus , sola coronae cujusdam spociem habent ; illa coront est virtutum perfectio , & consummatio , finis enim coronat opus ; Hanc idcirco coronam Deus necia principio , nec in medio , sed ad pedes posuit tunicae sacerdioalis . Id. ibid. He shall never be glorious in the end , that is not gracious to the end .

That man must carry his grace within him to the dust , that would have his grace carry him with it to Christ ; if any man draw back , my soul shall have no pleasure in him . Heb. 10. 38. He that draws back from profession , shall be kept back from Salvation : he that departs in the Faith , shall be Saved ; but he that departs from the Faith , shall be damned .

We praise the Mariner , when he is arived at his harbour ; and commend the Souldiers valour , when he hath obtained the victory ; the Chrysolite which is of a golden colour in the morning , loses its splendor before the evening ; such are the glittering shews of Hypocrites . But though blazing commets fall to the earth , yet fixed stars remain in heaven .

That fire which is lade on Gods Altar , when once it s kindled , shall no more be quenched . Grace may be shaken in the soul , but it cannot be shaken out of the soul ; it may be a brused reed , but it shall never be a broken reed .

Christ is more tender of his body mysticall , then he was of his body natural . A beleiver though he may fall fowly , yet he shall never fall finally . The gates of hell , shall not prevail against the Saints of Heaven .

The fiery darts of the Devil , that in themselves are intentionally mortal , shall be to such Eventually medcinal : These bees may startle thee to keep thee wakeful , but they shall not sting thee to make thee woful . Thy light may be Eclipsed for a time , but the Sun will break forth again .

Under the law God had his Evening as well as his Morning Sacrifice . Ther 's as much sweetness in the Sugar at the bottom of the cup , as in the cream on the top of the Milk . No man that puts his hand to the plough and looks back , is fit for the Kingdome of God . Our labours are never fulfilled , till our lives are expired : Religion if it be a thing that is troublesom , it will be a thing that tyresome : there is no thing constant but what is pleasant ; though a Saint may some times be weary in doing the work of the Lord , yet a Saint is no time weary of doing the Lords work . Habitus non amittitur , licet actus intermittitur , the●e may be an omission of grace , but there cannot be an amission of grace ; this babe may lye upon a sick bed , but it shall never lye upon a Death bed .

Christ is stiled the finisher of our faith , as well as he is stiled the Author of our faith . We have as much need of the spirit to bring up our graces , as we have need of the spirit to bring forth our graces .

Indifferency in Religion , is the next step to apostacy from Religion , But though Christians be not kept altogether from falling , yet they are kept from falling altogether : they may part with Christ for a time , but they shall not depart from Christ for ever ; The trees of righteousness may have their autumne , but they shall have their spring : There is never so low an ebb , but there s as high a tyde .

Christians are like crocodiles , that are growing till they are dying , or like the Moon that increases in her beauty , till she arrives at the full of her glory : take heed of putting off the robes of piety , whilst you are on this side eternity . You must hold the Scepter of grace in your hands , till God set the Crown of glory upon your heads .

If the service of God be bad , why do you set forth in it ? if the service of God be good , why do you shrinck back from it ? usually they who ride fastest at their first setting forth , are soonest tired in their journies ; it s the sparkling Diamond that is set in the Apostiles Crown . 2 Tim. 4. 7. I have fought a Absque perseverantid nec qui pugnat , victoriam ; nec palmam victor consequitur . Bern. Ep. 12 ▪ . good fight , I have finisht my course , I have kept the faith : his work was done before his life was done ; henceforth their is laid up for me a crown of glory .

There 's many persons that layes a foundation , that never raises up a super structure . But Jesus Christ is never a Father to abortive children ; where he gives strength to conceive , he gives strength to bring forth , he turnes the bruised reed into a brazen pillar ; and the smoaking flax , into a Triumphant flame ; that is the 18th .

19. Singular action that must be done by singular Christians , is , To take all the shame of their sins unto their selves , and to give all the glory of their services unto Christ . Others they take all the glory of their services to themselves , and lay all the shame of their sins on him ; as if he that dyed on earth to redeem us from them , should live in heaven to confirm us in them .

The Devil may flatter us , but he canot force us ; he may tempt us unto sin , but he cannot tempt us into sin . He is but the Father begeting ; the evil heart is the Mother conceiving ; and in this sence , the Father can do nothing without the Mother ; the fire is his , bvt the tinder is ours : he could never enter into our houses , if we did not set open our doors .

Many complain for want of liberty who thrust their feet in Satans fetters ; the woman thou gavest me , she gave me of the tree and I did eat , Gen. 3. 12. I took that as a gift from her , whom thou gavest as a gift to me ; its ill putting of sins brats to suck at Gods brest : they may receive their punishment from him , but they shall never receive their nourishment from him . He cannot be the unrighteous upholder , of what he is the righteous avenger .

O Blasphemy ! canst thou charge the Sun with darkness , by whom the heavens are inlightned ; or the Sea with dryness , by whom the earth is moistened ! Our Impiety is as truly the off-spring of our souls , as our posterity is the off spring of our bodys . Every good and perfect gift comes from above , from the father of light , with whom is no varyableness , or shadow of turning . Jam. 18. 17. Whatsoever is truly good , hath its emanation from God . Now the same spring cannot send forth both sweet and bitter waters . T is a known rule contraria multuose tollunt ; contraries destroy each other .

Many have more leaves to cover the naughtiness of their works then they have cloths to cover the nakedness of their backs . How many lay the bastards of Heresie , at the door of the Sanctuary ? calling diabolical soductions , Evangelical revelations ! as if the father of light could bring forth the issues of darkness : What 's this but to set a crown of Lead upon a head of gold ?

We can defile our selves , but we cannot cleanse our selves . The sheep can go astray alone , but can never return to the fold without the asistance of the Shepherd ; till we tast the bitterness of our own misery , we shall never relish the sweetness of Gods mercy ; till you see how foul your faces are , you will never pay tribute to Christ for washing of them .

He that creates us in his image , he restores us his Image . If we were left to our selves but a moment , we should destroy our selves in that moment . We are like glasses without a bottom , that as soon as ever they are out of the hand are broken . Others they greaten themselves to make Christ little ; but we should lessen our selves , to make Christ great . Nevertheless I live , yet not I , but Christ lives in me , Gal. 2. 20. A beleiver is willing to stand for a Cypher , so Christ may go for a figure ; well may we abase our selves for his exaltment , that abased himself for our establishment : Prorsus Sathan est Lutherus , sed vivat & regnet Christus : Let Luther be accounted a Devil , so Christ may be exalted as a God , said that flaming Seraphim of himself .

Without me ye can do nothing , Nisi tanquam palmites in me qui vera sum vitis , ins●ramini , nec multum nec parùm , sed nih●l potestis in spiritualibus . Dav. deter . 9. p. 48. Joh. 15. 5. The pen may as soon write without the hand that holds it , as grace can work without the Spirit that moves it . Not onely the enjoyment of our talents is from God , but the improvement of our talents is from God : Luk. 19. 16. Lord , thy pound hath gained me tenpounds It s not my pains that hath done it , but it s thy pound that hath done it .

Men should not glory in what they have received , but they should give glory for what they have received . The grace of God without the God of grace , it s but like a clock that stands still , when all its weights are down . Did not our hearts burn within us ? Luk. 24. 32. But how long did that flame last ? all the time he talked with us . When his bellows gave over blowing , their fuel gave over burning .

Graces in our hearts , are like stars in the heavens , that shine not by their own splendor , but by borrowed beams from the Sun of Righteousness . He that takes the brick , must give the straw that makes it : There is no water , except he smites the rock ; nor fire , except he beat the flint .

If he call us to the work of Angels , he will supply us with the strength of Angels : For when we were without strength , in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly . A Soul that is Christless , is a Soul that is strengthless . Man is beholden to God for what he hath ; but God is not beholden to man for what he doth . But of him , and through him and to him are all things , to whom be glory for ever , Amen , Rom. 11. 36. The humble heart knows no fountain but Gods grace , and the upright man knows no end but Gods glory .

Waters will rise as high as they fall ; whatsoever action hath God for its author , hath God for its center ; as a circular line makes its last ending , where it had its first beginning . Take heed of turning a sacred priviledge into a privy sacriledge . If he give the grace that is not due to us , shall we deny the praise that is due to him .

Others they make their end their God , but we must make God our end : The firmament is made more glorious by one sun then by all the stars that are seated in their several orbs : And Jesus Christ from one Saint hath more glory given to him then he receives from all the world besides him . The silver shrines of divine praises , they ard passively pared off from the beings of other creatures , but they are actively given up from the beings of the New creature .

Whether you eat or drink , or whatsoever you do , do all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10. 31. From the lowest act of nature to the highest act of grace , there is no plea for the pride of man , but for the praise of God . Not unto us , not unto us , but unto Var●s vos Deus cum ●at bonis : quidni in laudes ejus erumpamus ? Sibel . conc. 3. in lim . thy name be the glory : If he make our natures gracious , we should make his name glorious .

God sets many dishes upon our table , but we must set this dish upon his table . He that would be fingering the honor of a God , is not fitting for the honor of a man . As he said , Aut Caesar , aut Nullus ; Either I will be Caesar or nobody : So the Lord saith , Aut Deus optimus Maximus aut nullus . Either I will a great God , or else I will be no God : That man disparages the beauty of the Sun that lays it level with the lesser stars .

The glory of God must be the golden Butt at which all the arrows of duty are shot , or else they fall short of their mark ; Go forth O ye daughters of Sion , and behold King Solomon with the crown , wherewith his mother crowned him , in the day of his Espousals , Cant 3. 11. The body it hath two eyes , but the soul must have but one , and that so firmly fixt on Christ , as it must never glance beside him . A single eye is fittest for a single object . When the people saw what Paul had done , they lifted up their voyces , saying , The Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men , Act. 14. 11. But do they take that glory to themselves that 's given to them from others ? No , v. 1. Why do you these things ? we also are men of like passions with you : We are so far from the perfections of God , that we are cloathed with the passions of men .

But do others so ? The people gave a shout saying , It is the voyce of God and not of men , Act. 12. 22. What the people gave foolishly , he took fearlesly . vers. 23. And immediately the Angel of the Lord smote him , because he gave not God the glory ; and this same worm-eaten wretch , was a wretch eaten up of worms . Every little river pays its tribute to the great sea ; The blessings of God are to be magnified , but the being of God is ( it I may so speak ) to be omnified .

Magnus gratiae oceanus est Deus , ad quem per canalem gratitudinis , beneficia , quae ex ipso manarunt , refluere , atque reverti debent ; We have no way to turn the streams unto God ( the ocean of bounty ) but through the channel or conduitpipe of gratitude .

Giving thanks to the Father who Sibel . con. 9. ju●● . med. hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light , Col. 1. 12. It s very meet that he should be magnified by us , that Aeq●it●tem om n●m ab●●●e runt , qui tot tantisque●eneficiis ornati , gra●os se bene factori non praebent . Id. conc●● . in mi● . makes us meet to be glorified with him : The whisperings of the voyce are ecchoed back in an exact concave .

The body of man if it be sound , can stoop for a pin as well as for a pound . As the best of means should make us fruitful , so the least of mercies should make us thankeful . The four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sate on the Throne , and worshipt him that lives for ever and ever , and east their crowns before the throne , Rev. 4. 10. A divine soul knows that whatsoever oyntment is poured out upon Christs head , runs down to the skirts of his garment . What he gives to him in copper , shall be returned to him in silver : yea the onely way of keeping our Crowns on our heads , is the casting our Crown at his feet .

Joseph of Arimathea he builds a sepulchre for Christ , and he makes use of it for three days , and returns it again perfumed . Well may we give all our glory unto him , who hath given all his glory unto us . A Christian as he lays up himself in God , so he lays out himself for God ; and is wllling to dedicate to God that perfume of prayses , which ariseth from his beds of spices .

20. Singular thing is To value a heavenly reversion , above an earthly possession . Others say that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush ; but we say that such a bird in the bush is worth two in the hand : They that adore the streams its an argument that they are ignorant of the spring .

Socrates being askt what Countryman he was , answered , Civis sum mundi ; The whole world is my Country ; But a Christian being askt what Countryman he is , answered , Civis cum coeli , Heaven is the region that I am free of . Beleevers build their tombs , where others build their Tabernacles . The men of the world fix upon the things of the world : that is the shrine and cabinet , wherein they lock up all their jewels . Though God hath given the earth to beasts , yet such beasts are they as to give themselves to the earth .

It was the saying of a cursed Quis non illius vitae desiderio praesentem vitam despiciat ? Quis non illius a●undantiae de●ectamento divit●as te●poris labentis exhor ▪ reat ▪ &c. Fulg. in Epist. 6. ad Theodor. Cardinal , That he preferred his part in Paris before his part in Paradice : That is but a cock of the worlds dunghil , that prises a barly corn before a jewel . What is the glimering of a candle to the shining of the sun ; or the value of brass and copper , to the worth of gold and silver . Yet children are taken more with present counters , then with future Crowns : Thus whilst the shadow is imbraced , the substance is neglected : and men court the vail when they should kifs the face . That man that is a labouring Bee for earthly prosperity , will be but an idle drone for heavenly felicity . If you be risen with Christ , seek those things which are above , where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God , Col. 3. 1.

The same pen writes fair , or blots as his skill or rudeness is that handles it . The same strings make a pleasant musick , or a jarring discord , as they are set and fingured : So our affections according to their objects about which they are conversant , become either like fiery chariots to carry us to perfection , or like Pharoahs chariots to hurry us to perdition .

There is no need of blotting out these Characters , but of writing of them in fair papers ; nor of drying up of these waters , but of diverting them into their proper channels ; nor of plucking up of these plants , but of setting them in a right soil . Solum dispicit , qui coelum aspicit , He that looks upon heaven with desire , will look upon earth with disdain . Our affections were made for the things that are above us , and not for the things that are a out us . What is your earthly Manors , to your heavenly Mansions ? As carnal things seem small to a man that is spiritual , so spiritual things seem small to a man that is carnal . Ignoti nulla cupido , there are no movings after things beyond the sphear of our knowledge . Heaven is to them as a mine of gold covered with earth and rubbish : or as a bed of pearl inclosed in a heap of sand . If they had the eyes of an eagl to see it , they would wish for the wings of an eagle to flie unto it .

How little would the great world seem to us , if the great God was not little in us . Either men have no thoughts of a future state , or else they have low thoughts of a future state : If we had souls without any bodies , then there would be no need of earth to keep us , if we had bodies without any souls then there would be no need of heaven to crown us .

But such as have no present holiness , are for a present happiness . There be many that say , Who will shew us any good , Psal. 4. 6. any good will serve the turns of those that know not the chiefest good . But Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us . O how sordid is it to prefer the garlick and onyons of Egypt , before the milk and honey of Canaan . Visible things to them is better then invisible : They mind the world that is come so much , as if it would never have an ending , and the world to come so little as if it would never have a beginning .

Why should you be so taken with your riches , that shall be taken from your riches , or dote upon a flower which a day may wither ? They that are travelling beyond the world , they shoulst be trading above the world ; but such are not easily awakened that fall so fast asleep on the worlds pillow : But now they desire a better Country , that is a Tunc ( ut fama est ) primum gustantes vinum ex ●taliâ delatum , sic illius admiratione amentes facti sunt omnes , ut collectis armis , &c. quaesicrint eam terram , in quá hujusmodi fructus oriratur . Plut. in vit. Camil. heavenly , Heb. 11. 16. The Gauls when they had tasted the sweet wine of Italy , asked where the grapes grew , and would never be quiet till they came there . O that I had the wings of a Dove , that I might fly above and be at rest . A beleiver is willing to lose the world for the reception of grace , and he is willing to leave the world for the fruition of glory .

As the worst on this side hell compared with that is mercy ; so the best on this side heaven , compared with that is misery . There is no more comparison to be made between heaven and earth , then there is between a peice of rusty iron , and a peice of refined gold . St. Austin saith , Spes vitae immortalis , est vita vitae mortalis : The hope of life immortal , is the life of our lives mortal . It s the expectation of their future heritage , which is the Saints Jacobs staff to walk through this dark pilgrimage . If in this life only we have hope in Christ , we were of all men the most miserable ; but because we have hope in Christ after this life , we may be of all men the most comfortable ; for in this we groan earnestly , desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from heaven , 2 Cor. 5. 2. A beleever longs to be there most of all , where he shall be best of all : He is not only one that grows in what is gracious , but he is one that groans for what is glorious .

Perfection is the boundary of expectation ; as it likes no other , so it looks no further : every thing in Eternity , is wound up to its highest capciaty . Behold I see the heavens opened , and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God , Act. 7. 56. A beleiver can sweetly see with an eye that is purified , what he shall shortly see with an eye that is glorified . Here it is that mercy is received unmixed , and majesty is viewed unvailed . What 's a Pebble that is worthless , to a Pearl that is matchless . Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ! O what joy enters into the beleever , when he enters into the joy of his Redeemer !

The vessels of mercy shall then swim in the ocean of glory : Come ye blessed of my father , inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world , Mat. 25. 34. That which makes hell so full of horror , is that it s below all hopes : That which makes heaven so full of splendor , is that it s above all fears . The one is a Ibi erit verè maximum Sabbatum non habens vesperem . Aug. de civ . deil . 22. c. 30. night that shall never see any day appearing , the other is a day that shall never have any night aproaching . Who would not work for glory with the greatest diligence , and wait for glory with the greatest patience , seeing we advance the interest whilst we stay for the principal !

There are some deluded Professors that aspire after earthly scepters ; as if the place where Saints are to be crucified , were the place where Sts. are to be glorified ; then certainly the Church here should rather be in a state triumphant , then in a state militant ; In heaven the crown is made for them , and in heaven the crown shall be worn by them . St. Austin presents us with two parts of the Church , Vna in tempore perigrinationis , altera in aeternitate mansionis . We are not speaking of that part which is established above temptations , but of that part which is encompassed about with temptations ; and its hard finding of this ark without moving on a tumultuous deluge . In my fathers house are many mansions ; I go to prepare a place for you , Joh. 14. 2. Our Redeemer is our Forerunner ; he that takes possession of us on earth , takes possession for us of heaven . As they are not long here without him , so he will not be long there without them . Here all the earth is not enough for one man , but there one heaven is enough for all men ; here there 's a showr of tears in the Saints eyes , but there 's a sunshine of joy in the Saints hearts . A soul once landed at that heavenly shoar , is past all tempestuous storms . Many temptations may stand against a heavenly Christian , but no temptations can stand before a heavenly Christian . Flying birds , are never taken in fowling snares . What 's all that you enjoy here , but as dying sparks of that living flame , or as languishing raies of that shining sun ; or as small drops of that overflowing spring . Whom though now ye see him not , yet beleeving , ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory , 1 Pet. 1. 8. If there be so much delight in beleiving , Tam magna sunt illius vi●ae bona , ut non possi●t mensurari ; tàm mu●●a ut non possint numerari ▪ tam ●re●iosa ut ro● 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ger. 〈◊〉 . 46. oh how much delight is there in beholding ! what 's the woing day to the wedding day ? or the sealing of the Conveyance , to the enjoying of the inheritance ? or the fore tastes of glory , to the full draughts of glory . Solomon saith , The spirit of a man is as the candle of the Lord . When the candle of the soul shal be taken out of the dark lanthorn of the body how gloriously shall it shine ? if the picture of holiness be so comely in its rough draught , how lovely a peice will it be in all its perfections , when every grace that is but here in its minority , shall be there in its maturity ! Thus have I dispatcht the first General , the Doctrinal Explication .

I now put off to the practicall Application , which I shall spread but into two Branches .

First , For the erection of singular Principles .

Secondly ▪ For the direction of singular practises .

First , For the erection of singular Principles . Natural men they obey natural principles , and spiritual men they obey spiritual principles . No man can expect that bitter roots should produce sweet fruits : though civil principles may be lighted at the Torch of nature , yet Sacred principles are lighted at the Lamp of Scripture .

Now there are twenty singular principles that are the rise and spring of singular practises .

The first Principle for Saints to walk by is this ;

That whatsoever is acted by men on earth , is eyed by God in Heaven .

A man may hide God from himself , but a man cannot hide himself from God . Their idols are silver and gold : the work of mens hands . They have mouths , but they speak not for our direction ; eyes , but they see not our conditions ; ears ; but they hear not our supplications ; hands , but they work not our redemption , Psal. 115. 5 , 6. These were not the Gods that made men , but the Gods that men had made . Ejus divinitas intima est omni rei , et verè nulla creatura est ei invisibilis . Gor. in loc.

All things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do , Hebrews 4. 12. We cannot see his will in his works , but he can see our works in our wills . To him the undermost roots are as visible as the uppermost boughs . Though the place where you sin ( to men ) be as dark as Aegypt , yet to God it is as light as Goshan .

It was good counsel that one gave to his friend ; So live with men as if God saw thee , and so pray to God as if men heard thee . He is a bold Thief that will cut our Purse whilest we stare him in the face . All the wayes of a man are clean in his own eyes , but the Lord weigheth the spirits , Prov: 16. 2. He sees faults where we see none : Atomes that are invisible by the light of a Candle , are made to dance naked in the beams of the Sun .

Cato was so grave and so good a man that none would sin in his presence ; whence it grew to a Proverbial Caveat , Cave tibi spect at Cato , Take heed what you do for Cato sees you . Magna vobis est necessuas indicta probitatis cum omniaagiti● ante oculos judcicis cunctacernentis . Boet. in fine de Cons . If the eyes of a man will keep many sins out of our hands , the eyes of a God should cast all sins out of our hearts . To Gods omnipotence there s nothing impossible , to Gods omniscience there s nothing invisible . Momus complain'd of Vulcan that he had not set a Grate at every mans breast , but God hath a glazed Window into our dark houses of clay , and sees what is done in them : I never look that such should straine at Gnats , as will swallow down Camels .

But what 's the reason that men doe the works of darknesse , but that they think they do their works in darknesse ; they think no eye sees them , no not his eye that doth nothing but see . And thou sayest how doth God know ? can he judge thorow the dark cloud ? Thick clouds are a covering to him that he seeth not , Job 22. 13 , 14. How fain would the heart of man draw a vaile over the face of God .

An unsound creature would be an unseen creature . Vnderstand , O ye brutish among the people , O ye fools , when will you Est Deus totus oculus , totus intellectus , imd totus sapientia , et int●lligentla ; Quomodo igitur non omnia videt ? ( et paucis interjectis ) Qui praesto aliisut omnia vide ant , et intelligant , ego non videbo ? Zanch : de Nat: Dei . Lib. 3. Cap. 2. Quest. 3. be wise ? He that planted the eare , shall he not hear ? He that formed the eye , shall he not see ? Psal. 94. 8 , 9. What will you make him deaf that gives you ears ? and him blind that gives you eyes ? These instead of being men amongst beasts , they are beasts amongst men : See what follows , The Lord knows the thoughts of men that they are vanity ; and this is the vainest thought of them all , that he knows not the vanity of all their thoughts .

You cannot write your lusts in such smal Characters , but the eyes of God can read their Letters . As he can save from the deadliest extremity , so he can see in the deepest obscurity .

Plato saith of the King of Lydaea , Cum palam ejus annuli ad palmam converterat a nullo videbatur , ipse autem omnia videbat . Cicer : de Offic. l. 3. p. 113. that he had a Ring , which when he turned the head to the Palme of his hand , he could see every one and himselfe walk invisible . Though we cannot see God whilest we live , in his Essence , yet God can see us how we live in our Actions : His eyes are upon the wayes of man , and he pondereth his doings . Men may gild over the leaves of a blurred life with the profession of holmesse ; but God can unmask the painted Jezabel of hypocrisie , and lay her naked to her own infamy .

Because sin hath put out our eyes we think it hath put out his eyes . Because Deus tum seipsum , tum caetera o●mia unico simul actu , atq : intuitu perfectissime , certissime , et dist●nctissime 〈◊〉 . Pol●and . Dsp . Theol. p. 73. we see not what God doth in Heaven for earth , we think that God sees not what we do on earth against Heaven .

Men care not what they do , when they beleeve that God sees not what is done . They slay the widdow and the stranger , and murder the fatherless Ps●l. 94. 6. They say , the Lord shall not see , neither shall the God of Jacob regard it . The Adulterer he waits for the twi-light ; his sin gets up when the Sun goes down : The time of darknesse payes most tribute to the Prince of darknesse . There are many that blush to confesse their faults , that did never blush to commit their faults ; though we gain by confessing , what we loose by transgressing .

Poor Adam when he had sinned he sought not the fairest fruits to fill his emptinesse , but the broadest leaves to cover his nakednesse . Its Gods eyeing of us that makes us prosperous , but it s our eyeing of God that makes us vertuous : What servant is there that would be a sleeper under the view of his Master ? Or what Souldier will be a Coward in the presence of his General ?

2. Principle that you should walk by is this ; That after all your present receivings , you must be brought to your future reckonings ▪ Give an account of thy Steward-ship , for thou mayest be no longer a Steward , Luke 16. 2. Mans enjoyment of outward blessings is not a Lord-ship but a Steward-ship . When we Haecbona Deus hominibus communicat , non ut ipsieorum sint Domini , sed dispensatores ad alios . Cherm . Har. Evang. cap. 122. take our leave of the earth the earth takes its leave of us . The rich man had as poor a beginning as the meanest , and the poor man shall have as rich an ending as the greatest .

Austin , Ideo latet ultimus dies ut observantur omnes dies ; We should every day be expecting our last dayes approaching . Persons of the greatest eminence have anciently had their Moniters .

The Sicilian Prince Agathocles , Is Rex , et Dominus factus Siciliae , fictilia pocula interserere solebataureis . Plut. Apoth . Sect. 26. had his earthen Plate to tell him that he was but a Potters son . The Roman Triumphers in the Meridian of all their splendor , had a servant behind them crying to each of them , Memento te esse hominem .

Men that are Gods in Office , are apt to think themselves Gods in Essence . As they say of the Pope at his installment , Mutatio nominis , is mutatio hominis ; The change of the name , makes the change of the man ; I have said ye are Gods , but ye shall dye like men , Psalm . 82. 2. This Divinity it s shrouded up in Mortality , and they that are Gods before men , are but men before God . Death levels Palidamors aeguo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas Regumque turres . Horat. Od. 4. the highest Mountains , with the lowest Valleys ; and mows down the Lillies of the world , as well as the grasse of the field . The Robes of Princes , and the rags of Peasants are both laid up together in the Wardrobe of the grave .

That Star that led Israel from Aegypt , went out of sight before they came to their journeys end : For we must all appear before the Omnes nos , generaliter sine excaptione , manifestari , evidentèr sine absconsione oportet , inexcusabiliter sine evas●one ; ●nte Tribunal , praesentialiter sine procuratore . Gor. in loc. Judgment Seat of Christ , that every one may receive the things done in his body , according to that he hath done , whither it be good , or whither it be evil ; 2 Cor. 5. 10. They who refused to come before his Mercy-seat , shall be forced to come before his Judgment-seat .

At the shril voice of the last Trumpet , the greatest Jailors shall surrender up 〈◊〉 their prisoners . Now we see living men begin to dye , but then we shall see dea● men begin to live . The scattered dust of Adams seed shall ride upon windy wings , till it meet together in a collected body .

Thy dead men shall live , together with my dead body shall they arise : awake and sing ye that dwell in dust , Isa. 26. 19. All the creatures in the world that have made their meals of mans flesh , shall find that they have eaten morsels too hard for the digestion of their weak stomacks . Now he that comes to raise the dead , he shall come to Judge the dead : In the day that God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel , 2 Rom. 16. The same Rule that God hath given the creature to act by , the same Rule he hath taken himselfe to judge by .

If you obey not the truth of God revealed from Heaven unto you , you shall suffer the wrath of God revealed from Heaven against you . Though you may resist the judgments that he layes before you , yet you can never resist the judgments that he layes upon you .

O shake the Vipers of lust off of your hands , lest they pull you into unquenchable flames . Let nothing be acted in one world , which cannot be answered in another . Because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousnesse , by that man whom he hath ordained , Acts 17. 31. It s the Son of man by whom the world was redeemed , and its the Son of man before whom the world is arraigned . He who was guarded to the Crosse with a band of Souldiers , shall be attended to the Bench with a guard of Angels .

The Thebanes pictured their Judges without eyes , that they might not respect persons ; and without hands , that they might not receive bribes : Shall not the Judg of all the world do right : The wills of other Judges are regulated by righteousnesse , but righteousness it self is regulated by this Judges will . As all his works are great and marvelous , so all his wayes are true and righteous .

Then there will be no standing before Christ , but by standing within Christ . What hopes shall he have at the general Assises whose conscience condemns him before he appears . Rejoyce O young man in the dayes of thy youth , and walke in the wayes of thy heart , and in the sight of thine eys . Eccl: 11. 9. You will say this is brave indeed if it Fruere , ut libet , hujus mundi voluptatibus , quòd si rebus hujus seculi insolescas , et abutaris , haud dubiè acerrimas aliquando lues paenas et extremo occurres judicio , in quo vitae tuae redditurus es rationem . Arboreus in loc. would alwayes last : O but after the flash of Lightning comes the clap of Thunder : But know that for all these things God will bring thee to judgement . As if he had said ; well run down the hill as fast as you please , you will be sure to break your necks at the last .

This is the day of Gods long-suffering , but that shall be the day of mans long-suffering . Here the cords of patience doth as it were tye the hands of vengeance . Sinners they have forbearing mercy , though they want forgiving mercy ; but at the worlds end such will be at their wits end .

He that now shakes his sword over their heads , will then sheath it in their bowells . There will be no tabula post naufragium , no planke to swim to the shoare , after your ship is split at the Sea . And the Kings of the earth , & the great men , and the rich men said to the Mountains and to the Rocks fall on us , and hide us from the face of him that sits on the Throne , and from the wrath of the Lamb , Rev. 6. 16. If you cannot endure Christs coming as a refining fire , how will you endure his coming as a consuming fire ?

You that despise the death of the Lamb , how will ye endure the wrath of the Lamb ? If the day of mercy leave you gracelesse , the day of judgment will find you speechlesse . There shall come in the last dayes s● offers , walking after their own lusts ; saying , Where is the promise of his ●oming ? 2 Pet. 3. 4. It 's no wonder to see such persons found in the fagg end of the world ; which like a false bottom being unwound is worst at the last .

But as an expiring man hath a little reviving before his departing ; or as the wasted candle gives a brighter glare at its going forth ; so their deepest security shall usher in their greatest calamity .

As mercy will let no service passe unrewarded , so justice will let no sin passe unrevenged . You that make no account of his Coming , how will you give an account at his Coming ?

One observes , That the Resurrection of the body is placed between the remission of sins and everlasting life , to show that then only is the Resurrection a benefit , when remission of sins go before it , and everlasting life follows after it .

It 's storied of one of the Hungarian Kings , who being on a time marvelously dejected , his brother would needs know what he ailed ; O saith he , I have been a great sinner against God , and know not how I shall appeare before him at the day of Judgment : his brother replyed that these were nothing but a traine of Melancholy thoughts , which should be banished from the breasts of Princes . The King lets his brother alone at present , but such was the Countries custome , that if the Executioners of justice sounded a Trumpet at any mans doore , he was presently to be led forth to death .

The King in the dead time of the night sends his Deaths-man , and causes him to sound his Trumpet before his brothers door ; who hearing the messenger comes with a pale and trembling countenance into his brothers presence , and beseeches the King to let him know wherein he had offended him . Oh Brother , saith the King ; thou hast alwayes pleased me and never griev'd me ; but if the sight of my Executioner be so dreadfull in thine eyes ; then the sight of Gods executioner must needs be more dreadfull in mine eyes .

How shall they be able to lift up their heads before Christ , that have lift up their hands against Christ : Le ts hear the conclusion of the whole matter ; Fear God , and keep his Commandements , for this is the whole duty of man , Eccl. 12. 13. This is all we have to do , and all this is to be done ; but why so ? vers. 14. For God shall bring every worke into Judgment , with every secret thing , whether it be good , or whether it be evill .

If you be offendors in your words , Minsuetum judicium , non enim ex quibus alius dicit de te , sed ex quibus ipsemet loquntus es calculationes judex feret , Gor. in loc. you will be made offendors for your words : By thy words thou shalt be justified , and by thy words thou shalt be condemned , Math. 12. 37. The Arrowes of idle words though they be shot out of sight , will hereafter drop downe upon the heads of those that drew the bow .

Lingua nihil est vel bona melius , vel mala pejus ; then a good tongue there 's nothing better , then a bad tongue there 's nothing worser . Jesus Christ will passe a sentence upon every sentence that hath passed . Then the rich mans baggs shall be turned to see how the poor mans box hath been filled . Riches as they bare the charges of the Pilgrims journey , so they heighten the burden of the Stewards account . Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing & cursing , Jam. 3. 12. There 's honey in the same Rose to the Bee , & poyson to the Spider : Out of the same mouth of Christ will proceed both blessing and cursing . As the same wind that sends one Vessell to its haven , sinks another Vessell in the Ocean ; or , as at the same gate a Citizen goes to his recreation , a thief goes to his execution .

He that saith , Come ye blessed , he Ignis infernalis qui semel accensus est , nunquam extinguitur . Gerard. saith , Goe ye cursed . O how sad is that Tragedy that shall ever be acted , but never be ended ! How can you heare the dolefull knell of an everlasting funerall ! Will those transient glances of former prosperity , lighten the load of future calamity ?

There 's but a little airey breathings betwixt you and everlasting burnings . The day of retribution , shall be a day of separation . The wheat and the chaffe , they may both grow together , but they shall not both lye together : When the one is gathered into the Garner to be preserved , the other is cast into the fire to be burned .

They that were here their derisions , shall not be there their companions . The Saints enjoyments shall be incomparable , when the sinners torments shall be intollerable . The Sea of damnation , shall not be sweetned with a drop of compassion . If once thou drop Facilis descensus averni , sed revocaro gradum &c Hic labor hoc opus est Virg. lib. Aeneid . 6. into Hell , after thousands of years you will be as farre from coming out , as at your first entring in .

Christ will put the Sheep by themselves that have the ear-mark of election , and the Goats by themselves that have the hand-mark of transgression .

In Hell there shall not be a Saint amongst those that are crucified , and in Heaven there shall not be a sinner amongst those that are glorified .

O how will those Magistrates dare to appeare before his Tribunall , that have stained the sword of Authority with the blood of innocency , by turning its back against the vitious , and whetting its edge against the righteous . Many an unjust judg that now sits confidently upon the Bench , shall then stand tremblingly at the Barre .

Or how will those Ministers appear that like the Dog and the Wolfe combine together to macerate the Flock ; that instead of treading out the Corn , are treading down the Corne ; and instead of furthering the Birth , are murthering the Child .

O you fair-faced guilded professors , that are no better then hells freeholders ; what will ye do ? When the painted sepulchre is opened , the dead mens bones will be disclosed . He will not judge you by the whitenesse of your countenances , but by the blacknesse of your consciences : the black hand must then part with the white glove . That Day will be too criticall , for the Hypocriticall : You that are now coloured for show , shall ere long be showne in your colours .

3. Principle that you should walke by is this , That God beares a greater respect to your hearts , then he doth to your workes . God lookes most where man looks lest , My Son give me thy heart , Prov. 23. 26. We cannot trust God with too much , nor our selves with too little . The first is our keeper , the last is our Traitor : Here you have the dignity with which a beleever is invested , and the Duty to which a beleever is invited .

The God of Heaven and Earth sues from Heaven to Earth . He that is all in all to us , would have that which is all in all in us . We commit our estates into the hands of men , but we must commit our hearts into the hands of God . There 's none of our spirits so good but he deserves them , there 's none of our spirits so bad but he desires them .

On whom do parents bestow their hearts but upon their children , and on whom should children bestow their hearts but upon their parents : but man hath no mind to give what God hath a mind to have : This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth , and honoureth me with their lips ; but their heart is farre from me , Matthew 15. 8. Heartlesse operations , are but hearty dissimulations : You may keepe your works to your selves , if you doe not give your hearts to him . He that regards the heart without any thing , he regards not any thing without the heart .

I beseech you therefore Brethren , by the mercies of God , that you present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy and acceptable to God , Rom. 12. 1. He that makes 〈◊〉 hath , must have all he makes . The Formalist he is all for outward activity ; the sensualist he is all for inward sincerity : The one hath nothing within , therefore he is for what is outward , the other hath nothing without , therefore he is for what is inward ; But it is not the pretence of inward sincerity , that can justifie outward impiety ; nor a shew of outward piety , that will excuse inward hypocrisie .

Though the braine be the spring of sensitive motion , yet the heart is the Originall of vitall motion . The heart its Primum vivens , ultimum moriens , it s the first that lives , and the last that dyes : O Jerusalem wash thy heart from wickedness , how long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee ? Jer. 4. 14. Vaine thoughts defile the heart as well as vile thoughts ; as snails leave their slime behind them as well as Serpents .

If the Leprosie takes a single thred it spreads over the whole peece : Though you cannot keep sinfull thoughts from rising , yet you should keep sinfull thoughts from reigning . Though these birds may hover over your houses , yet let them not build their nest in its heaves .

The Devill knows if there be any good treasure it is in our hearts , and he would faine have the key of this Cabinet to rob us of our Jewells . A heart that is sanctified , is better then a tongue that 's silvered : he that gives but the skin of worship , receives but the shell of comfort .

It is not the bare touching of the strings that is the making of the musick . A spirituall man may pray carnally , but a carnall man cannot pray spiritually . If our duties doe not eat out the heart of our sins , our sins will eat out the heart of our duties . A worke that is heartlesse , is Quando ea , quae per se quidem , et suo genere bona sunt fiant ; si non recte nec bene fiant , non placent . Dep. Chem. Evan: Har. cap. 51. a worke that is fruitlesse . God cares not for the crazy Cabinet , but for the precious Jewell . It 's said of Haniball that prime Captaine , that he was Primus ingressus , ultimus egressus , The first that went into the Field , and the last that came out of the Field : Thus should it be in all the operations of a Christian ; The heart should be the first that comes into Duty , and the last that goes out of Duty . In prayer the heart should first speak the words , and then the words should speake the heart .

All the inferiour Orbes they follow the motion of the superiour ones . If the heart be inditing of a good matter , the tongue will be as the pen of a ready writer .

It 's observed of the spider , that in the morning , before she seeks her prey she mends her broken webb , and in the doing of it , she alwayes begins in the middle : Christians before you pursue the profits and the pleasures of the world , you should mend the broken webbs of your lives , and in the doing of it you should alwayes begin at the heart . If you would have the Cocks to run wholsome water , you must looke well to the springs that feeds them . The heart is the presence Chamber where the King of glory takes up his lodgings . That which is most worthy in us , should be given to him that is most worthy of it .

Good words without the heart are but flattery , and good works without the heart are but hypocrisie . Though God pities stumbling Israelites , yet he punishes halting hypocrites .

It 's reported of Cranmer , that after his flesh and bones were consumed in the flames , his heart was found whole : A gracious soule is cloathed with sincerity , in the midst of it's infirmities . God is a Spirit ; and they that worship him , must worship Indicat quod Deus incorporeus est , oportet igitur , et incorpoream ejus culturam esse , hoc est per animam , et intellectus puritatem nos es offere Aquin. in loc. him in spirit and in truth , John 4. 24. You can never give him the heart of your services , unlesse you give him your heart in your services . It 's his heart that speaks a mercy saving , and it is our hearts that makes a duty pleasing .

It 's said of the Lacedamonians that were a poor people , and of the Athenians that were a rich people ; the former offered up leane sacrifices to Apollo , the latter fat ones : Yet in their warres , the Lacedamonians were alwayes conquerours , and the Athenians were alwayes conquered ; whereupon they went to the Oracle to know the reason , why they should speed worst that gave most : The Oracle gave them this returne , The Lacedamonians were a people that gave their hearts to their Gods ; but the Athenians did only give their gifts to their Gods . Thus a heart without a gift , is better then a gift without a heart .

Religion that 's a sacrifice , but the heart that 's the Altar upon which it must be offered . As the body is at the command of the soule that rules it , so should the soule be at the command of God that gives it . For a man to send his body to the service of God , and leave his soul behind him ; it 's as if a man should send his cloath's stuff't with straw instead of a personall appearance .

4. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; There 's more bitternesse following upon sins ending , then ever there was sweetness flowing from sins acting . The Devils Apple , though it may have a fair skin , yet it hath a bitter core .

Me thinks this flaming sword should keep us out of the forbidden Paradice ; and make our hearts like wet Tinder to all the sparks of Satans fire . Per delictum , morti regnum datur , nec potest regnare in aliquo , nisi jus regni accipiata delicto , Orig . l. 5. in Epist. ad Rom.

You that see nothing but weal in its commission , will suffer nothing but wo in its conclusion : The wages of sin is death , Romans 6. 23. He that likes the works of sin to do them , will never like the wages of sin to have them . Yea who would do those works that are but drudgery , for those wages that are but misery .

Though all sins are not equal , yet all sins are mortall . The candle of ourlives , is blown Nonne per peccatū mors , et per mortem omnes ejus comites paenae , cruciatus , et miseriae hujus vitae omnes ? porro peccatum toti mundo detrimentum adfert . Stap. in Dom. 5. Post Epiph. Tex . 4. out by the wind of our lusts . The corruption of nature tends to the dissolution of nature ; as the Leprosie got into the wals occasioned the demolishing of the house , Sin it stands as a But at which God may shoot every Arrow till he hath emptied his whole Quiver .

We began to be mortal , when we began to be sinful . If man had had nothing to doe with sin , Peccatum aculeus mortu dicitur ; non quia peccatum per mortem , sed per peccatum . Mors in mundum intravit . Fulgent de Incam . et Grat. Christi : cap. 14. death had had nothing to do with man : Our impiety forfeited the priviledg of our immortality .

Sin it s like a Serpent in the bosome that 's stinging ; or like a Theif in the Closet that 's stealing ; or like poyson in the stomack that 's paining , or like a sword in the bowels that 's killing . It s like Johns Book , sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly ; this fare faced Rachel will be found but a blear eyed Leah : Knowest thou not that it will be bitternesse in the latter end . The dregs lye in the bottome of the Cup.

That which is now like a Rose flourishing in your bosome , ere long will be like a Dagger drawn against your breast : The Ivy though it embraces the Oak yet it eats out its heart .

Sin it s a thing that 's delightful , O but its a thing that 's deceitful ; it s like Judas that at first salutes us , but at last betrayes us ; it shews the bait but hides the hook , it represents the amiability but covers , the obliquity ; it s like a River that begins in a quiet spring , but ends in a tumultuous Sea . Do men gather Ex his spinis colligitur , non laetitia conscientiae sed labruscae remorsus interioris non retributio gloriae , sed labruscae Gehennae . Gorran . In locum . Grapes of Thorns , or Figs of Thistles . Mat. 7. 16. The grapes of tranquility , grows not upon the Thorns of impiety . Heart peace is espoused to heart purity . The way to keep conscience untormented , is to keep conscience undefiled .

A Saint cannot so sin as to destroy Vide Bzoviu Conc. 24. Excellentissimè de hac re disserentem . his grace , but a Saint may so sin as to disturb his peace . The Spider cannot kill the Bees , but if she gets into the Hive she spoils the Honey . If you will be nibbling at the bait , the hook will enter into your bowels .

O think of that time wherein you shall be ashamed of nothing but your wickednesse , and glory in nothing but your holinesse . You may be eternally sinful , but you cannot be eternally joyful . In Hell all the Sugar will be melted , in which this bitter pill was wrapped : that 's too hot a climate for wanton delights to live in .

The pleasures of sin are suddenly abortive , but the pains of sin are eternally extensive . How soon did our first parents eat their forbidden fruit ! Esus vetiti illius pomi , omniū malorum sons , et orīgo fuit . Bzovius in Con. 24. p. 229. De malis a peccato allatis vide Bzovium . loco jam citato . but the world to this day cannot rid it selfe of the miserable consequences of that woful banquet . Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful , and the end of that mirth is heaviness , Proverbs 14. 13. The Serpent of sensual delight alwayes carries a sting in its taile . In such golden cups there are deadly draughts .

Will Gaul and Wormwood ever make you pleasant wine ? Such thick and muddy vapors will never yeeld any sweet and pleasant showers . You that sin for your profit , will never profit by your sins .

O that England would look with Scripture Spectacles upon all it s rased Tabernacles , and say , if sin had not been there , these had not lain here . It s better to take up our lodging in a bed of Snakes , then to take up our lodging in a bed of lusts : who would spread such silken Sails upon a Pirates ship ?

When the pale horse of death goes before , the red horse of wrath doth follow after : When the body goes to Worms to be consumed , the soul goes to flames to be tormented .

It s better here to forgoe the pleasures of sin , then hereafter to undergoe the pains of sin . Your ill doing will be your undoing : What fruit had you of those things whereof you are now ashamed ? Romans 6. 21. What advantage doth Dives reap in hell of all the delicate banquets that he had on earth ? What taste hath Cleopatra now of her draught of dissolved Pearls ? The stench and torment of everlasting burnings , will take away the sweetest perfumes that ever sin was powdered with . How can I doe this wickedness and sin against God ? Gen. 39. 9. It doth not grieve a Saint so much for this , that God is displeased with him , as it grieves a Saint for this , that God is displeased by him : He mourns not so much for the evil which sin doth bring , as he mourns for the sin which doth bring the evill . When Craesus son saw them go about to kill his father , he cryed out , O kill not King Craesus . Did Christ open his veins for our redemption , and shall not we open our mouths for his vindication ? The Crown is fallen from our heads , wo unto us for we have sinned , Lamenta. 5. 16. Sin it doth not only unman us , but it doth uncrown us : Yea , it doth not only take the Crown from off a sinners head , but it layes a curse upon a sinners back .

There 's many think the fountain of their lusts are quite dryed up , when the streams are turned into another Channel . A hand taken off from sinful practises , without a heart taken off from sinful principles , it s like a peece of ground , which having long lain fallow , when sown again yeelds more increase ; or like a stream that hath met with a dam , that runs with greater violence when the sluce is opened : that 's the fourth .

The 5. Principle that beleevers should walk by , is this ; That there is the greatest vanity in all created excellency : If this truth were more beleeved , this world would be lesse beloved .

A Lady being told that the world in all its glory was but vanity , true saith she , Solomon said so , but he tryed it before he said it , and so will I. Thus many beleeve not a Toad to be poysonous , till themselves are envenomed with it .

He that knocks at the creatures door , will find but an empty house kept there . All the rivers run into the Sea , yet the Sea is not full , Eccles. 1. 7. All the golden streams of worldly profits , though they may run into the hearts of men , yet they cannot fill up the hearts of men . Did you never heare a rich man complain of the want of riches ? though he hath enough to support him , yet he hath not enough to content him . The eye is not satisfied with seeing . If there be not enough in the world to satisfie the sences of men , how should there be enough in the world to satisfie the souls of men ?

The earth it s not a substance that is filling , but a shadow that is flying : The fashion of this world passes away , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : 1 Cor. 7. 31. The most excellent and flourishing Tamen ista divites nihil movent , quia aureus fulgor ecce cavit eos . Bzovius Conc. 28. p. 272. peeces of the whole creation , are continually posting to dissolution . We are commanded to use the world as though we used it not , because whilest we use the world it is not . The tide that so floatingly brings in the ship , suddenly leaves her in the mud : The higher the Sun of prosperity is in its shining , the nearer it is to its setting .

Have you not seen some who have begun their lives in a Palace , to end their lives in a Prison ? The golden Chains about their necks , have been turned into iron fetters about their Nondescen det tecum in puteum interni aurum splendidum , non lapides coruscantes , non servorum caterva , non agrorum latitudo . Bzov. loco citato . feet . The substance of this life , is but for the season of this life . All creature felicity , will become a prize to mortality .

You who feed upon golden dust , will have all your gold turned to dust ; and the short Summer of your prosperity , will usher in the long Winter of your adversity . You who doe rejoyce in the world , ere long will have no world wherein to rejoyce . Arise ye , and depart , for this is not your rest , because it is poluted it shall destroy you , even with a sore destruction , Micah 2. 10. Hearts ease is a flower that grows not in the worlds garden .

Where doth that fish swim that will not nible at that hook on which there hangs a golden bait ? How many perish for the having of that which doth perish in the using ?

Why dost thou seek for wealth , seeing the greatest Rulers are laid as naked on their dusty pillow , as the poorest beggars . The faster you grasp the world in your hands , the sooner it slides between your fingers . What is a man profited , if he shall gain the whole world , and Hoc loco notantur duo ▪ 1. Inutilitas temporalis lucri ; 2. Irrecuperabilitas spiritualis Damni . Gorr . in Loc. Quid expedit concervar● aurum lapides , et gemmas , et cum his in interitum pute● inferior is demorgi ? Bzovius ▪ ubi priu● . lose his own soul ? Matth. 16. 26. He that bought this ware knows its worth : The World if it be gained may be lost againe ; but the soul if it be lost can never be gained again . There is a way to keep a man out of hell , but no way to get a man out of hell . It s as easie for a stone to lodge in the aire , as it s for a man to rest in the earth .

The glory of this world its like a rotten post , that never shews bright but when it is in the dark . How few are there that clime the Staves of honor , but they leave a good conscience at the bottom of the Ladder . Beleevers themselves would surfeit of the worlds sweet-meat , if God should not call them away from the banquet .

Creature comforts they are like sweet dews , when they water the branches of the Tree , they leave the root dry . Why should Christians be found magnifying , what * * Diogenes , et Abdolonymus de quibus loquitur . Curtius , l. 4. inenis et lib. 2. juxta finem . Heathens have been found vilifying ? The world its rather a sharp Bryar to prick us , then a sweet flower to delight us .

Poyson works more furiously in wine , then it doth in water ; and corruption betrays it self more in a state of plenty , then it doth in a state of poverty .

Gerhard compares this Praeciosa nux apparet haec vita exteriús , sed sicultro veritatis aperias , videbis quod nil nisivermes , et putredo sintinterius . Gerhard ▪ Medit. 38. life to a beautiful Nut , which how fair soever it seems , is full of nothing but wormes and rottennesse . The earth it is for a Saints passage , but heaven is for a Saints portion : the former is for a beleevers use , the latter is for a beleevers choice .

Every thing below is too base for the soule Nobility , and too brittle for the souls Eternity . Who would set that vessel under the droppings of a Cistern , that 's able to drink in the waters of the Ocean ?

A Professor stuffed with the world is but like a Bladder filled with the wind . They that put on at the first for the world , are put off at last with the world . Son , remember thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things : These Blossomes will fall off from our Trees , when death shakes the boughs .

The world it s got with cares , and kept with fears , and lost with groans , We see the outside of a great estate but not the inside of it ; You behold the field of Corn Mundi honores , divitiae , et voluptates sunt tanquam uxae acerbae , etpoma viridia atque immatura ; sed specaem anium , et viriditatem Diabolus ostendit , acerbitatem tacet . Stapl : in Dom. 1. Quadr : Tex . 8. but not the Tares that are mixed with it ; you see not their clouds and nights , but their day and Sun .

The world pretends to be a Nurse , but if you draw her breasts , in the one you will find the water of vanity , in the other the wind of vexation of spirit . It s counted miraculous to find a Diamond in a Vein of Gold ; but it s more miraculous to find a Heavenly Christ in the bosome of an earthly Christian .

When we have the least of creature enjoyments , we should then bless God for them , When we have the most of creature injoyments we should not then bless our selves in them .

Thē world it doth us more hurt in our hearts by loving it , then it doth us good in our hands by having it . Labor not for the meat that perisheth , but for the meat that endureth to everlasting life , John 6. 27. Who would loose a Crown above , for a Crum below ?

Birds the higher they are in their flights , the sweeter they are in their notes ; The higher a Christian is raised above the things of the earth , the more he is ravished with the joys of Heaven . Surely every man walketh in a vain shew : surely they are disquieted in vain : he heapeth up riches , and knoweth not who shall gather them , Psal. 39. 6. He that views an Ox grazing in a fat Pasture , Ampla , ac locuples facultas perditionem infe●r dicitur ; refugienda est ampla possessio , ne consequatur profunda perditio . Salv. ad Eccles. Cath. l. 2. p. 404. concludes he is but preparing for the slaughter .

Worldly enjoyments they are but like hot water , which when cold weather comes are the soonest frozen . The greatest happinesse of the creature , is not to have the creature for its happinesse : Better not to have the world at all , then to have our all to be the world . The Raven when it had found a C●rrion to feed upon , cared not for returning home to the Arke .

The world its like a Looking-glass , there is a face presented by it , but there 's no face seated in it . When you have sifted out its finest flower it turns to Bran. Labour not to be rich , Proverbs 23. 4. A strange paradox , if it were not for labour , who would be rich ? and if it were not for riches , who would labour ? But see vers. 5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not ? whilest they are , they are not . They are not that they look like , they have not that we look for : But what are they not ? They are not durables but moveables ; For In hederâ qua delectabatur Jonas , parabat Deus vermem ut exarescet ; ita in rebus mundanis quibus amore multi adhaerescunt , nihil est stabile , sed vermes corruptionis in illis nascuntur . Gerhard . Medit. 38. riches certainely make themselves wings and flye away as an Eagle towards Heaven .

The Cup that now overflows with Wine , may be filled up to the brim with Water . When the Sun of earthly happinesse is in its Miridian Rayes it may be eclipsed . A man rejoyces in health , and an Ague shakes him ; In honour , and a Cloud shadows him ; In riches , and a Thief robs him ; In peace , and a rumor disturbs him ; In life , and death disappoints him .

The Heavens at first had their Dropsie , and then the old world was drowned ; the Heavens at last shall have their Feavor , and then the new world shall be burned .

The earth its big in our hopes , but little in our hands ; It s like Sodoms Apples , beautiful Nascuntur pomacirca regionem Sodomae , quae delectant exteriori pulchritudine , sed contacta in pulverem abeunt : Pelicitas hujus vitae exteriús delectat , quid si pressiori considerations eam tangas , fumo et pulveri similis apparebit . Gerhard . ubi prius . to the eye at a distance , but when you touch them they crumble into ashes . Riches availe not in the day of wrath ; not in the day of mans wrath to keep him from plundering ; not in the day of Gods wrath to keep him from punishing .

They are but a shield of wax against a Sword of power : They can no more keep an evil conscience from tormenting , then a Velvet sleeve can keep a broken arme from akeing .

Fire say some came down from Heaven , therefore restlessely works it selfe through all combustibles till it returns thither again : Every spiritual soul is Heavens free-born flame , raked up in the Embers of flesh and blood , therefore restlessely works it selfe through all combustibles till it returns thither again . He that comes from above , is above all , John 3. 31. Shall they who are so Nobly descended , be ignobly minded ?

Do but see how the men of the world are upon their knees for the things of the world : There be many that say , Who will shew us Carnales homines vaga , et incerto cursu huc , illuc feruntur , ad bonum optatū adipiscendum — qualibet inani specie boni capiuntur quod in communi tantùm et incerto petunt . Ames . in loc. any good ? Psal. 4. 6. As if they could find a Heaven on Earth , that should seek an Earth from Heaven .

It was a wretched expression of a worldly disposition ; Let but God give me enough of earth , and I will never complain of the want of Heaven . Thus is the curse of the Serpent intailed upon the seed of the Serpent ; there 's more of earth in them , then there is of them in earth . All these things will I give thee , if thou wilt fall down and worship me , Matth. 4. 9. If a covetous man had been there ; O how would he have catcht the promise out of the Devils lips , for fear he should have gone back from his word !

Some are so in love with their golden Baggs , that they will ride post to Hell if they be well payed for their pains .

Covetousnesse smothers Holinesse , as the damp of the earth puts out the Candle . This world it is a stinking Dunghil , wherein the Rich are like Cocks crowing upon it , and the poor like Chickings scraping about it : These hungry souls for want of better fare falls aboard upon such course cheare : That 's the Fifth .

6. Principle that you should walke by , is this ; That dutyes can never have too much care bestowed upon them , nor too little confidence placed in them . Therefore Brethren we are debtors , not to the flesh , to live after the flesh , Rom. 8. 12. We owe nothing to our corruption , but it 's crucifixian : But when God becomes a Donor , man becomes a debtor . The debt of sin is discharged for us , that the debt of service might be discharged by us .

Every thing hath it's bounds , but grace hath none ; in sollid godlinesse there can be no excesse . Those wells that are of Gods digging , can never be too full of water . He loves to see the plants of righteousnesse laden with the fruits of righteousnesse .

Though faith justifies separatim a bonis operibus , yet not seperata a bonis operibus : Though faith justifies alone , yet that faith is Sola particula exclusiva additur non ad seperandas alias virtutes a fide , aut ab homine justificato a quibus seperari non possunt , magis quam lux a sole , aut calor ab igne : sed a causando justificationem , vel ut praeparationes , vel merito , aut dignitate sua . Scharp . de just : controvers. 7. Consule etiam Davent . de just : act. cap. 32. prope finem . not alone that justifies : Look what Trees are without their fruits , that faith is without it's workes . In poynt of Sanctification good workes cannot be sufficiently magnified ; in poynt of Justification good works cannot be sufficiently nullified .

The most famous Pilots of the Roman Sea , when they came within the fight of the shoare , have quitted the bottome of merit , to saile in the bark of mercy , crying out , Tutissimum est in sola Dei misericordia acquiescere .

Most that perish , it is not their disease that kills them , but their physitian ; they think to cure themselves , and that leaves themselves incurable . Good works are so indigent as no man can be saved Bona opera sunt necessaria ad salutem ratione praesentiae , at non efficientiae . Id. in Cont. 11. De hâc re vid: Davent . de just. act. cap. 31. conclus. 4 , 5 , 7. pag. 402. &c. by them , and yet they are so excellent as no man can be saved without them .

It should be with Christs members as it is with the skilfull Mariners , Oculus ad Coelum , manus ad clavum , we should have our eyes on the Stars , but our hands on the sterne . Man is a creature apt to hug himselfe in his Religious dutyes ; but he will run himself into new debts , that thinks thus to pay off old scores . Now we know that whatsoever things the Law saith , it saith to them that are under the Law ; that every mouth may be stopped , Rom. 3. 19. How shall any Nolo meritum quod gratiam excludat , horreo quicquid de meo est , ut sim meus &c. Bern. in Cant. Ser. 67. mouth be opened , when every mouth is stopped ? wilt thou plead innocency to him , who sees thy black flesh under thy white feathers , and your fowle hearts under your faire acts ?

Good works they are our Jacob's staffe to walke Per scalam meritorum nemo potest ascendere in cae●um , nisi ea servetur integra , et ab imo ad summum minimè intercisa , aut interrupt● . Davent . ubi prius . with upon earth , but not our Jacobs ladder to clime with to heaven . To lay the salve of our services , upon the sore of our sinnes , is as if a man that is stung with a wasp should wipe his face with a Nettle ; or as if one should goe about to support a tottering fabrick with a fire-brand .

When the river failes us in it's water , we then look up to the clouds for moysture : Duties if Christ breaths not in them , a Christian growes not under them . Pure Elements yields no pure nourishments .

It was not the clay and the spittle that cured the blind man , but Christs Lutum solet magis excaecare . Aquin. in loc. anoynting his eyes with them : that was more likely to make a seeing man blind , then to make a blind man see .

It was not the troubling of the water in the Pool of Bethesda that made them healing , but the coming down of the Angell . That stomack will remain unsatisfied , that feeds on the dish instead of the meat .

If the Sun shine the Dial may direct us , but if the Sun be downe the Diall cannot instruct us : When the lightnings of Divine fury flashes in our eys , and the Cannons of the Laws curses thunders in our eares ; as fast as you lay on your own plaisters , a convinced conscience will rub them off againe .

Man may spread the net of duty , but it 's God must make the draught of mercy .

Others they walk by this principle , That much is too little for themselves , but a little is too much for God : But as you can never see him according to the greatnesse of his Majesty , so you can never serve him according to the goodnesse of his mercy .

St. Paul when he writes about the reception of a runaway servant , Phillemon 19. Thou owest to me thine own self . We do not only owe our services to God , but we owe our selves to God . Good workes though they be Adjudicat caelum ( devs ) ut operū mercedem piis , et fide ▪ libus , non tamen virtute meriti humani , sed promissi divini . Dav. cap. 33. temporal in their performing , yet they are eternall in their rewarding .

The body may as well live without any diet ; as the soul can live without any duty . But none of those things move me ; neither count I my life dear to my self , so that I may finish my course with joy , Acts 20. 24. Did Christ lay downe his life to obtaine the purchase of Heaven ? and shall not we lay out our lives to obtaine the possession of Heaven ? Is it worth his passion ? and is it not worth our action ? Alass , what 's our sweat to his blood !

What could he do more then dye for us ? and what can we do less then live to him ? To whom much is given of them much shall be required . You that are Christians , can you find me out that good that is not given to you , or that evill that is not forgiven in you ? God he deserves more from every Christian , then he demands from any Christian .

And as duties can never have too much conscience used about them , so they can never have too little confidence placed on them . So likewise ye , when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you , say , we are unprofitable servants , we have done that which was our duty to doe , Luk. 17. 10. Not only when all is to be done , but when all hath been done . God hath no need of us , for he is from everlasting without us blessed ; but we have need of God , for we are to everlasting without him cursed .

We must live in obedience , but we must not live on obedience . Duties they are via ad regnum , Opera bona haereditatem nobis in caelis paratam tantummodo , ut via , ac conditio in haeredibus requisita praecedunt . Synop. par. Theol: in disp: de bon. oper. Vide etiam Rivet . in Ps. 32. vers. 1. juxta fin . not causa regnandi . Feare not little flock , it 's your Fathers good pleasure to give you a Kingdome , Luke 12. 32. Heaven is not the product of mans labour , but it 's the product of Gods pleasure .

The Marriners will row hard in a storme , to get to the shoare by their own power , before they will awake him with a save us Master , or we perish . He becomes a Malefactor , Dignitas bonorum operum non ex illorum merito , sed ex sola dei gratiâ aestimanda est ; nam si Deus illa secundum legis suae rigorem examinaret ; censurâ potius ob imperfectionem suam digna essent , quam favore , ac beneficio ipsius . that comes not to a Mediator . All our operations are cloath'd with imperfections there 's aliquid infectivum , and aliquid defectivum . Our most sublime and spiritual duties , are not wound up to the height of a Command : They are all tainted with a disproportion to the Golden Rule ; as the Moon shines in a lower and inferiour Chamber to the Sun .

If you lay too much weight upon the pillars raised by your own hands , you will pull the whole building upon your own heads ; So then it s not of him that willeth , nor of him that runneth , but of God that sheweth mercy ; Romans 9. 16. It s not of him that wils , though it be never so heartily ; nor of him that runs , though it be never so hastily : Our Crown of Glory is made by mercy .

Our working is not the cause of Gods grace , but Ipsa salut hominis non debetur alicui per aliquam ejus voluntatem , vel exteriorem operationem quae dicitur cursus ; sed procedit ex solâ Dei misericordiâ . Aquin. in loc. but Gods grace is the cause of our working : Man may doe something against it , but man can doe nothing without it . It s ill hanging the great weight of Eternity , upon the small Wiers of Activity . The boundless life of felicity , flowes from the bottomless love of the Deity : That 's the sixth .

7. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; That there 's no obtaining what is promised , but by fulfilling what 's commanded . As those which were under the Law were not without a Gospel to save them , so those that are under the Gospel are not without a Law to rule Lex moral is non minus ad Christianos pertinet sub novo , quum ad Judae nos subvetere Testando . Synops. Pur. Theol. disp. 18. them . What God hath put asunder let no man joyn together ; but what God hath joyned together let no man put asunder . It 's as ill divorcing what 's united , as it is uniting what 's divorced . Ask , and it shall be given you ; seek , and ye shall Quasi dixisset , id quo vobu opus est , petite ; Non conceditur quod petitis ? Quaerite , Negatur quod quaerites ● Pulsate Deus vult cogi . Arrowsin . Tact. sacr. l. 3. cap. 1. sect. 11. find ; knock , and it shall be opened unto you , Matthew 7. 7. Continued Importunity is the most learned Oratory ; repeated knocks soonest opens heavengates . Man cannot blame God for not giving , but God can blame man for not asking : He that inables us to find him , he enjoyns us to seek him ; He that hath promised us to open that we might not be doubtful , hath enjoyned us to knock that we might not be sloathful .

He that will not heare Debet se ei viâ morum conformare , in viâ justitiae , charitatis , et patientiae , &c. et haec est via Coeli , non seculi ; Dei non Mundi . Gorram . in loc. the voice of Christ , shall never see the face of Christ He that saith He abideth in him , ought to walk even as he also walk , 1 John 2. 6. Then only doth the Watch of our lives move with uprightnesse , when it is set by the beams of the Sun of Righteousnesse .

As he hath made his glory to be the pattern of our happinesse , so he hath made his grace to be the pattern of our holinesse .

The Law condemns those persons as criminal that pretends to the Royal blood , but are not of it , because there 's a dependance between the blood Royal and the Crown Royal. I know the blasphemy of them , which say they are Jews , and are not , but are the Synagogue of Satan , Revel: 2. 9. Many would be made like Christ in Blisse , who would not be made like Christ in Grace ; They would have a promise to corroberate their assurance , but would not have a precept to regulate their performance .

Observe the connexion ; The Lord is our Judge , the Lord is our Law-giver , the Lord is our King , he will save us , Isa. 33. 22. Where ever Christ is a Priest for Redemption , he is a Prince for Dominion ; Wherever he Non rebellibus , sed meum credentibus , et ei obedientibus est causa sufficiens salutis aeternae , Gor. in loc. is a Saviour , there he is a Ruler : And being made perfect , he became the Author of eternal salvation , unto all them that obey him ; Heb. 5. 9.

Jesus Christ where he is a fountain of happinesse , there he is a fountain of holinesse ; If he be not your Refiner , he will not be your Redeemer : And those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay before me ; Luke 19. 27. It s here the voice of rebelious sinners , we will not have this man to reign over us , and it will hereafter be the voice of a righteous Saviour , I will not have these men to reign with me . As many as walk according to this rule , peace be upon them , Gala. 6. 16. To tread in any other path on Earth , is but to mistake your way to Heaven .

If the Golden Chains of duty will not hold you , Jussasme culsâ non neglig●ntur , sine crimine non co●temnan●ur , ubique enim et neglectus culst●bi●e . , et contemptus d●mnabi●is est . Bern : de praec : & dispens. the Iron Chains of darkness shall bind you : If you abuse your liberty in one world , you will loose your liberty in another : Blessed are they that do his Commandemen●s , that they may have right to the tree of life , Revel. 22. 4.

To look upon a promise without a pr●cept is the Road way to presumption ; To look upon a precept without a promise is the Road way to desparation ; the one is like the Lead to the Net to keep it from floating , the other is like the Cork to the Net to keep it from sinking .

Beleevers should be like the point in the compasse , that 's governed not by the various winds , but by the constant Heavens . An obedient person when hisbody is translated from life to death , his soul is translated from death to life . O doe not make him to be a Quàm miserum est ex eò flore vene●um colligere , equo alii remedium sugunt stone for stumbling , that God hath made to be a stone for building .

The force of the fire is manifested as much in consuming the dross , as in refining the Gold .

The strength of a Rock is seen not onely in upholding the house that 's built upon it , but in breaking the ships that dashes against it . The pillar of a Cloud was as wonderful in the darknesse that it cast upon the Aegyptians , as in the brightnesse that it gave to the Israelites .

Thus doth the Lord Jesus display the greatnesse of his owne power , in putting off the living to death , as well as in raising of the dead to life : Come unto me all ye thatlabour , and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest , Matthew 11. 28. But what follows ? vers. 29. Take my yoke upon you , and learn of me . Wherever he takes a burden from off the creatures back , there he layes a yoke upon the creatures neck . The Gospel it gives a pardon to the greatest sin , but it doth not give a patronage to the smallest sin .

To be lascivious because God is gracious , what 's this but to split that ship in the Sea , which should Land us at the Shore ? To live in a holy obedience to a Heavenly Father is the liberty of Gods sons , but to give lust the swinge is the licentious bondage of the Devils slaves .

That soule was never related to Christ , that was never devoted to Christ . Not every Observa quomodo Christus ponit discrimen inter judicium Dei , et hominum in culis principum bonum est dicere Domine Domine , quia ●dulatores , qui dulcia et suavia auribus personant , sunt plurimae aestimationis apud eos . Multò aliter erit in Regno Coeli , ibi enim cor no strum majoris erit valoris , quam phalerata verba et bona conscientia plus aestimabitur , quam crumena nummis onusta . Stella in Luc: cap. 6. vers. 46. one that saith unto me , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdome of Heaven ; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven , Matthew 7. 21. Obedience and Subjection to the will of God is not only our present duty , but it 's the paved Causy to our future glory : To think that he should perform the Obligation , when we brake the Condition , is as if a man should expect to see the blood in his body before his Vein be opened ; or as if one should goe about to wash his hands before he had turned the Cock to let out the water .

Would you have the grain to be reaped , before ever the ground be sowed ? So run that you may obtain . There s no obtaining the prize of happinesse , without running the race of holinesse . In vain doth that husbandman look for a Harvest that throws his Plough into the hedge .

Sitting birds are Fowlers marks . The onely way never Quod nisi et assiduis terran . insectaberrnestris . Hou , magnum alterius frustrà spectabis acervum . Virg. Georg. l. 1. to be ill imployed , is never to be unimployed . When men are out of the way of their callings , its easie to call men out of their way .

God works with means , and he works without means ; With them , to shew that man should use the means , and yet ever relye upon God ; without them , to shew that man should relye upon God , and yet ever use the means .

Jacob he makes his prayers to a Heavenly Father , and yet presents his gifts to an angry Brother . David when he went out against Goliah , he makes the name of the Lord his trust , and yet a Sling and a Stone his Weapons .

The Sword of Joshua must go along with the Prayers of Moses ; and the Prayers of Moses must go along with the Sword of Joshua : If they had fought and had not prayed they had not obtained the victory , because God will not be neglected . If they had prayed and not fonght , they had not obtained the victory because God will not be tempted ; This is he that came by water and blood , even Jesus Christ , 1 John 5. 6. Christ doth not come by blood without any water , nor by water without any blood ; He comes not to pardon and to leave the soul unpurged , nor to purge and to leave the soul unpardoned .

Where ever the merit of Christ doth clear a soul from what is guilty , the Spirit of Christ doth cleanse a soul from what is faulty . A man may be justified without immediate glorification , but he cannot be justified without concomitant sanctification . The Law is as dear to God by which he rules us , as the Gospel is dear to us by which he saves us .

Many there be that use faith as an eye to see withal , that doe not use it as a hand to work withall ; they look for victory , but do not fight to obtain it ; Arise therefore and be doing , and the Lord be with thee , 1 Chron. 22. 16. Without God man can do nothing , and without man God will doe nothing .

That faith which sets men at work against Gods enemies within them , that faith sets God at work against mens enemies without them . Mans prayers Sunt promissiones quibus ( Deus ) tanquam placidissimus conselator solatur , eas tamen absque petitionibus impleri minime promittit — Orati●●●s igitur usus ad promissa divina in nobis implenda , tutissimum et certissimum , atque infallibile medium est . Bzo . Con. 17. p. 159. are the Mid-wives of Gods promises ; the promises they are the Wels of comfort for our succour , but prayer is the Bucket that must draw up their water . Here the Crop which you gather will out-go the Seed which you seatter ; that 's the seaventh .

8. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; It 's ill dressing our selves for another world , by the looking-glasse of this world . Thou shalt not follow a multitude to doe evill , Exod. 23. 2. Let them be never so mighty they are not to be feared , let them be never so many they are not to be Pusillus dicitur grex electorum , respecta majoris numeri reproborum . Beda a Gor. in Luc. 12. 32. citat . Est ergò falsum , et arenosum Jesuitarum fundamentum , quo Ecclesiae suae certitudinem super multitudine adhaerentium , et sectantium fundatam esse contendunt . Chemn . Har. Evan. cap. 110. p. 2068. followed .

Satans heard of swine is larger then Christs flock of Sheep . To inferre that way to be the truest which is the largest , is to conclude the fineness of the cloath , by the broadnesse of the list .

The droves of men are like the droves of beasts that goes to the shambles . Though all Israel shall be as the sands on the shoare , yet but a remnant shall be saved , Rom. 9. 27. The whole peece goes to the Devill ; there 's but a remnant that 's cut off for God : There 's many birds of prey to one bird of Paradise . Pibbles lye in common streets , when pearls are hardly to be found .

The Scripture doth not only present us with the Christus fideles , vocat 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quia colletione cum Sacerdotibus , Pharisaeis , et reliquo Judaeorum caetu institutâ , et numero sunt pauciores , et aestimatione viliores . Id. Ibid. purity of those that shall be saved , but with the paucity of those that shall be saved : Strait is the Gaete , and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life , and few there be that find it , Math. 7. 14. The Persians thought a crooked nose a great ornament , because seated on the face of their Emperour ; and the whole Court would go awry , because such a neck was upon the shoulders of Alexander .

Great mens vices are more imitated , then poor mens graces . Ill hnmours from the head consumes the vitalls in the body : Inferiours love to go the way which superiours use to goe ; the actions of their Rulers , is the Rule of their actions ; they conceive by the eye , like Jacobs sheep which produced their Lambs sutable to the colour of the rods .

They who follow after others in sinning , are like to follow after others in suffering ; and then the number of the faggots , will but multiply the fury of the fire . Many are called but few are chosen , Math. 20. 16. It s not many are chosen , but few are called ; but many are called , but few are chosen .

Never think to find the golden Oare but in Veines . In heaven are the best fruitions , but in hell are the most companions . Beleevers , though their natures are the sweetest , yet their numbers are the smallest .

Flavus Vopiscus said , That all the names of the good Emperours might be engraven in a little Ring . I will not say there are not any good men that are great , but I will say that there are not many great men that are good .

The Trees of righteousnesse are thinly planted in the worlds Orchard . As in one righteous man there are many sins , so for one righteous man there are many sinners . Our fathers have eaten sowre grapes , and the childrens teeth are set on edge . The generallity of persons , they will rather walke in the way that the most goe , then they will walke in the way that the best goe : They are like dead fish , that swims downe the streame whither soever it runs ; or like water that takes the figure of the Vessell in which it is contained . But Vox populi is somtimes Vox Diaboli : what 's ingraven upon the seale , is imprinted upon the wax .

If we will not have the world to be our leaders , we shall be sure to have them to be our troublers ; if they cannot seduce us into an evill way , they will oppose us in a good one ; If they cannot scorch us with their fire , they will black us with their smoake , speaking evill of you , because you run not to the same excesse of riot ; because they will not doe evill with them , therefore they will say evil of them . We must not walke in the way that hath been gone , but in the way that should be gone : Be ye followers of those , who through faith and patience have inherited the promises . What 's the reason that there are so many scribling professors in the world , but that they write after such imperfect Copies .

The best of men are but men at the best : It 's better imitating of an evill man in what is good , then it 's imitating of a good man in what is evill . Be ye followers of me , 1. Cor. Exempla sanctorum non sunt nobis imitanda , nisi quat●nus consentanea sunt cum lege Dei , et cum Christi exemplis ; ideo neque Apostolus simpliciter dixit imitatores mei estote , sed adjecit , sicut ago Christi . Zanch. de nat. Dei . l. 3. c. 3. ult. fere verb. 11. 1. But this Exhortation hath its limitation , as I am of Christ : Where he follows Christ , we must follow him ; but if Paul forsake Christ , we may forsake Paul .

It was a good saying of Sir Thomas More , I will not pin my faith upon any mans sleeve , because I know not whither he will carry it . Beleevers have not only infirmities that are naturall , but they have infirmities that are sinfull . When they begin to be spirit , they do not cease to be flesh . Noah was no sooner delivered from a deluge of water , but he was drown'd in a deluge of wine . Their failings flow not from a want of grace , but from a want in grace ; not from a nullity in holiness , but from an impotency in holiness : As they are not so bad as they have been , so they are not so good as they shall be : those Roses that are now in Gratia est adhùc in augmento , at posteà erit in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 seu complemento . Davent . de just. act. cap. 34. their blossome shall be fully blown ; and the Starres that are yet imprisoned under a cloud , shall be set in a cleare sky .

They are but slovenly Christians , that will swallow all that beleevers doe without pairing their actions : The Comment must be followed no further then it agrees with the Text.

Say not in your hearts , Multi sua peccata tegere volunt , et defendere exemplo Davidis , et aliorum , quorum paenitentiam imita●● opo●●ebat , non corum peccata : utere exemplis bonorum , illosque in bonis actibus imitare . Stella in Luc. c. 4. vers. 27. why may not I be drunk as well as Noah ? and commit Adultery as well as David ? Did you ever hear of any that put out their eyes , because others were smitten with blindnesse ? or that cut off their leggs , because others went on Crutches ?

If you have sinned as they have sinned , you should mourn as they have mourned : These acts are not for our imitation , but for our caution ; they are not Land-marks for Travellers , but Sea-marks for Mariners . If a man find a piece of gold covered with dirt , will he possesse himselfe with the dirt , and throw away the gold . You have heard of the patience of Job ; James 5. 11. We have not Apostolus commondat Job cum tamen Coeco impetu abreptus , multa impatientiae signa edidit , at etiamsi carnis infirmitate labascit , vol secum tumultuatur , hu● tamen semper redibat , ut se●otum Deo permitteretea . Calvin Loc. only heard of Jobs patience but we have heard of Jobs impatience ; instead of cursing the sin in which he was born , he curses the season in which he was born .

You have heard of the meekness of Moses ; and yet this even thred was not without its snarles : whilest he is striking water out of the Rock , he is fetching fire out of his heart , And Peter not only forsakes his Lord , but forswears his Lord .

Who would ever have suspected that he who had his name from a Rock , should have proved such a Reed . Holy men they may be good Witnesses at the Bar , but they are bad Judges on the Bench.

If you will not turn your backs on Aegypt , you may fall short of the Land of Canaan .

It was the complaint of one in his time , That the greater theeves did execution upon the lesser ; But when God comes to passe Sentence he will bring the biggest to the Bar ; his Laws are not like Cob-webs which holds the little flies prisoners , but the great ones break with small resistance ; He will set the Saddle upon the back of the right Horse .

Though you may have many under you upon Earth , yet you have one over you which is in Heaven . The Lord called to Adam and said unto him , where art thou ? Gen. 3. 9. Not where wert thou ? but where art thou ? Oh how quickly hast thou morgaged that inheritance which I so lately setled on thee in Paradice ! The woman that thou gavest me , she gave me of the Tree and I did eat , Gen. 3. 12. Because she put it into his hands , therefore he put it into his mouth .

The brats of sin are so ugly when they are brought forth , that we are loth to own them our selves , therefore lay them at the doores of others .

The stable Mountains are not so firme but they may be removed by Non igitur imitandi sunt fideles , quatenus homines , sed quatenus in eis resplendet imago Dei . Bzov : Conc : 12. Page 119. fearefull Earthquakes : Those Saints that have been as the greatest Stars , have left behind them their twinklings and sad Eclipses .

9. Principle that you are to walk by , is this ; That where man is so dilligent as to do his best , there God is so indulgent as to forgive his worst . What an apology doth a waking Saviour make for his sleeping Saints ; The Spirit is willing , but the flesh is weak . Take a carnal man , and what he can do that he will not ; take a Christian man , & what he would do that he cannot .

Now impotency shall be pityed , when obstinacy shall be punished . God hath mercy for cannots , but none for will nots : Adams want was rather will then power , but our want is rather power then will . Psal. 119. 5. O that my wayes were directed , Emitto vocem cupientis , et antrelantis — Donec liberati simus semper clamabimus utinam ! Suspirabimus ex sensu imbecilitatis nostrae , Donec gaudium plenum sit infruitione . Rivet : in loc . that I might keep thy statutes . A Saints will begins , where his work ends . Lord I beleeve , help my unbeliefe ; Lord I see , enlighten my darkness ; I hear , but cure my deafness ; I move , but quicken my dulness ; I desire , but help my unwillingness ; I remember , but remove my forgetfulness .

In the playing of a Lesson a single string may jarr and slip , and yet the main be musicall ; It were a folly indeed to think our fields had no corn , because there is chaff , or that the pile had no Gold , because there is Dross . In Heaven there 's service alone without any sin , In hell there 's sin alone without any service , but on earth there 's sin and service in the same heart , as there is Wine and Water in the same Cup. To condemn thy evil is good , but to condemn thy good is evil . Here beleevers are like the Israelites , that in their darkest night had a pillar of fire , and in their clearest day had a pillar of a cloud : Above us there 's light without any darkness , below us there 's darknesse without any light , but here it s neither day nor night , but in the evening it shall be light .

Though the lowest beleever be above the power of sin , yet the highest beleever is not above the presence of sin . It s in a living man that lust is mortified , but it s in a dying man that lust is nullified .

When the body and the soul are separated by mortality , sin & the soul are separated to eternity : though a forced compulsion is sufficient to testifie a Tyrant , yet its ready obedience that proves homage to a King .

Sin never ruins , but where it reigns . It s not destroying where it is disturbing : Lust its least hurtful where it is most hateful . The more evil it receives from us , the lesse evil it doth to us ; it s only a murderer , where it is a Governour .

But the Rose is a fragrant flower though it be surrounded with prickles . The Passover was a feast though it was eaten with sowre Hearbs .

There 's much of the wild Olive in him that 's ingrafted into the true Olive : Our graces are our best Jewels , but they do not here yeild their full lustre . The Moon when it shines brightest hath its spots , and the fire when it burns hottest hath its smoak . I said in my hast , I am cut off from before thine eyes , nevertheless Intalem stupori , excessum adductus fui , ut mihi viderer projectus a conspectu praesentiae tuae ; tu verò , exaudita mea oratione , quanto ejus ad fuisti per subventionem et consolationem misericordiae tuae . Titelman in Locum . thou heardest the voice of my supplication , Psal. 31. 22. Who would have thought that ever those prayers should have had any prevalency , that were mixed with so much infidelity .

Sin is an enemy at our backs , but not a friend in our bosomes . Although beleevers should be mournful because they have infirmities , yet they should be thankful because they are but infirmities . It is not the Interposition of a cloud that makes a night , but the departing of the Sun .

Take the best beleever that breaths and he is fuller of his sins then he is of his prayers . There is too much of earth in our imployments for Heaven . But as he that drew Alexanders picture , when there was a scar on his facedrew him with his finger upon the scar ; so Jesus Christ when he draws the picture of the Saints excellencyes , layes his finger upon the scars of the Saints infirmities .

He looks over what is his , and overlooks what is theirs ; Where there is no sins of allowance in them , there shall be grains of allowance to them : he will not throw away his Pearls for every speck of dirt .

Christ honours grace in its maturity , yet he owns it in its minority . O thou of little faith , wherefore didst thou doubt ? They had faith enough to keep them from damning , but they had not faith enough to keep them from doubting .

The least buds draw sap from the root , as well as the greatest branches . Though one Star exceed another in magnitude , yet both are alike seated in the Heavenly Orbe : Though one member of the body be larger then another , yet each hath an equal conjunction with the head .

The Rind of good actions is tainted by infirmities , but their Core is rotted by hypocrisie . Jacob halted and yet was blessed : as his blessing did not take away his halting , so his halting did not keep away his blessing .

Hagar will have a room in Sarahs house , till death turne her out of doors . Death as it leaves the body soul-lesse , so it leaves the soul sinlesse , For if there be first a willing mind , it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that he hath not , 2 Cor. 8. 12. He doth not look that the Cock should run water , when there 's none put into the Cistern .

Jesus Christ doth not put out a beleevers Vae nobis si secundum firmitatem fidei Deus nobiscum agere vell●● . Chem : Har: Evan: cap. 83. p. 15. 85. Candle , because of the dimness of its burning , nor overshadow a beleevers Sun because of the watriness of its shining .

Though that Vice may be found in us , for which he might justly damn us , yet he hath not lost that grace by which he can as easily save us . He comes not with water to put out the fire , but with wind to drive away the smoak .

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord , ( Pro: 15. 8. ) because the Incense stinks of the hand that offers it . Not only the wickeds plotting against the Godly is sinful , but also the wickeds praying unto God is sinful : but what follows , The prayer of the upright is his delight . If the vessel of the heart be clean , he will taste of the liquor that 's drawn from it : O my Dove ! that art in the clefts of the Rocke , in the secret places of the Stare● ; lee me see thy countenance , let me hear thy voice , for sweet is thy voice , and thy countenance is comely , 2 Canticles 14. That 's the ninth .

10. Principle you should walk by , is this ; That inward purity , is the ready road to outward plenty ; That 's but a Hell-bred Proverb , ●lain dealing is a Jewel , but he that uses it shall dye a beggar .

Religion though it be against our ease , yet it s not against our interest . O what clusters of Grapes hang all along our way to Canaan ! It s a true expression of Tertullian , Major esset authoritas imperantis quamutili●as servientis ; That Divine authority should be of greater force , then humane utility : But Religion is so bountiful a Master , that none need be afraid of becoming its servants : But seek ye first the Kingdome of God , and his righteousnesse , and all these things shall be added unto you , Matthew 6. 33. Our work below is the best done , when our work above is the first done . Do you make Heaven your Throne to serve it ; and God will make the earth your footstool to serve you . The young Lyons lack , and suffer hunger , Psal. 34. 10. The young Lyons that have old ones to provide for them , that will have it if it be to be had ; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing . As you would have no evil things , so you shall want no good things .

He that opens the upper , will never close the lower springs : There shall be no silver lacking in Benjamins Sack whilest Joseph hath it to throw in : grace is no such beggarly blaze , as will not pay for its owne blowing . when the best of beings is adored , the best of blessings are convayed .

Whilest the rough Esau's of the time hunt after the Venison , the smooth Jacobs carry away the blessing . For the Lord God is a Sun and Eum , qui tam pretiosa largitur , qualiter pigebit erga voselementiam exercere . Aquin : in 8. ad Rom. v. 32. a Shield , the Lord will give grace and glory ; and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly , Psal. 84. 11. What need he fear darknesse that hath a Sun to guid him ? Or they dread dangers , that have a shield to guard them ?

O Christian , the God whom thou servest is so excellent , that no good can be added to him , and so infinite that no good can be diminisht in him : he makes happy , and yet is not the less happy ; he shews mercy to the full , and yet remains full of mercy .

Did a man beleeve that the Lord would not fail his body , how chearfully would he look after his soule ! Sinners they look upon times of obedience , as upon times of hindrance ; they trust to their own unutterable toylings , and not to his unalterable undertakings ; they drive such a trade on earth , as makes them break in their merchandize for Heaven .

But what the Philospher said , Solus sapiens dives , That only the wise man is the rich man ; That may I say Solus sanctus dives , Though every rich man be not one that 's truly godly , yet every Godly man is one that 's truly rich .

The Sun can as easily display its Beams over the whole world , as shed its Rayes upon a single field : What God receives from man makes him never the richer , and what man receives from God makes him never the poorer ; his goodnesse is capable of imparting , but his goodnesse is not capable of impairing .

If the fountain be still running , why shouldst thou fear the want of filling ? The Lord is my sheepheard , I shall not want , Psal. 23. 1. The sheep of Christ may change their pasture , but they shall never want their pasture . Is not the life more then meat ? and the body then rayment ? Matthew 6. 25. If he trust us with the greater , shall we distrust him for the lesser ? He that hath given us our beings , will give us our blessings , the great husband-man never over-stocked his owne Commons .

Jehu had an external Kingdom that served God but in hypocrisie ; but they shall have a heavenly Kingdome that serve God in sincerity : if he valued counterfeit coyne at so great a rate , how highly will he esteeme of true gold ! If he drops so much into a vessell of wrath , what will he do into a vessell of mercy ! If he doe so much for a slave of hell , what will he do for a son of Heaven ! O Generation , see the word of the Lord : Have I been a wildernesse unto Israel ? a land of darknesse ? Wherefore say my people , we are Lords , we will come no more unto thee , Jer. 2. 31. God was not a wilderness to Israel , when Israel was in the wildernesse ; when they wanted bread , he gave them Manna from Heaven to satisfie their hunger ; when they wanted water , he broacht a Rock to quench their thirst ; and though they had no new cloaths provided for them , yet their old cloaths did not weare out upon them ; but as some think , as their backs grew , so their cloaths grew : yea , when they were put to their hardest pinch , he made a dry lane , with watery walls , through the deepe channells of the Red Sea . They were never better liking , then when they were at his immediate finding .

O how good is a beleevers God! that doth not only shorten his pilgrimage for him , but sweetens his pilgrimage to him . Christians if they had too much in temporalls , might then have too little in spiritualls . The three children ( Daniel 1. 15. ) did thrive better with their pulse , then the rest with the royall allowance .

O how safely have some men rowed in a narrow river , that have been cast away in the large Ocean ! Little is sufficiency to him , who with it enjoyes Alsufficiency : Christian , get a holy heart , and thy estate in Heaven shall be transcendent , yea , thy estate on earth shall be sufficient .

Naked piety is a good commodity ; but Religion is a cloud that will water our gardens . Let the people praise thee , O God ; yea , let all the people praise thee : What then ? Then shall the earth yield her increase ; and God , even our God shall blesse us , Psal. 67. 5 , 6. It 's our unthankfullnesse , that is the cause Gratiarum a●●io ampliora a Deo beneficia impetrat . Stapl. in Dom. 3. post Epip . tex. 5. of the earths unfruitfullnesse . Whilst man is blessing of God for his mercies , God is blessing of man with his mercies : Trumpeters repeat their sounding , where an eccho is returning .

What 's the reason that men are so afraid of godlinesse ; but because they thinke that when they seek for heavenly Manna , they shall loose their earthly Mammon ; That piety is the only enemy of prosperity . Could they but reap profit by praying , they would take pleasure in praying : What is the Almighty that we should serve him ? and what profit should we have , if we pray unto him ? Job 21. 15. Alas ! Who would set those plants about him , that will yield no fruits unto him ?

The world they look upon gain as the highest godlinesse , and not upon godlinesse as the highest gaine : As if a worldly substance would make amends for a wounded conscience . I am afraid that this worme that is gnawing , will bring you to a flame that 's everlasting . But godlinesse is profitable unto all things , having the promise of the life that now is , and of that which is to come , 1 Tim. 4. 8. Who knows how many sweet productions , are in the wombe of this morning Sun . So that men shall say , verily , there is a reward for the righteous : verily , there is a God that judgeth the earth , Psal. 58. ult. There 's no work that is done in vaine , but that work that is vainly done . Wealth and riches shall be in his house ; and his righteousnesse ▪ indures for ever , Psal. 112. 2 , 3. Doe but you take care of all that belongs to God , and God will take care of all that belongs to you .

For all other gaines , whilst we live we lose them , or when we dye , we leave them ; to whom we know not , but it may be to them we would not . Inkeeping of thy Commandements there is great reward , Psal. 19. 11. There is not only a reward for keeping of them , but there 's a reward in keeping of them .

In other services the Master hath all the profit , and the servant none ; but in this the servant hath all the profit , and the Master none , 2 Sam. 6. 11. And the Arke of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months : and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom , and all his houshold . The Ark was not blessed for the sake of the houshold , but the houshould was blessed for the sake of the Arke . The Arke of God payes for its entertainment wheresoever it comes .

We say that those have decayed limbes that must be helped on with crutches ; Such are they that will side with resigion when they may live upon it , but will shrink from Religion when it must live upon them . But that maxime is still true , that Godliness with contentment is great gain , 1 Tim. 6. 6. It 's only the Christian man , that is the contented man ; and what is our enjoyments without contentment ? what 's abundance of possessions , if linked to abundance of vexations ? Wicked men make this world their treasure , and God makes this Fiunt instrumenta paenarum , quae ( scilicet divitiae ) fuerant oblectament● culparum . Innocent . world their torment : When they want estates they are troubled for them ; when they have estates they are troubled with them ; when they should drink of the river , God disturbs the water .

Sinner remember , when thou diest thou wilt find godlinesse needfull , and whilst thou livest thou wilt find godlinesse gainfull : The purest honey is ever gathered out of the hive of holiness . O that my people had hearkened unto me ; and Israel had walked in my wayes ! Psal. 81. 13. But what had they got by it ? vers. 16. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat ; and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee .

The wayes of iniquity are the wayes of beggery . It 's but equal that God should fall out with them in the course of his providence , that falls off from him in the course of their obedience ; that they should have nothing from him in a way of bounty , that will doe nothing for him in a way of duty .

If you make your Tabernacles leprous , God will make your Tabernacles ruinous . Length of dayes is in her right hand ; and in her left hand riches and honour , Prov. 3. 16. Look to which hand you will , and yet you shall find that both are full .

It 's storied of Synesius a Minister , that living near Evagrius a philosopher , This story you may read larger just after Mr. Baxter's Preface to his book called the Crucifying of the world . and had often perswaded him to be a Christian ; O but saith the Philosopher , if I become a christian , either I must lose all for Christ , or else I may lose all for Christ ; to whom the Minister replyed , what you lose for him he will pay you againe : O but saith the philosopher , will you be bound for Christ , that if he do not pay me you will ? Yes saith he , and so became a surety for his surety , and the philosopher became a Christian : When this person came to lye upon his dying pillow , he sent for this Minister , saying , here 's your bond , Christ hath paid me all , he hath left nothing for you to pay .

It was a vaine conceite of that potentate , who refusing the name of Pius , would be called Faelix . Inward piety is the best friend to outward felicity , though outward felicity be many times the worst enemy to inward piety : That 's the tenth .

The eleventh Principle that you should walk by , is this ; That all the time that God allows us , is little enough to fulfill the task that he allots us . Man that is borne of a woman , is few of dayes , and full of troubles , Job 14. 1. The creatures life and existence is of a very short and small continuance . Natures womb somtimes proves natures tombe , and swallows up her own Vitae hujus principium mortis exordium est , nec priùs incipit augeri aetas nostra , quam minui . Prosp. de vocat . Gen. lib. 2. c. 20 , issue .

With many it's ebb water , before the tide be at the full ; the lamp of their lives is wasted , even as soon as it is lighted ; the sands of their hour-glasse are quite run out , when they think it is but newly turned .

When men feele sicknesse arresting , then they feare deaths approaching : But we begin our dying , as soon as ever we begin our living ; and how much the longer our time hath been , so much the shorter our time shall be .

Every mans passing-bell hangs in his own steeple . Take him in his four elements of Earth and Aire , Fire and Water ; In the Earth , he is like dust that 's scattering ; in the Aire , he is like a vapour that 's vanishing ; in the water , he is like a bubble that 's breaking ; in the Fire , he is like smoak that 's consuming .

Seneca said truly , Maximum vivendi Sen. de brevit . vitae , cap. 9. impedimentum est expectatio quae pendet in crastino , the greatest hinderance of well living , is the expectation of long life . Therefore men so little prepare for death , because they so little think on death ; they think not of living any better , till they think not of living any longer .

Did you but walke by this principle , though much of your time be past , yet would no more of your time be lost ; you would this moment make sure of God , because the next moment you are not sure of your selves : One to-day is worth two to-morrows ; you know not how soone the sails of your lives may be rowled up , or how nigh you are to your eternall haven : O ply your Oares dilligently , lest the vessell doe miscarry everlastingly .

What will you doe if you begin to dye naturally , before you begin to live spiritually ? if the Tabernacle of nature be taken down , before the Temple of grace be raised up ? if your paradise be laid wast , before the Tree of life be set in it ? if you give up the Ghost , before ever you have received the Holy Ghost ? if the Sun of your lives set within you , before the Sun of righteousness shine upon you ? if the body be sit to be turned into the earth , before the soul be fit to be taken into Heaven ? If the second birth have no place in you , the second Death shall have a power over you .

One excellently compares our life to a day ; Infancy is as it were the day breake , youth is the Sun rising , full growth is as the Sun in it's Meridian , and old age is as the Sun setting ; by the light of the day , let us doe the worke of the day . O that thou hadst known in this thy day , the things that doe belong to thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes , Luk. 19. 42. The dews of grace is falling , whilst the day of grace is dawning .

O how just is it , that they should misse of heaven at the last , that never seek for Heaven till the last ! That God should deny them his grace to repent , that abuse his grace to sin !

It 's a Maxime , Omne principiatum sequitur naturam principiorum , every thing hath an aptitude of returning into the Principle of its beginning ; as the Rivers that have their eflux from the Sea , have their reflux to the Sea : Out of the dust man was formed , and therefore into the dust man is turned .

Sirs , How much of your lives is gone , and yet how little of your works are done ! You tender plants , will you spend your youthfull lives , in following of your youthfull lusts ? will you hang the most sparkling Jewells of your yeares , as pendents in the Devils ears ?

The Aegyptians sold their funerall balms in the Temple of Venus ; to shew that where they prayed for their nativity , they might not forget their mortallity .

O you fresh pictures , will you not be hung in Heavens gallery ? do you not know that the blossome is as subject to nipping , as the flower to withering ? and the spark to extinguishing , as the flame to expiring ?

Veins brimmed full with blood , may be emptied by an accident , as soon as those that are leakish with old age . As there 's none too old for eternity , so there 's none too young for mortallity ; In Golgotha there are sculls of all sizes . You are but green enough for reformation , that are gray enough for dissolution : tell me , how wilt thou live when thou diest , that art dead whilst thou livest ? every step that your bodies take it 's towards the earth ; O that euery step your souls take might be towards Heaven .

We sin as well in not doing the good commanded , as in doing the evil prohibited . The Vine that bringeth forth no Grapes , shall be cut down as well as the Vine that bringeth forth wild Grapes . There 's no countermining against the death of the body without us , but by undermining of the body of death within us .

O how sad is it to be taken out of the world , before we are taken off from the world ! To day , if you will hear his voice , harden not your hearts , Heb. 3. 7. We have but a day wherein we are called to repent , and therefore should repent whilest it is called to day .

None sings so sweetly as the Turtle upon the Churches Walls , and all that he may even constram sinners unto himself . He is the deafest Adder that stops his ears to the voice of the sweetest Charmer . The Lord hath made a promise to late repentance , but he hath not made a promise of late repentance : If the Tap be not now thawed , it may be for ever frozen .

A pardon is sometimes given to a Thief on the Gallows , but he that Quòspectas , quò te extendu ? Omnia quae ventura sunt in incertojacent . Seneca ubi prius . trusts to that , sometimes hath a Rope for his wages . Boast not of to morrow , for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth , Prov. 27. Man is such a pur-blind creature , that he cannot unerringly see a day before him : O see the ending of one day before thou gloriest in the beginning of another .

Many a mans dayes deceives him ; they passe away like a shadow by Moon-shine , that then appears longest when it s nearest to an end . Thou mayest not have halfe a day to live , Dum floret aetas , dum viget animus , operemur bonum ; cùm enim vita ista transierit , auferetur tempus operandi . Arbor : in cap. 6. ad Gal. ver. 10. who thinks thou hast not lived out halfe thy dayes , up and be doing least you be for ever undone .

The night cometh , wherein no man can work . The Grave is a Bed to rest in , but not a Shop to trade in : There 's no setting up under ground , for those that have lost their time above ground .

When the soul in death takes its flight from its loving maite , they shall meet no more till the general Assises . 2 Cor. 6. 2. Behold now is the acceptable Vide Gor. & Arboreum in loc. time ; behold , now is the day of salvation . Now is the time for grace to accept of you , and now is the time for you to accept of grace . Opportunities they are for eternity , but opportunities they are not to eternity . Mercies Clock doth not strike at the sinners beck .

Where the means of grace is greatest , there the day of grace is shortest : Thou mayest be unhappy all thy dayes for the neglect of this dayes happinesse .

It was the sad cry of one , My life is done , but my work is undone . O that you would imploy the small remnant you have of opportunity , for the obtaining of the whole peece of felicity ; Make Hay whilest the Sun is shining ; and hoyse up Sails whilest the wind is serving : Let this be thy living day the next may be thy dying day : Seek the Lord whilest he may be found , call upon him whilest he is near , Isa. 55. 6.

Sirs , The sufferings of eternal death , are but the Issue of the slightings of eternal life . Methinks the worth of such Pearls of price should sparkle in your eyes . Will you let such a Sun set on earth , by the beams of which you should walke to Heaven .

No disease is more fatal , then that which doth reject Cordials . What asad thing is it , that such rich Mines should be opened , and not a penny of this treasure fall to your share ? Some are gone so far in the way of sinning , that there 's small hopes of their returning .

How much time did God bestow upon you , before ever you returned any of that time to him ? It 's good to have an Ark prepared , before a Deluge come , in which you may be overwhelmed . Man must do what he can , and leave God to do what he will .

Though you cannot create the breath of the Spirit , yet hang out your Sails to entertain it ; Though you cannot make the Pool of Bethesda healing , yet lye at its mouth and wait for its stirring . The longer a building goes to ruin , the more cost it requires for reparation .

Remember that God can as easily turn you into the dust , as he could take you out of the dust . Delayes are numerous , O but delayes are dangerous . Who will look for water from a drained River ? Or that wealthy Grapes should grow upon a withered Vine ?

For a man to make his best work to be his last work ; what 's this but as if an Husbandman should be putting in of his Plough for the sowing of his seed , when he should be thrusting in of his Sickle for the reaping of his Harvest . Know that there is but one Heaven , miss of that , and where wilt thou take up thylodging but in Hell ? A vicious man expires and goes out like a Tallow Candle , leaving a stench behind him ; A gracious man expires and goes out like a Wax Candle that leaves a sweet perfume behind him : That 's the Eleventh .

12. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; That there can never be too great an estrangement Naufragium sanè paté meretur , qui valido spirante vento , et toto aequore , acerbâ tempestate , jactato ; Marē se tamen , vult committere , e● vel expandere , &c. Sic à Deo deteri , et vel in peccatum cadere , vel peccato insistere , et immergi meretur , qui ventos , et tempestates tentationum et occasionum peccati vitare , cùm potest , non contendit , &c. Stapl : in Dom: 11. Post . Pent. Text. 5. from defilement . He who now gives way to sin , ere long may be given up to sin . We are never far enough from lust , whilest we are on earth , nor near enough to Christ till we be in Heaven .

A sound eye cannot endure the least Moat , nor a sound heart the least spot . O stand off from the Devils mark , unlesse you would be hit by the Devils Arrows : Abstaine from all appearance of evil , 1 Thes. 5. 22. The closing with the appearance of evil , is the next way to the accomplishing of apparent evil : A spark of fire will easily catch in a box of Tinder ; The Picture in the glasse may as well inflame , as the picture in the face ; Little streams will find a passage to the great Sea .

Restriction is a good chain to transgression ; Why shouldest thou venture on slippery places , that canst Quantum possumus , a lubrico , recedamus ; in sicco quoque parum firmiter stamus . Sen: Epist: 116. hardly stand upon the firmest ground ?

As faith is a grace that feeds all the rest , so fear is a grace that guards all the rest . That man who is the most watehful , that man is the least sinful . He may quickly be cast down by a sinful temptation , that is already prepared for it by a sinful occasion ; And who will pity him whose house is blown up with Powder , that keeps his Barrels in the Chimney corner ?

Yet so much monstrous wickednesse is there lodged in the hearts of men , that they adde spurs and whips to that Horse that of himself rushes too fast into the Battel ; When the stream and current of their own lusts do carry them too swiftly before , yet they hoyse up Sails to entertain the Devils winds , as if they had not a Title strong enough to Hel , except they bargained for it a new , and bound themselves by solemn Obligations never to part with it again .

The Fowler spreads his Net , but it s the wings of the bird that carryes her to it : The way to keep temptations from entring into our souls , is to Instrantibus ( tentationibus ) resistamus , quia facilius non recipiuntur , quam exeunt , et ( paulò post ) nobis quia non est regredi facile , optimum est omnino non progredi . Idem . Ibid. keep our souls from venturing upon temptations . Dost thou murmur for want of liberty , and yet surrender up thy self to flavery ?

They who wil play with wantonness , will quickly learne to play the wantons . If you will not step into the Harlots house , you must not go by the Harlots door ; If you would not gather the forbidden fruit , you must not look on the Tree on which it grows .

To pray against temptations , and yet to rush into occasions , is to thrust our fingers into the flaming fire , and then pray they might not be burned with its heat .

The Fable saith , That the Butterfiye aske the Owle , how she should do with the Candle that had singed her Wings ? who counselled her not so much as to behold its smoak . If you hold the Stirrup no wonder if Satan get into the Saddle .

Temptation is a Tap to give vent to corruption . Whilest a mans cloaths are on , the scars of his body remain unseen ; If you would keep the Fort Royal of your souls , look well to the Out-works of your sences .

Preserve your eyes that they be not windows to let in lusts , that should be flood-gates to powr out tears : a carelesse eye doth oft declare a gracelesse heart .

Remember the whole world dyed by a wound in the eye : Who knows what defilements are conveyed through these Casements ; O the eys of a Christian should be like Sun-flowers , that should not open to every blaze , but to the beams of the Sun of righteousnesse .

Preserve your ears . To keep our eyes , and not to regard our ears , is as if a man should shut the casements of his house , and leave the doors open . The ear is an instrument that the Devilloves to play on . Your ears as they are joyned to your head on earth , so let them be fastned to him who is your Head in Heaven .

Preserve your tongues , least that which should be tuned for Gods glory , be not turned into your own shame : By the striking of these Clappers we guesse the mettle of the Bell ; Thou art a Galilean , thy speech bewrays thee : As every idle word shall be arraigned , so every evil word shall be condemned .

A soul without its watch , is like a City without its wals , exposed to the in-road of all its enemies . We need a Sun to dispel our darknesse we are so ignorant , and we need a Shield to repel our dangers we are so impotent . The earth is not so apt to be over-run with Thorns , as the heart is apt to be overgrown with sins .

If you would not fall into the bottom of the River , take heed of walking on the Brink thereof . The Note that comes into the Margent will soon skip into the Text it selfe . T is storied of Alexander , that when Darius his wife ( a beautiful Lady ) was taken by his Army , he refrained from often visiting of her , least he should be insnared by her . Those matches can never be compleated , where all treaties are rejected . He that crushes the Egg , need never fear the flight of the Bird.

He that would not drink of the wine , must not taste of the grape ; And he that would not hear the Bell must not finger the Rope .

A man that carries Gun-powder about him , can never stand too far from Sparkles . If we go with sin one Mile , it will compel us to go with it twain ; It will swell like the Cloud Eliah saw , from the bigness of a mans hand , to such an expansion as to cover the sky .

If thou canst not step over the narrow Brook , why dost thou imagine it so easie to stride over the swelling Ocean ? Let him that thinks he stands , take heed least he fall , 1 Cor. 10. 12. You will quickly loose your standing , if you do not fear your falling . He that will abstaine from nothing that is lawful , will soon be brought to something that is sinfull . Many a man hath been thrown out of the Saddle of profession , by ●iding with too slack a Rain of circumspection .

Little sins are not like an inch of Candle , that goes off in an absolute period , but they are like a Train of Powder , which takes fire from corn to corn , till at last the Barrel is burst in sunder ; Or as a little sicknesse which is an humor disposing to a strong distemper . As those persons that are way-layed by a Consumption , they loose first their vigour , and then their colour .

An honest Matron will blush to be found in the dresse of an whorish wanton : What will you lay that in the Chamber , which laid Christ in the Manger ? Is your house so largely built , that you can afford that a harbour , which you know to be a Traytor ?

Hating the very garment spotted with the flesh , Jude 23. If you would keep your cloaths from burning , be sure you keep your skirts from singing . A sick man abhors the Cup out of which he took his loathsome physick : A beleever he disbands those Auxiliaries , that have yielded strength to his Adversaries .

If Achan handle the golden Wedg , his next work will be to steal it away ; If Ruth will lye at the feet of Boaz , her next remove is into the bed of Boaz ; If you take the Devils Cup into your hands , you will quickly lift it to your heads .

13. Principle that beleevers should walk by , is this ; That whatsoever is temporally enjoyed , should be spiritually improved . What we receive from the hand of Divine bounty , we should imploy to the height of Divine Glory .

Others they make an earthly use of things that are heavenly , but we should make a heavenly use of things that are earthly , we should put a golden Bias into a Leaden Bowl , that it may run true to him that made it . The more your Wheels are oyled on earth , the swifter should your Chariots move to Heaven . I say unto you make to your selves friends of the Mammon of unrighteousnesse , that when ye faile they may receive you into everlasting habitation , Luke 16. 9. There is a way to plume the wings of riches , and to lay up that treasure in Heaven , which came out of the bowels of the Earth .

There is a Divine Chymestry that can extract the purest spirits out of the most grosse and fecculent matter ; That can advance Flints and Pibbles into a neer resemblance to precious stones : The beast on the Altar differed not in kind from the beast at the Slaughter .

There is a lawful craft of coyning your money over again , and adding the Image and Superscription of God to what is Caesars . They say of the Philosophers stone , that it turns what ever it touches into Gold : Whatever Mill a Saint hath going in the world , he should spread the Sailes of it for Gods glory ; when he doth set up us , then we should lift up him .

How unequal is it to be hot in our prayers , and cold in our praises ; to cry aloud , Give us this day our daily bread , and then to whisper out , Hallowed be thy name ; What 's this but to open our Windows to let in the light , and then to close them again to keep out the Sun ? or to lay a Pipe to convey the water into the Cistern , and then turn the Cock against the Spring .

To remember God in our necessities , and to forget Omnes , qui aquâ indigent , praecipites in fontem vadunt , in eum oculos , et animum dirigentes , sed jam benè potati revertuntur , terga fonti animumque vertentes : sic multi in suâ siti , et tribulatione Divinae bonitatis fontem inclamant ; liberati obliviscuntur . Stapl : Prom : Mor: Dom: 3. Post . Epip : Tex . 5. God in our superfluities , as if his kindness were not as proper a ground for praising of him , as his goodnesse is for praying to him . If under miseries we can seek out God with tears , under mercies we should set forth God with praise .

Mercies they are such gifts as advance our debts . 'T is as sad a Spectacle to see a Saint in an ungrateful posture , as it was to see Pharoahs lean Kine in a fat Pasture . Shall man find God a Master that is bountiful , and shall not God find man a servant that is dutiful .

If he gives us any enjoyments , it is but for his own entertainments . And well may that hand reap the fruits that sets the Plants ; Shall not he be found feeding at a Table of his own spreading ? Where former blessings have been improved , there future blessings shall be conveyed . He shall never want mercy , that doth not play the wanton with mercy , but if the child crumbles away the meat on his Trencher , no wonder if there come a Voyder .

When we fight against God with his own mercies , we doe but beat our selves with our own sins . In vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the Wildernesse , so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him ; and he hath requited me evil for good , 1 Sam. 25. 1. There was nothing wanting to him , but there was something wanting in him .

Take a wicked man and Sicut nubes virtute radii solaris o terrâ exaltatur , et attollitur , sublatâ autem , ipsu aerem obnubicat , & radios solares obscurat , sic homo ingratus Dei favori exaltatus , Deum posteà spernit , et mandata ejus violat . Stapl : ubi priùs . he is not led to God by that which comes from God ; He is like the Sea , that turns the sweetest showers into the saltest waters . God hath the least of service , when he hath the most of substance . That which should be a Bolt to keep sin out , is but a Latch to let it in .

The Moon when its fullest of light with which it is adorned , is farthest from the Sun from whence it was derived . They send that River laden out with injuries , that came flowing in with commodities : The more a dunghil has the Sun beams shining on it , the more noisome is the savour proceeding from it ; Sinners instead of having Viols full of Odors , they have Vessels full of evils . The flames of wrath will be hottest in their burnings , where the beams of love have been sweetest in their shinings .

How often do we see those who are above others in outward greatnesse , to be below others in inward goodnesse . The weaker vessels by nature are many times the stronger vessels in grace : To turn from God when he blesses us , is a greater evil then to turn from God when he smites us . Jesus answered , many good works have I shewn you from the Father ; for which of these good workes doe you stone me ? John 10. 32. He crowned them with his goodness , and they stoned him for his goodness .

Many are like the high-way side , that returns no Crop though you scatter on it never so much seed ; They are like Aesops Snake , that lay still in the Frost , but stung him who warmed it in his bosome . If it be a sin to return to man evil for evil , what is it to return to God evil for good ? When we gather the fruit , we should cast our eyes upon the root ; when we are refreshed by the flowing stream , we should reflect upon the springing fountain . A load of earth hath sunk many a man down to hell , and the richer he hath been without doors , the poorer he hath been within .

Your estates if they be not wings to mount you up to Heaven , they will be weights to sink you down to Hell . That 's a serious observation of a great Traveller , that notwithstanding all the Religious pretences of the Conclave of Rome , that the Indians have brought more of the Spaniards to worship their gold , then ever the Spaniards have brought of the Indians to worship their gods ; The former have made more infidels , then ever the latter made Christians .

The mercies that God gives to our bodies , are but baits that are laid to catch our souls ; He tries the vessel with water , that he may fill it with wine . Every stream leads a beleever Fideles singuli , beneficio aliquo accepto , oculos mox animosque sursium ferunt , ac benefactori gratias agunt . Sibel : con. 8. in to the fountains head ; The more Gods hand is enlarged in blessing of him , the more his heart is enlivened in the blessing of God .

Where the sun of mercy shines hottest there the fruits of grace grow fastest . In the book of nature we may view the God of nature ; The creatures are like an Instrument ready tuned to praise God , but it 's a beleevers hand that must make Musicke upon them .

A Saint as he hath a heart to seek God for what he promiseth , so he hath a hand to serve God with what he possesseth ; The greater wages he receives , the better work he performs . The more a Merchant adventures at Sea , the greater returns he expects at Land ; They that hold the largest Farms , they should pay the greatest Rents ; the tallest Vines should ever yield the sweetest grapes ; and it is sad that ever that should prove a true prediction , Qui majores terras possident , minores sensus solvunt , that they who have the largest crops , should send into Gods house the fewest Tythes .

There is a retaliation of good for evill , this is admirable ; of evill for good , this is abominable ; of good for good , this is laudible ; of evill for evill , this is blameable .

The Aprill showers that makes the grasse grow , and the flowers sweet , do likewise cause many croaking frogs to come forth .

Those Rivers that receive their rise from the Sea , return their waters back again into the lap of the Ocean : All you have is derived from God , let all you have be returned to God . Gen. 38. 28 , 29. And it came to passe , when she travelled , that the one put out his hand , and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread , saying , this came out first ; and it came to passe as he drew back his hand , that behold his brother came out . Beloved we have not longer enjoyed our blessings , then we have abused our blessings ; which gives us cause to fear , though the child of mercy hath put out his hand , yet it will goe back into the womb again , and the child of judgment will come Ingratitudo est ventus urenssiccans fontem pietatis ; rorem misericordiae , fluema gratiae . Ber. Ser. 51 super Cont. forth in its stead . 'T is a divine saying of devout Bernard , That ingratitude is a parching wind which dries up the spring of bounty , the dew of mercy , and the current of clemency .

Man he was made the last of all the Creatures , that he might contemplate the rest of all the creatures . When you lift up your eyes towards the heavens , and see them hung with lights , O think , if there be so much beauty in the Suburbs , what is there in the City ! what 's the footstoole which he makes , to the Throne on which he sits : when you see the evening starres that are in the skies , think of that morning Star that is in your hearts .

When you sit down to your dishes , let this be the first of your messes , how happy are all the kindred of Christ , that shall eat bread in the kingdome of Christ ! Those are the rarest feasts , where there are the Royallest guests .

When you see the fowls of the aire how swiftly they glide through the yielding elements , and the waters in the river hasting to their Originall Ocean ; O then think with how much speed the little rivers of opportunity , are posting to the great Sea of eternity .

When thou art cloathing of thy body with variety , reflect how the eternall word put on the suit of thy humanity , how mercy undrest it self to cover thee with its garments .

When you are casting off your cloaths , think of the putting off your Tabernacles ; be going to your beds as if you were going to your graves , and so close your eyes in one world , as you would open them in another ; when you are creeping between the sheets , then think of ▪ your winding sheet .

When you view the plants that are in your orchards , then think of the plants that are in Christs Orchard . It 's not more delightsome to see plants bearing of fruits to us , then it is to see Saints bearing of fruits to him .

When thou beholdest the stately buildings , the shady groves , the Cristal brooks , the pleasant meddows of wicked men , then think with thy self , if sinners goes away with such large messes , what shall be the Benjamin's portion ! If the children of the concubines have so great a gift , what shall be the inheritance of the children of promise ! if the dogs fair so well under the Table , how are the children feasted that sit at the Table ! Give me that eye that can see God in all , and that hand that can serve God with all . That 's the thirteenth .

14. Principle that we are to walk by , is this ; That we are to speak well of God , whatsoever ill we bear from God . The mud whilst the water is quiet lyes at the bottome , but when it is stirred creeps up to the top .

Every Cock-boate can swim in a shallow River , but it must be a strong Vessel that ploughs the curled ocean . Job nihil attendens proprium , solam domini respicit , et commemorat voluntatem , talem suae gratiarum actioni terminum ponens ; sit nomen domin ? benedictum . Titeiman . in loc. The Lord giveth , and the Lord taketh away , and blessed be the name of the Lord , Job 1. 21. He gives before he takes , and he takes but what he gives : The hourglasse of outward happiness is soon run out ; to day Job is the richest man in all the east , to morrow Job is the poorest man in all the world ; yet his heart was like a fruitfull Paradise , when his estate was like a barren wildernesse ; though God burnt up his out-house , yet he left him his pallace standing .

Outward mercies they are like the Sea that have their flowing tides and their ebbing waters ; or like the skie that sometimes is full of clearness , and at another time is overcast with cloudings ; or like a budding flower in the spring , which a warm day opens a little , and a cold day shuts again ; if God blesses us in taking as well as in giving , let us blesse him for taking , as well as for giving .

That is a rare Artist that can play well upon a broken instrument . Ah soule , view the sin for which thou art lashed , and thou wilt never complain of the rod with which thou art lashed ; To be impatient with thy affliction , and patient with thy corruption , what 's this but to be angry with the medicine which should heal thee , and in love with the poyson which will kill thee .

There are two things very hard to flesh and blood ; One is the foregoing of sinful pleasures , And another the undergoing of sorrowful pains . Beloved Avibus alas praesecamus , ne altiùs longiusvè evolent ; et Deus opes , & vires imminuit , et nobis aufert ne insolenter nos propter dona ejus efferamus , Sibel : Conc : 6. p. 118. it is in mercy to us , that God removes mercy from us . He doth not wound a Saint to kill him , but he wounds a Saint to heal him .

'T was the Commendation of a gracious person ▪ that though he was sometimes full of pains yet he was at all times full of patience , he was often found mourning under his corruption , but never found murmuring under his affliction some can rejoyce in any thing but in Christ , and grieve for any thing but for lust .

Misprision is that which heightens affliction ; O doe not think that God is a plucking up of the tree by the roots , when he is but lopping off its lu xuriant bowes ; that he is demollishing of the superstruction , when he is but laying of a right foundation ; Deus in ardentem calamitatum fornacem nos mittit , ut peccatorum nostrorum , sordes expurget . Id. in limine ejusdem , Conc. that he is nipping of the flowers , when he is but plucking up the weeds ; that he is laying fallow of the land , when he is plowing of the field ; that he is putting out the light , when he is but snuffing of the candle .

Providence hath a beautifull face when it puts on a black mask ; God hath the fairest ends in the fowlest wayes . The bottle may be dipped in the water , when it is not drowned in the water ; though the earth be dirty under your feet , yet the heavens are not cloudy over your heads .

You may read the marks of a father in the stripes of his children : Every twig of the black rod is but to draw his Image upon you . Could we but bury our friends alive , we should not mourn so much for them when they are dead ; did not the having of riches take our hearts , the losing of riches could not break our hearts .

Son of man , behold , I take away the desire of thine eyes with a stroak . What though he take a wife out of your bosom , so he take her into his bosom ? You may hug a creature with so much hardness as to kill it with kindnesle , and wither your sweetest flowers by smelling too often at them . God doth but take that out of the hands of his people , that keepes him out of the hearts of his people .

He that mingles his passions with his afflictions , is like a foolish patient that chews the pills he should swallow down . He that carnally disturbs his soul for the losse of his substance , casts away the kernell because God hath taken away the shell : If the tree stand and yield us fruits , let the wind blow away it's leaves .

To blesse God for mercies is the way to increase them , to blesse God for miseries is the way to remove them ; No good lives so long as that which is thankfully improved , no evill dyes so soone as that which is patiently indured .

He that praises God under prosperity hath paid his debt , but he that praises him under adversity hath made him a debtor . God can make a plaister of a disease , and bring soundness to the inward man , by the sicknesse of the outward man .

If he stops up all your light , it is but to make you fairer windows . When the starrs shine not the Sun appeares ; repairing the loss of lesser lights with brighter beams .

In the losse of a withered nosegay you may smell at flowers fresh on the stalke : Beleevers when their candles are put out , they can fetch their light from the Sun ; and when their streames are cut off , they can drink their waters at the spring . Animus , vari is coarctatus aerumnis , subtilissimè ad altissumum Deum alâ invocationis ardenti● elevatur . Id. Ibid.

The birds of Paradise make the swiftest flights , when they have the smallest feathers : These Nightingals warble out their pleasantest tunes , when they set their breast against the thornes .

It 's said of Ruben that he went up to his fathers bed . How many times doth the creature intercept the respects which we do owe to our Creator ; and then no wonder if he break the Cisterne to bring us unto the fountain . Under all your losses be you found blessing of God , and after all your losses God will be found blessing of you .

15. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; The longer God for bears not finding amendment , the soarer he strikes when he comes to judgment . Divine patience is a thing that is to be adored , but divine patience is not a thing that is to be abused .

We usually take his forbearance for our acquittance ; because we sin unpunished , we think there is no punishment for sin ; it is one thing to for bear a debt , but it 's another thing to forgive a debt . Because sentence against Homines plerumque in sceleratiora proruunt vitia , et impudentiùs assuescunt malis , quòd non subitò contra illos divina proferatur sententia , tardiusque illorum flagitiis irascatur Deus . Arbor : in loc . an evill worke is not executed speedily ; therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evill , Eccl. 8. 11. Because he goes on to spare them , they go on to provoke him ; As he adds to their lives , they adde to their lusts . What 's this but for a man to break his bones , because he thinks to have them set by a skilful Chyrurgion .

You are in debt to Justice , but mercy stops the Arrest of vengeance . Many other have been taken from the earth by a sudden Arrow darted from Heaven , as Zimry and Cosby unloaded their lusts and their lives together .

Because Justice winks , men think it's blind ; because it is delayed , they imagine it is denied ; because he doth not reprove them for their sins , therefore they think he doth approve them in theirsins . But know that the silent Arrow doth more mischief then the roaring Cannon . The patience of God , though it be lasting , yet it is not everlasting .

The Sword of Justice it s dipt in the Oyle of Mercy , but it s better some parts should be dismembred , then that the whole body should be destroyed : He that being often reproved hardens his neck , shall suddenly be destroyed , and that without remedy , Proverbs 29. 1.

God loves all men , so as to forbear them , but few men so as to forgive them . He was but six dayes in making the whole World , and yet was seaven dayes in destroying of one City . If by the Warning peeces of God you be not amended , by the Murthering peeces of God you shall be consumed . Bern.

Deus non expectabat Angelos , non expectabat Adamum , God did not wait for the Angels , nor for Adam ; but our Garrisons are fairly summoned , before they be furiously stormed . It 's ill for Nos cae lestu irae ignem assendimuset excitamus incendia quibus ardeainus . Salvde Gub. Deil. 8. p. 288. the Iron to gather rust under the File . Remember if you be corrected , the scourges that God uses , are taken out of your own houses . I gave her space to repent of her fornication , but she repented not . Many have the space of repentance , who have not the grace of repentance : What follows ? Behold I will cast her into a Bed , and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation , except they repent of their deeds , Revel. 2. 21 , 22. Justice cast her not upon a bed of feathers , but upon a bed of flames .

I have a long time holden my peace , I have been still and refrained my self , now will I cry like a travelling woman , I will destroy and devour at once , Isa. 42. 14. The longer God is a fetching about his hand , the heavier will be the blow ; as a child the longer it stayes in the body , the greater it is at the birth .

Security it s but like a flash of Lightning that ushers in a clap of Thunder , or like a calme that is the fore runner of an earthquake .

Know it sinners that God can dip his hands into your blood , and yet fetch out the stains . God is pleased sometimes to shake this Clayey Cottage before he throws it down , he makes it totter before he makes it tumble . Sinners it may be a fair Sun-shine with you for a season , and yet ere long such a storm will arise , as shall dash you all to pieces .

We pity a body that 's going to the Block , shall we not pity a soal that 's going to the Pit ? He dyes the most comfortably , that lives the most vertuously . It s easier for the Bird to keep out of the snare , then it is for the Bird toget out of the snare . Even beasts wil avoid the places where they see their fellows have miscarried .

The rising of the Sun in the Morning was no sign that Sodom should not be intombed in their own ashes before the Evening ; That day that begins in mercy , may end in judgement . These things hast thou done , and I kept silence , thou thoughtest I was altogether such a one as thy self , but I will reprove thee , and set them in order before thee , Psal. 50. 21. What follows ? Consider this ye that forget God , least I tear you in pieces , and there be none to deliver . Justice proportions the smart of man according to the fault of man , so that Deus omnia semper habet parata , et quasi inprecinctu , ad impios impaenitentes perdendos . Ames . in locum . you may behold the greatness of the sin in the punishment , and the fitnesse of the punishment in the sin : If he turn not , he will whet his sword , he hath bent his bow and made it ready , Psal. 7. 12. The whetting of the sword is but a putting on a sharper edge to give a deeper wound .

God is silent as long as our sins will let him be quiet , but when the sword is whet , it is for cutting , and when the Bow is bent , it is for shooting .

Inraged Justice will avenge the quarrel of abused Mercy . It s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God , Heb. 10. 31. The stronger the arm , the greater the blow . Never any weary Traveller complained that he was too soon at his journeys end ; but a sinner , if he dyes soon its but to march to Hell the quicker , if he lives long , it s but to make Hell the hotter .

What a sad vision is that where the black Horse of death goes before , and the red Horse of wrath follows after ; needs must one fear come upon the neck of another , when one death comes upon the neck of another .

Sinners they are preserved from a lesser , but reserved for a greater ruin . Tolluntur in altum , ut lapsu graviore ruant , They are hoisted up the higher , that their fall may be the soarer .

You may wonder more at Gods indulgence that you are so long reprieved , then at Gods vengeance by which you are so soon surprized ; you were fit fuel for scorching flames , when you were wrapt up in your swadling cloaths . What a mercy is it that we who drew our first breath in corruption , should not draw our second breath in damnation ! that he should adde to our dayes , who have added to our sins !

But know that God hath Vials of wrath filled with indignation , for Vessels of wrath fitted for destruction : If Gods clemency do not draw you to repenting , Gods severity will drive you to despairing .

Sinners either seek out a Saviour to deliver you from the wrath of God , or else find out a shoulder to bear you up under the wrath of God ; That 's the Fifteenth .

16. Principle that you are to walk by , is this ; That there 's no measuring of the inward conditions of men , by the outward dispensations of God . The greatnesse of our estates , is no argument of the goodnesse of our hearts .

To prize thy self by what thou hast and not by what thou dost , is to vallew the Jewel by the golden frame . Health and wealth doth wel together , as good no meat , as no stomack to eat it , and as good no stomack , as no meat to feed it . A dram of grace within the heart , is better then a chain of gold about the neck .

That old complaint may justly be renewed , Bonis male , malis bene . Here it 's well with the bad , and ill with the good ; They that live the best , fair the worst , and they that live the worst , and they that live the worst , best . Amongst the Jews the Dove and the Turtle were sacrificed , when the Swine and the unclean creatures were exempted . Riches are called thick clay , by which the back is sooner weakned , then the heart is lightned . Quicunque adversa sustinent , utrùm per amorem Dei sustineant , an per odium , nunc habotur incertum . Arbor . in loc.

No man knows love or hatred by any thing that is before him , Eccl: 9. 1. You cannot read the wrath of God in the black lines of adversity , nor the love of God in the white lines of prosperity .

God often wrings out the waters of a full Cup to wicked men , though there be dregs at the bottom : They may be flourishing Vines that are laden with sowr Grapes . It 's seldome that the sparkling Diamond of a great estate , is set in the golden Ring of a gracious heart .

Riches have made many good men worser , but they never made any bad man better ; Hence it is that if we observe but a little sparke of piety in great persons , we are ready to behold it as a blazing Commet , and to cry it up in the Superlative degree .

Though a Christian be made happy in the world , yet a Christian is not made happy by the world . Give me those judgements that are the births of mercy , rather then those mercies that are the births of judgement . There are many that are temporally miserable , that are eternally happy ; and there are many that are temporally happy , that shall be eternally miserable .

If want could bring a man to Heaven , how many poor men would then be saved ! And if wealth could free a man from Hell , how few rich men would then be damned ! Beleevers they are the common Buts , at which the world doth shoot its poysoned Arrowes .

They that go about to pull the Cross out of the Regnum Christi , estregnum crucis ; ipsius subditi insignes sunt duobus coloribus , rubr● , et candido in scutis suis oftentant crucem rub●am , conspicuam in areâ candidâ , hoc est , laeta puraque conscientia . Sibel . Conc : 25. in cap : 16. Matth. p. 324. Christians Arms spoyl the whole Court , if I have any discovery of Scripture Heraldry . He makes his sun to shine upon the evil , and upon the good , and his rain to fall on the just , and upon the unjust , Matth. 5. 45. The Sun of prosperity shines upon the Dunghil , as well as upon the Bed of Spices ; and the rain of adversity falls upon the fruitful garden , as well as upon the barren wildernesse . The mercies of the one are but golden chains to bind them on earth , and the miseries of the other are but fiery Chariots to carry them to Heaven . Ye have called the proud happy , yea , they that work wickedness are set up ; yea , they that tempt God are delivered , Malacha 3. 15. Gods Jewels are here trampled under feet .

If you look for a Saint you may sooner find him cast on a heap of dust , then lapt in a bed of Down : Poor Lazarus gets to Heaven , when rich Dives goes to Hell . For outward blessings whilest wise men beat the Bush , fools catch the Bird ; and whilest valiant minds crack the Nuts , Cowards eat the Kirnels .

Benjamin was not less regarded by Joseph because the silver Cup was found in the mouth of his Sack . We must not infer the absence of Gods affections , from the presence of our afflictions . When the cold wind blows the Sun beams shines . Those stones which are designed for building are hewn and squared , whilest others lye in neglected heaps .

A Saint is as glorious in his greatest Attende duos ( de divite , et Lazaro loquitur ) unum in divitiis , et sanitate misorum , alterum in agestate , et vulnere multùm beatum . Fulgent . Epist 2. ad Galla p. 642. misery , as a sinner is miserable in his greatest glory ; The curiousest pearls are here inclosed in the ruggedst shels . You may see a Joseph in Prison whilest Pharoah keeps the Court , and a Julian on the Throne swaying the Scepter , when a Job is on a Dunghil bewayling his Ulcers : Judge not according to appearance , but judge righteous judgement . They who judge according to appearance do not judge according to righteousness .

How apt is the Candle of God shining upon a sinners Tabernacle to offend a Saints eyes ; as if we envied them a little light , that are to be shrouded up in everlasting darkness ; every man can find sticks to cast at laden boughs . Will you read a peice of Davids Letany , Psal. 17. 14. From men which are thy hand , O Lord , from men of the world , which have their portion in this life , whose belly thou sillest with thy hid treasure . The things of the world are all the happinesse of the men of the world , all their flowers grows out of Paradice .

They live not without those creatures by which their bodies are succoured , but they dye without that Christ by whom their souls should be saved .

Sirs , A mans condition in this life may be honourable , and yet his state as to another life may be damnable , For this purpose have I raised thee up ; that I might shew my power upon thee . The Sun of outward splendor cast its Rayes upon him , only to warm his head against a storm . The stalled Ox would not set so high a rate upon his Pasture , did he know that it was but to fit him for the Butcher .

The same hand that now powres out his mercies on wicked men like Oyle , will pou● down his wrath upon them like Water ; Under all their wealth their hearts are sinful , and after all their wealth their states are doleful . It 's better through the valley of Baca to go to Zion , then to pitch our Tents in the Plains of Sodom .

It 's an expression of Luther , That Mica quam Pater familias canibus projicit . the great Turkish Empire was but a Crust that God throws unto the Dogs . It was a sweet saying of a holy man , I had rather have St. Pauls Coat with his Heavenly graces , then the Purple Robes of Princes with all their Kingdoms . God sometimes least riches should be counted evil in themselves , Per se nec miseros homines possunt facere , nec beatos Fulg : ubi priús . gives them to thos● that are good ; and sometimes least they should be counted the chiefest good gives them to 〈◊〉 that are evil ; They are oftner the portion of his enemies , then they ●re of his friends .

What is it to receive , and not to be received ? To have no other dews of blessing , but such as may be followed with showers of Brimstone ? They may fleet the Cream of earthly enjoyment , that did never taste of the Milk of Heavenly refreshment .

I have heard that there is in Scotland a floating Island , which if the Sea man cast Anchor there , the Land will probably carry away the Ship ; this is true of this world , it 's a floating Island , and never any cast Anchor here , but it carryed away their soules .

God and all that he hath made , is not more then God without all that he hath made ; and he can never want treasure that hath such a golden Mine God is enough to us without the creature , but the creature is not enough to us without God : It 's better to be a Wooden Vessel filled with Wine , then a Golden Vessel filled with Water : That 's the Sixteenth .

17. Principle that Saints should walk by , is this ; That we should cleave the closest , to that good which is the choicest . Do they beleeve it 's worth the while to sell all for the Pearl of price , who when they have done think themselves miserable after the bargain ? Then said Jesus to the twelve , will ye also go away ? John 6. 67. Peter as the mouth of all the rest , speaks the mind of all the rest ; Lord to whom shall we go ? thou hast the words of eternal life . A soule that 's changed , is not for changing ; there cannot be a better being for us , then for us to be with thee : What we that have left all to follow thee , should we follow all to leave thee !

You cannot tread in the steps of Christ , but you will taste of the Cups of Christ ; The nearer you are to such a spring , the clearer will be your streams ; yea , when every Gourd is withered , here 's a shaddow that will yeeld you shelter . How precious are thy thoughts unto me , O God ; how great is the sum of them ? If I should count them , they are more in number then the sand ; when I awake , I am still with thee , Psal. 139. 18.

As soon as ever he crept out of his warm Bed , he crept into Gods warm bosome . Beleevers are wont to leave their hearts with God in the evening , that they may find them with him in the morning . David he was least alone , when he was most alone ; his heart was like the Needle in the Compasse , that still points to the Northern Totus in te ( Deus optime ) transit affectus cordis mei , ad eo ut nihil prorsus sit in universâ Coelorum amplitudine , quod ipsum possit oblectare , vel ●● reficere , nis● tù &c. Titelm● in locum . Pole . Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth which I desire besides thee , Psal. 73. 25. Let a Beleever search Heaven and Earth , yet he will find nothing comparable with God : as Judah said of Jacob , His life is bound up in the life of the Lad ; so may I say of a Christian , His life is bound up in the life of God . To be neer to him is our happinesse , and to draw neere to him is our holinesse .

I cannot but sadly reflect on the unstableness of rotten Professors : An applauded Christ shall have many Hosanahs , when a condemned Christ hath many Crucifiges ; but a true Christian can as well go with Christ to the Cross where he is to be crucified , as he can go with Christ to the Throne where he is to be glorified ; He will not turn like a shadow from him , in whom there is no shaddow of turning .

Tell me soul , was there nothing within thee that could draw thee to him ? and is there any thing without thee that shall draw thee from him ? Who would leave a substance to court a shaddow ? Or prize the Picture to the disdain of the person ? Can any thing do you so much good as his presence , or so much hurt as his absence ?

What a dreadfull darkness must needs be expected , when the beams of so bright a Sun are eclipsed ! It 's better to part with a thousand worlds ( were there so many ) for one Christ , then it 's to part with one Christ for a thousand worlds .

Every step that you take to him , is a step to Heaven , and every step that you take from him is a step to Hell . And he was sad at that saying , and went away grieved , for he had great possessions , Mark 10. 22. This poor rich man , or this rich poor man , which you will call him , for both you may call him ; As he came hastily to Christ , so he goes heavily from Christ ; why what 's the matter ? Goe sell all that thou hast , and give it to the poor , and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven .

Christ was for the selling of all , and he was for the saving of all ; If he may not have God and Mammon , he will leave God for Mammon . Thus will such as make a God of nothing , make nothing of a God . When he cast his weights into the carnal Scales , his corruptible silver did weigh down an incorruptible Saviour .

Observe the policy of Diabolus quando decipere quenquam quaerit , in varias sese transmutat formas , jam in leoninam , jam in vulpinam ; aliquando saevit , ut terreat ; Nonnunquam blanditur , ut fallat . Sibel : in cap. 16. Matt. conc : 20. p. 256. the Prince of darkness ; that makes use of the men of the world as instruments to drive us from God , and of the things of the world as inticements to draw us from God : The Lord is with you whilest you are are with him ; and if you seek him , he will be found of you , but if you forsake him , he will forsake you ; Never was man forsaken of God , till God was forsaken of man , he sticks close to us whilest we stick close to him .

Truly that good was never worth the getting , which was never worth the keeping . Thus saith the Lord , what iniquity have your fathers found in me , that they are gone far from me , Jeremy 2. 5. Corruption is a good ground for declension ; if we saw iniquity in him , we might make an apostacy from him , for its ill being where sin hath a being , but if you can find no fault in God , why will you commit such a fault as to depart from God .

Can any rational man deem it good to shake hands with goodnesse ? Let me say to such sinners , as Saul said unto his servants , Hear now ye Benjamites ; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards , and make you all Captains of thousands , and Captains in of hundreds ? 1 Sam. 22. 7. Thus say I to you , Can sin , Satan , or the world doe that for you that God can ? It 's only the best of beings , that can bestow the best of blessings : He that hath the Keyes of Heaven , can only open the doors of Heaven , it s through him that we have an admittance into our choicest inheritance .

What 's our life but a war-fare , and what 's the world but a thorow-fare ; can the world do more for you without God , then God can do for you without the world : If that be most potent then leave God for the worlds sake , but if he be more potent then leave the world for Gods sake . Know it sinner in forsaking of a Saviour thou loosest grace which is the brightest Star on earth , and glory which is the fairest Sun in Heaven .

No men are in more danger of loosing what they have , then those men who are contented with what they have . A drop is easier dried up then a River , and a spark sooner extinct then the fire : I will never leave you nor forsake you , Heb. 13. 6. Better our goods should goe and leave God behind them , then that our God should goe and leave our goods behind him .

It 's not the brightest Stars that can make it day , when the Sun is setting ; nor the thickest clouds that can make it night whilest the Sun is shining : That 's the seventeenth .

18. Principle that you should walk by , is this ; That it is our present businesse to make sure of our future blessednesse . It 's the Wisemans expression , Eccle: 6. 7. That all the labour of a man is for his mouth . This is not for Heathens to turn Christians , but for Christians to turn Heathens .

That Hawke that flies after the worlds prey , will hardly stoop to Gods lure . Why should I lay out that for a Pibble , with the price of which I can purchase a Jewell : That which the bountious hand of God gives for a Pension , that the covetous heart of man takes for a Portion ; These foolish Travellers are so taken with their Inn , that they forget their home . Well you sow the seeds of industry , to reap the Harvest of vanity .

( I confesse ) God hath not made all the Trees in his Garden forbidden fruit ; Doe you thinke he would spread a Table before us and bind us up with a touch not , tast not , handle not ? Godlinesse will allow us to taste of the world as sawce , but not to feed on the world as meat .

Outward mercies are not so low as to be peremptorily deserted , nor so high as to be primarily desired ; If they be seducements from the Mercy-seat , they will be indictments at the Judgement-seat .

I may say of the earth , as the Philosopher said of the City of Athens , that it was a City Ad peregrinandum jucunda , but ad in habitandum non tuta , Pleasant for journying , but not safe for dwelling : Outward plenty it may be a comfortable Ship for indigence to sail in , but a dangerous Rock for confidence to trust in .

Many so they may have but something of earth in their hands , care for nothing of Heaven in their hearts . Ah what fools are they that are so diligent about what is temporal , and so negligent about what is spiritual , so careful about decaying vanities , and so sloathful about enduring excellencies .

When Crates threw his Gold into the Sea , he cryed out , Ego●perdam te , ne tu perdas me ; I will destroy thee , that thou mayst not destroy me ; If men do not put the love of the world to death , the love of the world will put men to death ; Then thou wilt say as Cardinal Woolsey when he was cast out of his Princes favour , and left to his enemies fury ; If I had served my God as faithfully as I have served my King , he would not have left me thus . O how many men are there that drops into perdition , meerly for a Posy to smell on in their Road to Execution .

It was a notable speech of Erasmus , That he desired wealth and honour , no more then a feeble beast desired a heavy burden . How are cares bound to crowns ? anxiety disfigures the face of prosperity , and makes it like a Christall glasse blown on by an impure breath , that retains little or nothing of its native lustre .

How far may a man goe before he can see the silver picture of a comely body , set into the Golden frame of a gracious soul ! Work out your salvation with fear and trembling , or else you will both fear and tremble for not working out of your salvation .

Most men are like that silly woman , that when her house was on fire so minded the saving of her goods , that she left her child rosting in the flames , at last being put in remembrance of it , she cryes out , O my child , my child .

Thus sottish sinners whilest they are scraping for a little substance their soules are consumed in flames , and being in Hell they cry out , O my soul , my soul . What got Sisera by his Milk and his Butter , when he tasted of the Nail and the Hammer ?

O how curious are men of their Out-wards , and how carelesse are they of their In-wards ; What pains do they take to cover their flesh from nakednesse , when their Spirits are not cloathed with the Robes of righteousnesse . In a vigorous , well complexioned , flourishing body , there 's a feeble languishing and consuming soul ; The evil disposition of the latter , spoils the good composition of the former .

For a man to be true to that part that is without him , and false to that part that is within him ; what 's this but as if a Husband-man should gather in his stubble , and leave out his corn ; or as if a Gold-smith should weigh his drosse and disregard his gold .

Wilt thou trim up the Scabbard , and let the Blade of admirable Mettal to gather Rust ; this is Jacob like , to lay the right hand upon the younger , and the left hand upon his elder child . If there be nothing done by your souls on earth , there will be nothing done for your souls in Heaven .

There 's such an eagernesse in contending for the wealth that 's given to the sons of men , that there is no earnestnesse in contending for the faith that 's delivered to the Saints of God : Ah , what pity is it to see those spirits that came down from Heaven , to loose their way up to heaven ! that ever that should go down to misery , that came down from glory : That 's the Eighteenth .

19. Principle that beleevers should walk by , is this ; That integrity is the best security . Dogs that have no teeth may bark , but cannot bite ; and Serpents that have no stings may hiss , but they cannot hurt .

A naked man with innocency , is Integer vitae , scelerisque purus Non eget Mauri jaculis nec arcu , Nec venenatis gravida sagittis fusce pharetrâ , &c. Hor. lib. 1. Ode 22. better armed then Goliah in brasse and Iron . And who is he that will harme you , if ye be followers of that which is good ? 1 Pet. 3. 13. As no flattery can heale a bad conscience , so no cruelty can hurt a good conscience . As steps in the wayes of righteousness are the most gracious , so stripes for the works of righteousnesse are the most glorious .

A pious Martyr is more renowned then a bloody persecutor . Righteousnesse is a brest plate to a man in doing , and it 's a Crowne to a man in suffering .

Our integrity will not secure us Falsa crimina piis objectat , et impingit Diabolus , eosque suspicione , et infamiâ aspergit . Abel . ubi prius . pag , 259. from infamy ; the choicest professors have had black markes in the worlds Calenders ; but though it do not keep us from being shot , yet it will keep us from being hurt . The Lord taketh my part with them that help me ; therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me , Psal. 118. 7. God will either find a hand to hold off suffering , or an arme to uphold in suffering .

Though you be as sheep amongst wolves , he will keep you from rending ; and though you be as Ships amongst waves , he will keep you from drowning : be not too quick to bury Christus quidem , rex ille gloriae , magnificum palatium , scil. Ecclesiam in p●trâ ▪ firmissimâ aedificavit , et circuit muro divinae protectionis . Idem pag. 252. a church before she be dead , it 's time enough to dresse your selves in sables when you are invited to her funeralls .

Consult that saying , Isa. 43. 3. For I am the Lord thy God , the holy one of Israel , thy Saviour : I gave Aegypt for thy ransome , Aethiopia and Seba for thee . God will pluck up the tares to preserve the wheat ; as he ript up the womb of Egypt , to secure the fruit of Israel ; as Constantine impoverished all his Empire to enrich Constantinople .

Noah was sound alone , when the world was polluted , and Noah was saved alone when the world was destroyed . Vpon all the glory there shall be a defence , Isa. 4. 5. There 's nothing but the glory that 's worthy to be kept , and there 's nothing of the glory but it shall be kept .

The shields of salvation they hang not in the paths of transgression : Kept by the power of God , by faith unto salvation . All the wiles of the Devill cannot conquer a single Souldier in Christs Camp , much lesse shall he rout the whole Army . The name of the Lord is a strong Tower , the righteous fly to it , and are safe .

The name of the Lord is a Tower for its sublimity , and it 's a strong Tower for its security : Thy ship O Christian may put as boldly into such a harbour , as a man may step into a house that is overtaken with a shower . A Garden inclosed is my Sister , my Spouse , a spring shut up , and a Fountain sealed , Cant. 4. 12. God as he hath a hedge of affliction to keepe his people from wandring , so he hath a hedge of protection to keep his people from wasting ; he that numbers their hairs , secures their heads .

Sincerity is the only Sanctuary . Psal. 84. 11. The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield . What darkness can obscure them who have a Sun above them , or what dangers can injure them who have a Shield about them ? When thou passest thorow the waters , I will be with thee , and thorow the rivers , they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest thorow the fire , thou shalt not be burnt , neither shall the flame kindle upon thee , Isa. 43. 2. Here is a dangerous voyage , but a safe convoy . God doth not deale with his friends , as we doe with ours : We do with our friends as we do with Dialls , only looke upon them when the Sun of prosperity shines upon them ; or as women doe with flowers , whilst they are flourishing stick them in their bosomes , but when once they wither cast them to the Dunghill : But when our want is greatest his help is nearest ; the more grievous our oppressions , the more gracious his redemptions .

When the night is at the darkest it's Tyranni premunt , sed non opprimunt oppugnant , sed non expugnant . Id. conc. 21. pag. 269. nearest morning , and when the tide is at the lowest , it is nearest turning .

A man that hath been for many yeares in a dark dungeon , will rejoyce exceedingly at the lest appearance of light , though it shine thorow a prison-grate . When mans misery is most dolefull , Gods mercy is most helpfull .

When our calamity is most indured , his benignity is most admired : Behold he that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps , though Israel so kept doe both sleep and slumber , Psal. 121. 4.

It was the saying of Alexander , Tuto dormirinam Antipater vigilavit , I slept securely whilst Antipater watcht . Our safety sleepes when our Keeper sleepes when our Keeper sleeps . Sometimes God doth house his Corn before a storme , but however he keeps it in the storme . If God be for us , who can be against us ? Rom. 8. 31. Against us they may be to hate us , but against us they cannot be to hurt us .

Noah rides safely in a well pitched Ark , when the old world was covered with the waters of the Deluge ; when Israel was led into captivity , then was Jeremy set at liberty : The Prophet found more favour from the Princes of Babel , then he found from the people of Israel .

Gideons Fleece was dry when all the earth was wet . When the shaddows of the Evening were stretched over Asia , the day dawned to us in Europe : That 's the Nineteenth .

20. Principle that beleevers are to walk by , is this ; That the sweetness of the Crown which shall be received , will make amends for the bitternesse of the Crosse that may be endured . The last Wine that Christ draws , is the best Wine that a Christian drinks .

When the waters cover the earth , whither should such a Dove-like spirit flye but to the Ark ? He that came on earth to make us righteous , will come from Heaven to make us glorious . For ye had compassion on me in my bonds , and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods , knowing in your selves Haec est omnium verè in Christo fideliū , vera et solida , et efficacissima consolatio contra omnia hujus mundi adversa . Stap : in Dom: 2. Quadr : text . 2. that ye have in Heaven a better and a more enduring substance , Heb. 10. 34. Who would look for so fair a Jewel to lye upon so foul a Dunghil ; But the gain of these Heavenly Mansions , drowned the losse of their earthly Mammon .

Christians you are now on a storming Sea , do not say you shall never arrive at a quiet Harbour : What hath he pluckt thee out of the fire of damnation , and will he leave thee in the water of affliction ? It is not long before you shall Trumpet out that saying ; For lo the Winter is past , the rain is over and gone , the flowers appear on the earth , and the time of singing of Birds is come , Cant. 2. 11 , 12.

O how clear will the Sun of righteousnesse shine , when such dark clouds are blown over ! If there be so much Liquor in a single Grape , what is there in the whole Cluster ! The waters of Life glide the smoothest , when the wind blows the highest .

Take a beleever whilest he lives , and God hath a servant the more on earth for him , take a beleever when he dyes , and God hath a Saint the more in Heaven with him .

If there be a fiery exhalation wrapt up in a cloud , we must look for Thunder and Lightning to follow it : Never look for an end of your sorrows , till there be an end of your sins ; As sufferings came not a day before them , so they stay not a day behind them .

God had one Son without corruption , but he had never a Son without affliction . As many as I love , I rebuke and chasten . Well may we bear the Rod , when love makes the Rod : a beleever when he lyes under that hand that doth afflict him , he lyes in that heart that doth affect him . Dunghils when they are raked up , send forth a filthy steame ; but oyntment when it s powred forth , yeilds a sweet perfume .

It 's reported of Tiberius that passing by a place where he saw a Cross lying on the ground , upon a Marble stone , he caused it to be digged up , and found a great deale of Treasure under it . Christians should you but dig up the stones where lyes your crosses , under your greatest torments , you might find your greatest treasures .

I have read of a fountain that 's cold at Mid-day , and Amonis nemus in medio habet fontem ; aquam solis vecant ) sub lucis ortum tepidier manat ; medio diei , cùm vehementissimu● est calor , frigida eadem fluit : inclinato in vesperam , calescit ; mediâ nocte , fervida exaestuat . Quint. Curt : Lib. 4. Sect: 7 : hot at Mid-night ; thus are many Christians cooled in the mid-day of prosperity , that are heated in the Mid-night of adversity .

Afflictions are not a fire that 's consuming , but a flame that 's refining ; they are like the prick at the Nightingales breast , that awaken her , and put her upon her delightful singing . Many Saints are like Topps that goes best , when they are lasht most . For Ireckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us , Romans 8. 18. These fall as far short of glory as the smallest fraction of the greatest number , or as the least filings of Gold of the riches of the whole Indies . If the early glimmerings of our Lord Jesus Christ shroud so much joy and strength within their own beams as over-powers the cross , what will his Meridian Rayes of glory doe when they are revealed !

Will you cast them both into the scales of the Sanctuary , 2 Cor. 4. 17. For our light affliction which is but for a moment , worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory . How light is a dram of reproach to a weight of glory ? and how short a Minute of pains to an Eternity of pleasures .

He said excellently , Bene fertur Calumina , cúm acquiritur Corona . He need not be weary of the Crosse , that 's sure of the Crown . After the Cup of affliction , comes the cup of salvation ; The Wine-presse prepares for the Wine-cellar ; After the pangs and throws comes the child birth . O clear up your interest in God ; A pardon may be past the Princes Seale , that is not put into the Prisoners hand . Things that are exceeding sharp calls for much Sugar to make them sweet .

Death is a thing that hath the most ungrateful taste to the creatures pallate . Now Grace is baptized with a double name ; It 's called The first-fruits of the spirit , Romans 8. 28. It 's called The earnest of the spirit , 2 Cor. 1. 22. It 's a tast to shew us the sweetnesse of eternal life , and it 's a pledge to shew us the sureness of eternal life .

Our Heavenly Physitian will keep us no longer in Physick , but till we are thorowly purged . Our merciful refiner will detain us no longer in the Furnace , but till we are sufficiently purified .

Patience for sowing the seeds of sorrow on earth , shall reap a golden crop of joy in Heaven . We may talk of the greatnesse of our future recompence , but we shall never know the weight of our Crowns till they be set on our heads , nor the worth of our Robes till they be worn on our backs ; then the pricking Thorn shall be turned into a precious Gem.

As darknesse is the absence of light when the Sun is removed from its Horizon , so is death the privation of life when the soul is removed from its Prison ; we have here but jus ad rem , there we shall have jus in re ; Here we have an expectation of our fruitions , there we shall have the fruition of our expectations .

Chear up brave spirits , your Wildernesse Nunc deprimuntur , et calcantur ; ( electi ) ut olim assurgant , et extollantur , ad instar palmarum . Drex . Christian Zod. Sig. 5. p. 42. journeys will soon be periodized ; The cloth must be cut in peeces before it can be made up in garments ; The hewing of the timber is for the erecting of the structure ; The new corn that lives in Summer , is produced from the old corn that dyed in the Winter .

We should willingly embrace death , though we should not desperately rush upon it ; you will be like Civet , that 's when it 's taken out of the Box leaves a sweet savour behind it .

Shall Christ willingly come down from Heaven to earth to dye for us , and shall not we willingly go up from earth to Heaven to live with him ? A Saints loathnesse to expire doth not spring from this root , because they judge that death is not good enough for them , but it 's a sprig that grows upon this root , because they judge thēselves not good enough for death .

But remember the edg of this keen sword is blunted , since the sides of Christ was the scabbard in which it was sheathed .

When the Ship is in the Haven its Erras ( mi Christiane ) erras sicogitas te integrum , et non bene contusum perventurum ad coelum . Drex . loc. citat . past all storms , but by induring storms , it at last arriveth at the Haven . When we come to Glory there will be no temptations to endure , but it s by enduring of temptations that we come to glory . When the body and the soul shall part asunder , the soul and God shall meet together .

The sharper your sorrows are here , the sweeter will be your joyes hereafter ; let me allude to that Psal. 68. 13. Though ye have lien among the Pots , yet shall ye be as the wings of a Dove covered with silver , and her feathers with yellow gold .

All the Grapes in Christs Vineyard must passe thorow the Wine-presse . Health is most acceptable after the sharpest sicknesse ; and liberty most sweet after a rigorous bondage ; and the harbour most welcome after turbulent storms : How pleasant soever a sinners beginning is , his ending is dolorous ; how troublesome soever a Saints beginning is , his ending is joyous : The fresh Rivers of carnal pleasure run into a salt Sea of despairing tears , when the wet seeds-time of a pious life ushers in the Sun-shiny Harvest of a peacefull death .

When Craesus askt Solon who he Dicique beatus ant● obitum nemo supremaque funera debet . Horat. thought happy , he told him one Tellus a man that was dead . Happinesse doth not goe before death , but death goes before happinesse . It 's storied of Adrianus , that seeing many Christians put to such cruel and bitter deaths , he askt some of them what it was that they suffered such cruel torments for , to whom they answered , Speramus illa bona quae oculus non videt , auras non audivit , in cor hominis non ascenderunt ; We hope for those things which eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , nor ever entred into the heart of man to conceive .

They who are born blind are unable to judg of that glory that dazles the very eyes of the Angels ; One smile in Gods face will dry up all the tears in their eyes . When beleevers change earth for Heaven , they do not loose their blessednesse , but compleat their blessednesse ; as fishes dropping out of the narrow Brook into the wide Ocean , do not leave their Element but are more in it then they were before . A beleevers dying is resembled to a burnt-offering ; now in a burnt-offering when the ashes falls to the earth , the flame ascends to Heaven . Thus have I set twenty Diamonds in your Golden Ring . And so much for the first thing ; Namely , The erection of singular Principles . I come now to the last stage for the direction of singular practises . Here I shall spread but six Sails and make to the shoar .

1. Would you do more then others , then you must know more then others . I may say of Divine wisdome , as they did of that Graecian Lady , No man ever loved her , that never saw her ; and no man ever saw her , that never loved her . We do not first come to God that we may be taught , but we are first taught that we may come to God .

A Christian that is most intelligent , is a Christian that is most excellent . Wisdom makes the face to shine , Eccl. 8. 1. What the Papists cry up as the Mother of Devotion , we cry down as the Father of Superstition . Satan that cruel Jaylor secures all his Captives in the dark Dungeons of Ignorance ; He deals with them as Faulkners do with their Hawks , that put Diabolus coecâ cupiditate , et falsis consiliis ita peccatorem excaecavit , ut quietissimè cum suis compedibus ligatus stet , necse ullo prorsus in periculo constitutum putet . Stapl : in Dom: Quinque Tex : 5. Hoods upon their heads that they may carry them more quietly upon their hands . Having the understanding darkned , being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them , because of the blindness of their hearts , Eph: 4. 18. The Father of light takes no pleasure in the children of darknesse ; he doth not use to waft souls to Heaven like passengers in a Ship , who are shut under the Hatches and see nothing all the way they are sailing to their Port : If thou knewest the gift of God , and who it is that asks , thou wouldst have askt of him , and he would have given thee living water , John 4. 10.

Christ doth therefore goe undesired in the world , because he goes undiscerned by the world ; Did they see all in this Pearl of price , they would sell all for this Pearl of price . An ignorant man he is Satans treasury for corruption , and he is Gods Armory for indignation . An understanding without understanding , it 's but the soul of a beast imprisoned in the body of a man . If ye know these things , happy are ye if you doe them .

The will of God must be known on earth as it is known in Heaven , or else the will of God will never be done on earth as it 's done in Heaven .

Utter darkness is the just recompence of inner darkness . It 's storied of a deformed person , that he set curious pictures before his wife , that seeing of them she might have beautiful children ; And Labans sheep by looking on the Rods which were laid in the Troughes , their Lambs which they produced were party coloured : Shall fancy work so strongly in them , and shall not faith work as strongly in us ! O walk in the face of the Sun of righteousnesse and you will be coloured by the shinings of his beams . The patient Christian is the best for waiting , but the prudent Christian is best for working ; Where there is a vail cast before the eys of knowledg , there is a bar set before the hands of practice : An ignorant person neither knows what he is doing , nor doth he know whither he is going . The dark corners of the earth are full of the inhabitants of cruelty , Psal. 74. 20. The Prince of darkness sits upon a Throne of darkness ; now God hath no birth-rights for such prophane Esaues . Though the earth may keep an ignorant man living , yet Heaven will not take an ignorant man dying ; as no man can shun the evil he fears not , so no man can imbrace the good he knows not . A man may as soon draw running streams from burning flames , as he can tast a drop of mercy from irreconciled Majesty .

Where ever there is a trade driven for Heaven , the Spirit of Christ doth first open the Shop windows , I must work the works of him that sent me , whilest it is day , the night cometh wherein no man can work , John 9. 4. Est quidem maxima faelicitas a Christo cognosci ; sed est ma●ima necessitas , ut nos quoque Christū cognoscamus . Idem in Dom: 2. postpasch● Tex : 5. You cannot do the work of the day unlesse you have the light of the day ; A dim eye may be serviceable for the prevention of falls , but a blind eye exposes to continual hazards . Darkness as it is Satans Element , so it is a sinners punishment : My people perish for want of knowledge , Hosea 4. 6. Men in the mist of ignorance , are like Ships that sail desperately against those Rocks that splits them eternally . He shall come in flaming fire taking vengance on them that know not God , and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ , 2 Thess. 1. 8. Your want of judgement is a sin against which Christ will come to judgement . You that here take no knowledge of him , he will there take no knowledge of you . When the Candle of the soul is put out , needs must it sit in the dark . Reason though it be the noblest Tree in natures garden , yet since the fall it hath rotten fruits upon its boughs ; It will not receive the Gold of the Sanctuary , unlesse it be weighed in its own Scales ; as if the guilt of blind obedience , did lye upon them who have the Sun of righteousnesse to go before them . Ah how do Owl-eyed sinners take that for Devotion , which is but Superstition , and that for a Bethel , which is but a Babel ! The weaker light we have of truth , the more easily may we be cheated with error in the stead of truth .

To keep the understanding free Quanquam multa sint peccata fragilitatis , multa malitiae , tamen verissimū est , ignorantiā omnium malorum , et flagitiorum esse fundamentum et principium . Stella in Luc. cap. 15. vers. 12. from ignorance is the way to keep it free from error ; To preserve it as a Goshen from the darknesse of Aegypt , is the way to rid it of the Frogs and Locusts of Aegypt . An arrogant mans will is not more rebellious , then an ignorant mans wit is erronious : He that desires to see the face of holinesse in its native lustre , must not let his carnal judgement draw its picture .

To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan unto God , that they may receive forgiveness of sins , and inheritance amongst them that are sanctified by faith in me , Acts 26. 18.

The strength of the Sun-beams can scatter the darkest Clouds , as well as consume the thinest Vapors . In nature there 's some sparkles of light , but so rak't under the ashes of disolute thoughts and practises , that though it be not quite smother'd yet it 's scarce discerned ; The notions of God implanted in innocency , do not shine in their genuine and primogenial radiancy . Therefore Nebuchadnezzar is turned a grazing to the beasts of the field , that he might come to the acknowledging of the God of the world . It 's reported of a famous Carver , who making a curious picture of Minerva , did secretly ingrave his own upon it ; So the Lord of Heaven hath inter-woven his owne Image in us , which remains as a mark whereby we may be known to be his workmanship ; and although the glorious lineaments of his draught are much defac't , yet there are such reliques and remainders left behind , that as in fullyed Maps we may guesse at former lines . Spiritual acts , they require spiritual eyes , and the brighter we see them , the better we do them . We cannot come to God with fiducial or justifying faith , before we have attained a historical or dogmatical faith .

What the Papists say of Images we may justly say of the creatures , that they are Lay-mens books in which there 's no Errata's : The Heavens declares the glory of God , and the Firmament sheweth his handy work , Psal. 19. 1. They who could not unclapse the book of Scripture , have laid before them the volume of nature . The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen , being understood by the things that are made , Rom. 1. 20. From the second causes we may easily arrive at the first ; as you may pursue a River as it runs to the Fountains head from which it flows . If we should see a Ship upon the Sea sailing directly to the Harbor , we might conclude a Pilot in her to steer her course ; They have but a narrow inspection into the works of nature , that cannot in them discover the God of nature , which is Commentum Dei mirabile , as Lactantius calls it ; That 's the first .

2. If you would do more then others , you must love more then others . The love of Christ constrains us , 2 Cor. 5. 14. There 's no sin so sweet , but the love of Christ restrains them from it , there 's no service so great , but the love of Christ constrains them to it ; If once this affection takes fire , the room becomes too hot for any sin to stay in .

The heart is a chamber for Christ , but not a harbour for lust . The Mandrakes give a smell , and at our Gates are all manner of pleasant fruits , new and old which I have laid up for thee , O my beloved , Cant. 7. 13. Love never shakes the Boughs , but for Christ to eat the fruits . Many pay the performance of duties , as oppressed Subjects doe heavy taxes , with sad complaints ; But the Spouse of Christ Amor onus non sentit , labores non reputat , plus affectat quâ valet . Kempis . looks upon what she is as not great enough for his remembrance , and what she does as not good enough for his acceptance ; had she any thing a thousand times better then her self , or were her self a thousand times better , it should be bestowed upon him : What is that little that he desires , to that much that he deserves . When Achilles was demanded what enterprizes he found the most easie ? he answered , Those which he undertook for his friends : Seaven years service seemed nothing to Jacob , because of the love he did bear to Rachel , Omnia facilia habenti charitatem , saith Austin ; Love as it acts the most excellently , so it acts the most easily ; If you love me , keep my commandements , John 14. 15. The Christal streams of divine actions , they bubble from the pure spring of divine affection . I have heard of a wife that grudged obedience to her husband , because she thought him unworthy to receive it , to whom it was answered , Though he that married her was unworthy of her observance ; yet he that made her was worthy of her obedience , and whatsoever she had to say against her husband , she had nothing to say against the command of God . In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing , nor uncircumsion , but faith which worketh by love , Gal. 5. 6. The Christians love advances by equal paces with the Christians faith , as the heat of the day with the shining of the Sun ; Faith like Mary sits at the feet of Christ to hear his Sermons , and love like Martha , compasses him about with services ; Faith is the great receiver , and love is the great disburser ; We take in all by beleeving , and we lay out all by loving ; Faith it first works love , and then it works by love , as the workman sets an edge upon his tooles , and then carves and cuts with them ; The Scripture hath exceeding high expressions of this affection . Nihil dulcius est amore , nihil fortius , nihil jucundius , nec melius in Caelo et in terrâ , quia natus est ex D●o , &c. Id : lib. 3 cap. 5. de Imit : Christi . Christ he brings the ten Commandements into two Commandements , Matth. 22. 37 , 38. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all thy soul , and with all thy mind ; this is the first and great Commandement , and the second is like unto it , thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self . Christ he brings ten words into two words ; but Paul he folds them all up in one word : For all the law is fulfilled in one word ( Gal. 5. 14. ) What 's that ? surely it is too big for any mouth to utter , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self . He that is not wanting in this duty , is wanting in no duty . Love it s called an old Commandement , and a new Commandement , 1 John 2. 7 , 8. It 's as old as the Law of Moses , and yet as new as the Gospel of Jesus Christ .

Faith is the grace that at first seals the conveyance , and love is the grace that at last possesses the inheritance ; Faith that unites Christ and sanctified souls together on earth , but love that unites God and glorified souls together in Heaven .

As the spleen groweth , the body decayeth ; and as hatred increaseth , so holinesse abateth . Die aliquid ut duo simus , was the Motto of a Heathen , and therefore doth not belong to a Christian . It 's best that dissention should never be born among brethren , and next that it should dye presently after it's birth : When any leak springs in the ship of Christian society , we should use our indeavours to stop it speedily . The nearer the union is , the more dangerous is the breach ; Bodies that are glewed together may ( if severed ) be set together as beautifully as ever , but members rent and torne cannot be healed without a scar .

The love in a hypocrites bosome is just like the fire in the Israelites bush , which was not burning all the while it was blazing ; His estate and relations hath the top and strength of his affections ; they admit the world not only into the Suburbs of their sences , but into the City of their souls : But the love of a Saviour in the soul of a beleever , is as Oyl put into a Vial with water , in which , though both be never so much shaken together , the oyl will be uppermost ; Or if you please , as one rising Sun which drowns the light of numberless Starres : Should God give his substance to him , and yet keep himself from him , Absalom's expression would be his , What doth all avail me , so long as I see not the Kings face ? Take a Christian and his Heaven upon earth is in Gods dwelling with him , yea and his Heaven in Heaven is in his dwelling with God ; He is like a stone , of which some report that if it be thrown into the water whole it swims , if broke it sinks ; Or like the Mary-gold that opens with the shining , and shuts with the setting of the Sun of righteousnesse .

Love it puts not off its pursuits of Certe amor Dei tam efficax est , ut effectus , potius quam affectus dici debeat ; plus enim facit , quam afficit . Stapl : in Dom. Pen. Tex . 1. duty , till it attains the possessions of glory ; There 's no rocking this child to sleep , till it be laid in the Cradle of the Grave : A soul that loves much , is a soul that works much ; The commands of the Gospel are not grievous to them , but precious to them .

The highest graces are fit for the hardest duties : As God is not so much displeased at our having of sin , as he is displeased at our loving of sin ; so he is not so well pleased at our doing of service , as at our loving of service . Different movings express different beings : When a Christian yields obedience to Christ out of a principle of love , he so serves Christ as none but a Saint can serve Christ . When thou saidst seek ye my face , my heart answered , thy face I will seeke , Psal. 27. 8. The heart of obedience , is the obedience of the heart : That 's the second .

3. Would you do more then others , then pray more then others . Our daily bread , calls for daily prayers ; because new wants are created , when old wants are supplyed .

The Garden of the Church is watred by the River of Prayer . Are you called by the name of Christ , and will you not call upon the name of Christ ? Take away spiritual breathing , and you take away spirituall living ; a child that 's still born , was never a childe that 's new borne .

Who would not stretch forth a Beggars hand , to receive a Jewel of greater vallew then the world . With what boldnesse may they appear at the Court , that are assured of the ear of the King .

We shall soon give up the Ghost , if God doe not give in the Holy Ghost : to stop our breath is the way to loose our life .

You may pray alwayes , and yet not allwayes be at prayer : Thou allowest thy body daily sustentation , O allow thy soule daily supplication . Prayer it s like Noahs Dove , though it goe forth of the Arke , yet it will return againe with an Olive-branch of peace in its mouth .

In Gods injoyning our supplications there 's the shewing forth of his greatnesse , in Gods fulfilling our supplications there 's the shining forth of his goodnesse : Prayer , never did man rightly make it , but God did quickly grant it ; It 's no more a duty for Saints on earth to give over praying , then it is a duty for Saints in Heaven to give over praising .

If you would speed in the injoying of mercy , you must speak for the obtaining of mercy ; If man lets God goe without any begging , God will let man goe without any blessing . I am sadly sensible how many there are that cast off this duty ; But it is not because the lameness of their leggs is cured , but because they are ashamed to make use of crutches : Christians let not your want of accomplishments create in you any discouragements ; Dumbe beggars have got almes at Christs gates by making of signes .

The waters of life are sweet ; O what pity it is , that God should turne the cock for want of pails to set under ! Take a dry spunge and throw it into the river , and it will suck it self full of water .

As he prayed the forme of his countenance Christus cum oraret transfigurabatur , ita in oratione magnae fiunt in anima mutationes , quia lumen animae est oratio , quae saepiu● eum , quem invenit desperantem , relinquit exultanter ▪ Ger. med. 25. was altered , and his rayment was white and glistering , Luk. 9. 28 , 29. Christ had the brightest Sunshine of his fathers affection , when he was moving in the Orbe of supplication . Tell me Sirs , is not that mercy worth the breath of a sinner , which was worth the blood of a Saviour ? then to pray we can do no more to the removing of our own miseries , and we can do no less for the obtaining of Gods mercies : methinks man should never cease asking , till God cease granting . Lord , what wilt thou give me seeing I goe childless ? So say you , Lord what wilt thou give me seeing I goe gracelesse ? Prayer is the souls trading to Heaven Oratio justi clavis est caeli , ascendit precatio , et descendit Dei liberatio . Id ibid. for such commodities , as are only locked up in Gods Treasuries .

By fasting the body learns to obey the soul , but by praying the soule learns to command the body . Dumbness should never seize on the lips of man , till deafnesse seize on the ears of God : Shall God in Heaven want a man that is praying , whilst man on earth wants not a God that is hearing ?

Christians though your relations are excellent , yet your conditions are indigent . No Christian hath so little of Christ but he hath matter for praise , and no Christian hath so much from Christ but he hath matter of prayer ; every day we find it a great worke to accomplish a little work ; every new act of obedience , calls for new strength and assistance : as our receits are greater then our desarts , so our wants are larger then our receits . Ask , and ye shall receive , that your joy may be full . Spirituall supplication is the channell of spirituall consolation ; you must be full of prayers , if you would be full of joyes : now none are more fruitfull in divine labour , then those who are most joyfull in divine favour . Death that shortens our way on earth , and makes it nearer , but delight that sweetens our way to heaven , and makes it fairer .

The neglect of the flowers , will but administer advantage unto the growth of the weeds ; a little Ship with a strong wind , moves faster then a greater Vessell with slacker gailes .

I never expect , that a branch which receives no sap from the Vine , should beare any fruit in the Vine . Si ascendat oratio descendet gratia ; when prayer mounts upon the wing to God , then favours come upon the spur to Non verbe de precantis deus intendit , sed orantis cor aspicit . Bern. de inter . domo . cap. 48. man . The gift of prayer may have praise from men , but it is the grace of prayer that hath power with God : a few grapes prove the plant to be a Vine , and not a thorne .

Prayer is Gods due as a Creator , though truly performed to him as a Father . None can pray aright but those that are new Creatures , but all ought to pray because they are creatures .

Christians can never want a praying time , if they do not want a praying frame ; in the morning this is a golden key to open the heart for servise , and in the evening it is an iron lock to shut the heart from sin .

As the raine comes down from Heaven fruitfully , so let prayer go up to Heaven fervently . Peter was kept in prison , but prayer was made without ceasing for him , ( Act. 12. 5. ) And prayer fetcht an Angel out of Heaven , to fetch Peter ▪ out of prison : If the oven be quite cold , it requires more wood to heat it again ; there 's more strength exercised in the raising of a Bell , then in the ringing of a Bell ; it 's not the dog that cryes the loudest that catches the haire , but he that follows the Chase .

Beleevers should not only pray one with another , but they should pray one for another ; next to the breach of piety in Religion , we should abominate the breach of charity in communion ; that 's a sad spectacle to see men upholding an abominable oftentation , by a more abominable separation .

It 's weak conceptions that are the Parents of strong delusions ; that 's true , they who cannot know our hearts should not judge them , and they who should not judge our hearts cannot know them ; but when such Vessells gives over sailing , we may conclude that divine gails hath given over blowing . Christians , He that is omniscient to see your wants , is omnipotent to grant your suits ; there 's no mercies so little as to be gotten without prayer , there 's no mercies so great as not to be given unto prayer . Are you made spirituall Priests , and will you not offer up spirituall sacrifices ? Si fidelis , humilis , et fervens oratio fuerit , caelum sine dubio penetrabit , unde certum est quòd vacu● redire non poterit . Ber Ser. 4. de Quadrag . ult. verb. Our affections should fly like an Eagle when our expressions creep like a snaile . What 's the reason there are so many empty Casks in Gods Cellar , but for want of prayer : Pray continually , though you be not continually at prayer , 1 Thes. 5. 17. If the lesson be not alwayes playing , yet the instrument must be kept in tune .

They should never be dying Petitioners , that have an everliving Intercessor . It matters not how often you carry an empty pitcher to so full a River : And this is the confidence that we have in him , that if we ask any thing according to his will he hears us , 1 Joh. 5. 18. That soul shall have its will of God , that desires nothing but what God wills .

The intercession of Christ is a golden Censor , and can we desire him to offer up our drossy prayer for incense ? It was an expression of Luthers , Fiat voluntas mea , Domine quia tua ; let my will be done , mine Lord , because it is thine ; because it fixed in the same Center ; he was bold to call for the fulfilling of it .

The Covenant of grace without us turns precepts into promises , but the spirit of grace within us turns promises into prayers . Take with you words , and turn unto the Lord ; say unto him , take away all our iniquity , and receive us graciously , Hosea 14. 2. O how willing is God that we should hit the mark , when he teaches us how to direct our arrowes ! What desires are there in him that we should prevail , when he shews us how we should wrestle ! Spirituall breathings are more potent then carnal roarings ; none but such desires as want good aimes , doe want good issues ; nothing will get up to Heaven , but that which doth come down from Heaven : Deny not God faith in prayer , and God will not deny a faithfull prayer . That is the Third .

4. Would you do more than others , then beleeve more then others . It 's the Lamp of fidelity , that 's filled with the oyl of activity : This is a grace that is the most needful , and this is a grace Vt sol radios suos longè lareque per totum terrarum orbem diffundit , sic fides in hominecredente vires sua efficacitèr exerit . Sibel in Mat. 16. 16. conc. 13. in mi● . that is the most fruitful ; If there be life in the body the pulse will be beating , and if there be faith in the soul the man will be working ; all other graces thrives in the soul , as this grace thrives in the soul , as the watering of the roots makes the flourishing of the Trees .

What doth it profit , my Brethren , if a man say he hath faith , and hath no works , can faith save him ; Jam. 2. 14. An idle faith , is an evill faith ; yea , a faith that works not , is a faith that saves not : This is a faithfull saying , and this I will that thou affirme constantly ; that they which have beleeved in God , might be carefull to maintaine good works , Titus 3. 8. It 's reported of the Christall , that there 's such a vertue in it , that it will quicken all other stones , and put a beauty and lustre upon them : I am sure it 's true here , there 's such a divine virtue and power in faith , that it quickens and casts a lustre upon all our other graces .

Perceiving of Christ speaks a Christians knowledge , but it 's a receiving of Christ that speaks a christians faith : To as many as received him , to them he gave power to become the Sons of God , even to as many as believed on his name , Joh. 1. 12. Faith doth not only looke upon Christ as a fountain of living water , but layes pipes to convey it to its own Cisterne .

The Window irradiates the house not by any light of its own , but as a medium to let in the beams of the Sun : without Christ faith can doe nothing , and against Christ faith will do nothing . A true and Scripturall affiance , is as the spring in the watch , that moves all the golden wheels of obedience . The father of the child cryed out with tears , I beleeve , help my unbelief , Mark 9. 24. Though his tears dropt down to the earth , yet his faith reacht up to Heaven .

Faith is able to swim upon those deep seas with delight , which the line of reason could never fathom . He that is highest in his diffidence , is lowest in his obedience : he could not do many mighty works there , because of their unbelief : that which hinders Christ from working for Christians , that will hinder Christians from working for Christ .

It is as naturall for a beleeving man to be a working man , as it is for the Sun to shine , or the fire to burne . The people of Israel stood in the outer Court , but the High Priest entered within the Vaile : Thus other graces Sic fides inter virtutes sure suo pri matum obtinet . stand but in the outer court , it 's faith that enters within the Vaile . The Devill if he can but undermine the foundation he will soone overthrow the building ; as take away the corner stone , and yon indanger all the other stones . Bernard hath an excellent saying , Increduli timent diabolum quasi leonem ; at qui in side fortes , despiciunt eum quasi vermiculum ; whilst unbeleevers fear the Devill as a Lion , the faithfull contemne him as a worme .

Christians , he that here lives by faith which doth admit of doubting , shall hereafter live by sight which doth not admit of clouding : There 's no landing at the shoare of felicity , without sailing in the bark of fidelity : there 's no grace doth so glorifie God as faith , and there 's no grace that God doth so glorifie as faith .

Will you see how two gracious persons dash their feet against temptations ? Lord , if thou hadst been here , my Brother had not dyed , John 11. 32. As if Christ could not have saved his life when he was absent , as well as when he was present , and have sent him health , as well as have brought him health ; But doe they stop at the first step ? no , but march on further in this distrustfull Road ; vers. 9. Lord by this time he stinketh ; As if the physitians potion came too late , and the Grave would not make any surrender though Christ commands the release of its prisoner ; but their unbeliefe stunk more in his nostrills , then their brothers body did in theirs . And being not weak in faith , he considered not his own body now dead , when he was about an hundred years old , neither yet the deadnesse of Sarahs womb , Rom. 4. 19.

Skilfull swimmers are not afraid to goe above their depth , whereas young learners grope for the ground and are loth to stirre from the bank-side ,

Faith is not only the instrument to Fides salvifica est viva radiae sanctitatis ; ma nus , os , et oculus filiorum dei ; vinculum quo summo bono , per Christum nobis unitum , unimur . Id. conc. 15. in limine . receive the righteousnesse of Christ for our justification , but it 's the instrument to receive the holiness of Christ for our sanctification : Of his fullnesse we receive grace for grace , John 1. 16. But how do we receive it ? Even by Faith . Faith unites the soul to Christ , and as by a pipe laid close to the mouth of a fountaine , water is carried to our houses for the supply of the whole family ; so by faith is derived to the soule in abundance , a supply for all its exigences : He that beleeves , out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters , Joh. 7. 38. Hence it is , that when the Saints would advance to a high pitch in other graces , they pray for an increase of this grace : Lord , increase our faith , Luk. 17. 5. What the root sucks from the earth , it soon disperces amongst the branches .

In faith there is such an efficacy , Fides est armaturamentis et sicut scuto repellimus hostiles ictus sic fidem opponimus falsis diaboli suggestionibus . Staplet . in Dom. 4. ●ost Epiph. Tex . 2. that it 's able to rout the whole body of impiety , that not one lust stands in its unbroken strength : Sin shall not have dominion over you , for you are not under the Law , but under grace , Rom. 6. 14. Lusts they may stirre like wounded souldiers on their knees ; they may rally like broken Troops , but shall never be Masters of the field where faith is seene .

Faith it doth not shoot paper pellets , but Cannon bullets ; mans weakness can easily build the rotten fabrick of sin up , but its faiths strength which can only throw it down .

As lusts would not let Christ live without us , so Christ will not let lusts live within us : Holding the Mistery of faith in a pure conscience , Tim. 3. 9. Fides est cardo super quem vertitur porta Caeli ; situla per quam hauritur aqua vitae ; annulus ille nuptialis quo mens Deo desponsatur &c. Arrowsin ; Tact. sacr. l. 2. cap. 7. Sect. 13. This heavenly Manna it 's laid up in a golden Pot ; if faith be a precious pearle , a good conscience is the Cabinet in which it s lockt .

Faith comes out of the warrs a conqueror , when fear is foyled and taken prisoner ; it 's as potent to keep us from falling under temptations , as to keep us from fainting under afflictions .

The body of Adam it is a Rack for sufferings , but the bosome of Abraham is an Ark for resting . A Beleever is like Joseph , though the Archers sorely grieved him , and shot at him , yet his bow abode in strength , and all his Arrowes were safe in the Quiver .

Christians , never was the Tallent of faithfullness wrapped up in the Napkin of idleness . He is a rich man that lives upon his wealth , but he is a righteous man that lives upon his faith .

The first poysonous breath which was drawn by Eves lips , was sent in those words ; Yea , hath God said ye shall not eat ? This was the Traitors gate thorow which all sin entered into the heart : A Tree is easily felled when its root is loosned .

Unbeleef it doth not only choake the bullets of wrath which are sent out of the fiery mouth of the Law , but it damps all the motions of grace , which comes from the still voyce of the Gospell . All the offers of reconciliation which are made to unbeleeving persons , they are like sparks of fire falling into a river of water , that are extinguisht by it as soon as ever they light upon it .

Fifthly , Would you do more then others , then resolve more then others . It is the resolute Christian , that is the excellent christian : An action that is well resolved , is an action that is halfe performed : God looks more at our wills then at our works .

The very first fruits of conversion , they grow upon the Tree of holy resolution : I will arise , and go to my father , Luke 15. 15. Arrows weakly shot fall short of their marks .

Many stand watching on what dyall the Sun shines , and on what earth the cloud drops ; they stand as spectators on the shoare ; whilst the Vessell is tossed on the Sea .

Shame is that which ambicious nature abhors , and danger is that which timorous nature declines . Reformation is an Icy path , and cowardly spirits love to have it well beaten by others , before they will set a foot in it themselves .

Firme resolutions are like Rocks , against which the waves may beat and strike , but cannot move and alter . As our prayers manifest what we desire that God should do for us , so our purposes manifest what we our selves are desirous to do for God .

The holiness of a Saints life , may be resembled to a babes birth . In every birth there 's three things ; A Conceiving , a Travelling , and a bringing forth : So there 's a conceiving of holinesse in our understandings , by way of illumination ; there 's a Travelling of holinesse in our wills , by way of resolution ; and there 's a bringing forth of holiness in our lives by way of operation .

Till you attain to firme resolutions , you will never be free from great temptations : Look as it is with the ill humours of the body , they flock and resort to the crazy part ; so it is with Sathans assaults , they will be ever frequent where the heart is ready to imbrace them , or not resolved to resist them .

The Laws Curse is the press-money to force a servile spirit , but the love of God is the by as of a Volunteer .

Your purposes and resolutions must be like water from a fountaine , that flowes of it self , and not like water from a pit , that is fetcht forth by artificiall Engines .

Some never take up any resolutions but when they are under sharp afflictions ; these are like those Goates , that never give any milke till they are stung : Like children under the rod , they make fair promises ; but all these blossomes falls from the Tree without bearing of any fruits : when they are raised from their sick-bed pains , they fall from their sick-bed vowes ; These are like Ice that thaws in the Sun , but freezes in the shade : They hang their lusts on the Cross for a time that they may be curbed , but take them down again that they may not be crucified ; what is this but to put a Lion in chains and then let him loose again .

There must be a harmony between your resolutions and your conversations : What shall we vow against our sins , and then sin against our vowes ? This were to take the wages of one Master , & to do the work of another ; to make our promises unto God , and our performances to the Devill .

Sacred vowes bind us to obedience , but sinfull vowes bind us to repentance . Christians , say not that you have noble blood running in your veins , except you can prove your pedigrees by heroick spirits : That 's the Fifth .

6. Would you do more then others , then deny your selves more then others . Either we must lay self aside , or else God will lay us aside : What can any true Israelite see in this Dagan of the Philistins , that the Ark of God should fall before it .

Self seeking , saith one , was born in heaven , but forgetting by what way she fell from thence , she could never find the road thither again .

If any man will come after me , let him deny himself , and take up his cross and follow me ; This is the basis or foundation on which we must build the whole fabrick of our profession . Sinfull selfe is to be destroyed , and naturall self is to be denyed .

A little will serve a man that is strong in grace , much will but serve a man that is weak in grace , but nothing will serve a man that is voyd of grace .

As we must lay out all in the Cause of God , so we must lay down all at the call of God .

But to close up all , The Elder Israelites they mourned to see how short the glory of the second Temple , was of the glory of the first : I fear that we have cause to mourn , to see how far short our professors come in purity of their fore fathers .

Behold , I come quickly , & my reward is with me , to give every man according as his works shall be , Revel. 22. 12. This very expression may much excite to eminency in Religion : He that doth most , shall receive most ; the more glory you bring to God , the more glory you shall have from God .

The clearer the lamp of grace burns on earth , the brighter the Sun of glory shall shine in Heaven .

Though your pilgrimage may be full of bitternesse , yet your heritage will be full of blessednesse . Let such golden spurs put you upon your full careers .

Mans excellency is to be measured by the standard of his usefullnesse . The Sun and Moon those fountains of light and guids of time , fulfill their courses in a shorter season , when the dimmer planets are longer wheeling . O that it might be said of you , as it was said of her , Prov. 31. 29. Many daughters have done vertuously , but thou hast excelled them all .

FINIS .