WHere the Treasure is , there 's the Heart , Matth . 6.21 . the thoughts , the affections also . A judicious mind is vertuously ambitious , only being inamored with that , whose true worth invites most its Contemplation , glancing over inferiour things with a superficial and general surview .

The Soul of Man is never un-imployed , though often mis-imployed , resembling in the perpetuity , though not in the quality of its motion , the ever and all-moving Creator ; who as he ever was , so was he never idle , as being a most pure act .

Is this true ? Is the mind of Man never vacant ? Art thou never idle O my Soul ? Strive then not to be idely employed ; that both in acting , and in acting well , thou maist be more like thy Maker . And let the riches on which thou placest thy love , be Heaven and heavenly things : Where neither Moth nor rust corrupt , nor Thieves break through and steal ; Matth . 6.20 . so shall such Treasure be , not the Prison , but the Paradise of thy heart .

Amongst all those precious Graces heapt up in the boundless Store-house of Gods mercy , though each particular is to be admired , yet are there degrees of preheminence . For like as the beautiful Stones set in Aaron's Vestments ; the Planets amongst the lesser Stars : So these three Divine Graces , Faith , Hope , and Charity , out-shine the rest , attracting the eye of my Soul , and as much invite my Contemplation , as they necessitate my fruition .

These , these are the Fundamental Graces , Superiour to all other , both in respect of the Excellency of their Object , Christ Jesus , and of their Subject wherein they reside , a true Christian . The other , viz. Temperance , Fortitude , &c. being often-times bestowed by God on many natural Men , in whom they shine with a dim Light , never with a Sun-like splendor . They ( like the Indians ) possessing those Treasures , which Christians know best the right use of : Such Diamonds being then only truly placed , when set within a foile of Humility .

Thus my Soul , through the free Grace of thy Heavenly Father , hast thou exhibited to thy view , and enjoying a Mine of Treasure , a Heaven of Happiness , Riches which exclude not , but command thee to covet . O follow thy Saviours Counsel , be a joyful Man , and industrious Merchant . Matth . 13.44 . Part with all thy sinful Lusts , Sell all thy worldly Vanities ; purchase this Field , and Trade for these Pearls . Thy affections are the price ; which that thou mightest disburse without delay , look more seriously into their worth , so shalt thou at once affect , and possess them .

As the optick faculty is both weak , and useless to us , in the Discovery of things that are either too neer , or too far distant , and so out of the command of its Power : so also if we suffer it at once distractedly to wander over several species ( though within the strength of its speculation ) it cannot give a true judgment , or description of any particular . The same Rules bound our understanding , the perspective of our Souls . For look we on God , that Infinite being , further then our limits in his gracious revelation , our sight is cataracted and dimned with ignorance . View we him too neer in the attribute of his mercy , we grow presumptuously blind . Or place we terrene vanities in our affections as worthy to be equally gazed on with him , our reason will prove both purblinde , and false-sighted ; rendring an untrue and unprofitable discovery to our Souls . The last of these Rules let me first apply ; then follow here the objects proposed to my present Meditation , which are the Principal and Evangelical Vertues . Shall I then at once superficially glance over them ? No , rather view thou my Soul each grace apart , that so thou mayest better discern the dignity of each particular . And as Faith hath the preheminence amongst them , and the first place in us , at our regeneration ; so in thy Contemplation .

Phylosophers are beholding to Aristotle for most of their Definitions ; the Christians to the Scripture , as being the truth , and so no error in it ; as being the Foundation , and therefore no building without it . Wouldst thou know then O my Soul what Faith is ? Hebr . 11.1 . Search the Scriptures and thou shalt find , that Faith is the Substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen . O perfect figure , O true Effigies of that Heavenly Grace , drawn even to the Life by that only great Arts-Master , the Spirit of God! Frail Mortals that we are , extraordinary need have we of such exact Descriptions ; since like weak-sighted Men , we multiply our object , grasping frequently the shadow in stead of the substance . Thus being often times deceived in our judgments , by the many counterfeits of Faith , Let us upon some Professors thereof ( that even falshood may not want a witness ) cursorily gaze , as Passengers use to do , on executed Traytors ; learning wisdome from others harms , rather pitying their folly , than following their example .

The Sun may rise gloriously , and yet suffer an Eclipse , before it mount the Meridian . Good beginnings may make us expect , cannot assure us of good proceedings . Many run in a race , 1 Cor . 9.24 . but he which perseveres to the end obtains the prize . Man-kinde doth commonly ascend one degree towards Heaven , where frozen with ignorance and folly , they afar of , with the Owle , wonder at the Light , not caring by their approach to enjoy its heat , or to be enlightned with its brightness ; like silly Birds hovering over the Devils blaze , N. B. ( that fowler of Souls ) or with ignorant Travellers , eying and following that false and wandering Light of Worldly Vanities , until they be plunged in their own destruction . Historical Faith . Ezek . 49 3. Genes . 28.12 . Genes . 3.1 . Amongst these , give me leave to point out the Historical Believer , who hath waded , and in the deep , in Ezekiel's River ; hath ascended one step of Jacob's Ladder ; yea , with the Serpent in Paradise ( that Devil incarnate ) hath found out the Tree , of whose sweetness he shall never be a happy partaker .

O the folly and madness of rational Souls ! who having spyed out the good Land of Canaan , choose rather , with the murmuring Israelites , Numb . 13. to wander in the Wilderness of Vanity , the Deserts of Evil , not only Forty Years , but their whole life time , then to go in to possess that fruitfull Soile , with faithfull Joshuah . Tell me , O Man , why the affection doth as it were loose its appetite , change his Channel , and dissent from that Rule in Heavenly things , which in terrene objects it both allows , and follows . The Covetous Man having begun but to tast of Riches , continues a Midas , ever after , wishing to touch and feed on nothing but Gold . The Voluptuous Man having had but an Airy view of Pleasure , is enamoured with it , and devotes his strength , his time , his life to its service . And the Ambitious Man having once kneeled on the Foot-stool of honor , never rests , until he hath ascended the Throne . On the other side , change we but the Place , Earth for Heaven ( although the objects differ much in worth ) and our minds change also . The Historical Believer , by his general knowledge and observation of the Principles of Nature and Justice , cannot but confess a God ; next , that his Eternal Beeing is only the unexhausted Ocean , from whence all Rich Streams of Graces , Revel . 22.1 . and Rivers of Life proceed . The everlasting Mine , and Treasure of Treasures , which are as infinite in their quantity , as their value . Yet for all this proficiency in the theory of Divinity , he still remains a drone , like a lazie Mathematician , only viewing upon his Globe , those magazins of wealth , ( the Indies ) without endeavouring , or taking pains to enjoy them . He knows that Princes are but Vice-royes , Tenants at will , Commissioners , whose Power lasts not beyond Gods will , or the date of their life ; The Almighty only being the Fountaine of Honour , according to that of the Psalmist , Promotion cometh neither from the East , Psal . 75 6. & 7. nor West , nor from the South , but God is the Judge , he putteth down one , and setteth up another . Notwithstanding this knowledge of Gods preheminence , he either like the Barbarians exchanges Gold for Glass , his golden Hours for frail and glassy Titles , terrene and empty favours , which are but the counterfeits of true honour , a row of Characters , by which we should spell out Heavenly things , the substance of these shadowes .

All Earthly honours are either mediately , that is , by course of Blood , derived from our Parents to us , or else immediately by the present favour of the Prince , conferred upon Us ; the worth of them consisting in the height of Title , Place or Priviledges above others not so dignified . Look then O Glow-worm towards Heaven , and thou wilt soon confess how infinitely all Earthly vanities are overmatched ; they being but rude Patterns , helping us to judge of the Original ; degrees to raise , not weights to depress our Meditations ; a Mount Nebo to view Mount Sion . Have we on Earth Kings to create us honourable ? Behold , their Breath is in their Nostrils ; whereas in Heaven , the Lord is King for ever and ever , Psal . 10.16 . who hath said and verified it , that though they are Gods , Psal . 82.6 . yet they shall die like Men . Further , the World gives to its favourites , large and magnificent Titles , adorning them with splendid Robes , which are ( as it were ) the Superscription of their Place and Estimation . Pharaoh named Joseph , Genes . 41.45 . Zaphnath Paaneah , which signifies Prince . Daniel is named Belteshazzar , according to the name of the Caldeans God . Dan . 1.7 . David must be stiled the Kings Son in Law . 1 Sam . 18.21 . Esth. 8.15 . Mordecai goes out from the presence of the King in Royal Apparel , of blew and white , and with a great Crown of Gold , and with a Garment of fine Linnen and Purple . We see here how liberal Earthly Kings , yea Kings of the Earth , have been in the expression of their favours : and can any conjecture , the eternal God , the only Jehovah , and King of Heaven and Earth , can , or will be wanting to his favourites ? No , his Word , which is truth it self , shall be our assurance ; Fear not little Flock , Luk . 12.32 . for it is your Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdome . Nor are we only Kings , but dignified above such expressions ; the Image of the only true God being renued , and imprinted in us . For through our Lord Jesus Christ's most great and precious promises are given unto us , 2 Pet . 1.4 . that by them we should be partakers of the Divine Nature . Hath Saul chosen David to be his Son in Law ? yea , and he esteemed it an honour worth the hazarding of his life ? But behold what love the Father hath given to us , that we should be called the Sons of God . 1 Ep. Joh 3.1 . Was Mordecai so publickly honoured by Ahasuerus ? God doth far exceed in his free favours towards his : Witness St. John , saying , Rev. 4.4 . I saw round about the Throne four and twenty Seats , and upon the Seats four and twenty Elders sitting , clothed with white Rayment , having on their Heads Crowns of Gold .

Come hither O thou loytering Soul , that carest not to ascend the Mount with Abraham , and Isaac , but stayest below with his Servants , and Asses : that choosest rather to stand still , and become a barren , and unmovable Pillar of Salt , with the faithless Wife of Lot , then with no less hast than good speed to travel toward Zoar , a place of safety , with her righteous Husband . The Poets tell us a Fable of one Tantalus , whose hunger-starved Mouth covetously gasped after Golden Apples , which continually fled from him . I would ( O half Believer ) thou hadst his hunger , his thirst , then would our Saviours loving invitation be joyfully obeyed : John 7.37 . If any Man thirst , let him come unto me , and drink such living Waters which shall not flie from , but into the longing Soul . Art thou Adam's Son ? O here behold a Tree of Life , whose Root is only transplanted from Paradise to Heaven ; that so the Fruit might hang down to Earth . Here is now no prohibition , to restrain thy ambition , but a commission to warrant thy affection : ( Take and eat : ) O take it , even Christ in his Word , and Sacraments ; not carnally as Adam , but spiritually , with the hand of thy Soul , which is a saving and applying faith . Next relish it by Meditation , and digest it by prayer . Then shall thine eyes be enlightned , and thou shalt perceive thy nakedness , that so Christ may cloath thee with his righteousness here , and his glory hereafter . Then shalt thou behold the vanity of earthly pleasures , riches , and honours ; confessing that God is all these , yea all in all unto thee . That the happiness of Divine knowledge , consists most in fruition . That it is better to acknowledge God to be Immanuel with Isaiah , Esa . 7.14 . Dan . 6.26 . Luke 2.28 . Num . 23.17 . Luke 1.47 . Mark 5.7 . then Daniel's God with Darius . To imbrace Christ in our armes by faith with Simeon , than to see his Star afar of with Balaam . To rejoyce in God our Saviour with the blessed Virgin , then to confess Jesus to be the Son of the most high God , with the Legion of Devils . Then shall that virtual and spiritual Figure of God , which according to our capacity , the holy Spirit hath shadowed out by attributes in his Word , and Works , be appropriated unto us by Faith . That so those glorious rayes of his , to wit , his Holiness , his Justice , his Power , which ( before our Souls were Eagle-fighted , our minds illuminated ) rather scortcht , than cherished ; dazled than enlightned us ; meet all in the centre of his mercy , Jesus Christ ; and from him as it were by reflection , powerfully work upon us , and comfortably refresh the whole Man ; renewing , justifying , and sanctifying thee here , and glorifying thee hereafter .

All this while , O my Soul , thou hast been viewing the first draught of Faith , rudely painted after a Landskip fashion , and therefore ever beheld at distance . Now observe a second model , limb'd out more exactly , having in every part a seeming perfection . O that the Colours would be but as lasting as lively . The defect then of this Pourtraiture is a false ground , manifested and proved by its short continuance . The truth of which , since it cannot aptly , or charitably be demonstrated , or discovered by any extant piece I know , lest I should seem to be my own Judge , or judge my Brother , I will with reverence look into our Ark , the sacred Scriptures ; wherein , as there is the two Tables of the Law for our instruction , so there is a Pot of Manna to encourage and strengthen our obedience . An Aaron's Rod to tell us what we have been , are , and should not be . There I doubt not but to finde some Antiquities of the infant Age before the Law , or the middle Age under the Law , and some in the old Age of the World , that last measure of time under the Gospel . Which , although dusted by death , survived in those living characters for instruction , and our purpose .

All humane judgments may erre . Neither is there any Seat of Judicature upon Earth , Temporary Faith . no not Peter's Chair , altogether free from injustice and false opinions . If it be the certain condition of Man to be uncertain in all his ways ; Nam humanum est errare , it is his Custome to erre ; How can he then which is a stranger at home , make a true discovery abroad ? He that strumbles in a known and even path , cannot choose but fall headlong , if he ascend craggy passages . He that is ignorant of earthly things , cannot be spiritually judicious . The best oft-times are deceived by their own hearts . ( For the heart of Man is deceitfull above all things , who can know it ? ) much more by others . Those which in the false Ballance of our understanding have seemed down weight , being placed in the Scales of the Sanctuary , have been found wanting , as may appear in these following examples . Who , although they out-went the prospect of Men in the right way towards Heaven in the outward acts of Faith , yet afterwards either stood still , or wanting Oyl for their Lamps , were benighted and strayed in the broad Paths of prosperity . Genes . 4.3 . Cain the first draught of humanity that ever Man drew ; the first born to whom hereditarily belonged the blessing , and the double portion ; the fourth part of the then visible Church , and a sacrificing Priest before God ; viz. by his birth , education , & offering , proved to be a Member of the Church ; a Professor , by his Prayers ; ( implyed as the inseparable Companions of Sacrifices ; ) the fruits of that profession are manifest ; so that to the superficial view of Man , he seems not only practically Religious , but also to parallel faithful Abel . Yet behold , in process of time , his want of perseverence , shewes his defect of Sincerity ; the murder of his Brother , his former Hypocrisie ; and afterwards concluded of , and punished with the Curse of God ; the Hatred of good men , and his self Despairation .

Lots Wife was a member of the apparent Church , Gen. 19.1 . and as it is probable , forsook her native Country , her Fathers Gods , to be a sojourner , a stranger in a remote Land with Abraham . And no doubt ( while she lived in that sinful Sodom ) was a frequent Hearer of that Doctrine of Repentance , which her Righteous husband Preached with so unhappy success . Yea , in conclusion , she forsakes Sodom , being not only aided by the presence , but led by the hand of an Angel toward Zoar , that Type of Heaven . But no sooner did the Angel leave her , but her eyes reversion , discover her minds aversion . Which her self would have seconded , had not the Almighty , in Favour to her Husband , and in Mercy to Us , made her an examplary Monument , in a Pillar of Salt .

Next , under the Law , behold Saul , not only a Member , 1 Sam . 10.1 . but chosen of God to be the Captain over his Church . A man every way well qualified ; first , for his Body , his Proportion was so excellent , that there was none like him amongst all the people . 1 Sam . 10.24 . And for his Mind , it was endowed ( it seem'd ) both with Divine and Moral Vertues ; witness his joyning in Prophesie ; 1 Sam . 10 10. his performance of many Pious Duties , 1 Sam . 11.15 . as his Sacrifices at his Coronation , his asking Counsel of God , 1 Sam . 14.38 . 1 Sam . 15.24 . 1 Sam . 10.21 . 1 Sam . 10.27 . and inquiry after Sin ; his confession and humiliation after Samuels Reproof ; his humility at his Election , his patience and mercy at his Rejection and Defamation ; 1 Sam . 11.6 . his Fortitude against the general and open Enemies of the Church the Ammonite ; 1 Sam . 28.3 . his Zeal against the private and secret Enemies of Religion , viz. 1 Sam . 28.7 . all Witches and Wizzards .

Here then is a spring of Piety ; a profession , and expression of Religion ; a Gourd , whose glory may not only serve as a Canopy of state to Saul , but as a shade to one of the Prophets . A gourd indeed , and so it faded . For the eave of his last day ruined that frontispiece of Vertue , which his whole lifes best Actions had raised towards Heaven . For , had he been with the Prophets , and joyn'd with them in Prophesie ? His ignorance and wants now send him to enquire of the Devil . Did he Sacrifice before to God ? Now behold , the reward of Divination and Witchcraft are in his hand . He whose custom was to ask counsel of God , now seeks after a Witch ; and he whose seeming Zeal condemns his Righteous Son , for tasting of an Honey-comb , although ignorant of any restraint ; now , contrary to his Oath and Covenant made with God , without humiliation and judging of himself , or confession of his fault , willingly and wilfully swallows down the very gall of Sin . His Humility did not more grace him , when he lay buried in the peoples Stuff , than his Pride did debase him , when he presumed to be one of Gods Council . That patience , fortitude , and mercy which abounded , yea , was extended towards others , is now deficient to himself : For , he falls all along upon the Earth , becomes sore afraid ; no strength is left in him , and yet he refuses to Eat . For , having no conscience towards God , no wonder if his Body wants the charity of Nature : When the Creature abuses the Mercy of the Creator , he must expect to taste of his Justice : And when he ceases to know Himself , he shall be made to know his Punishment . Saul hath forgotten both his God and himself , and therefore justly is he now forgotten , and hears his Funeral censure pronunced by him who never spoke nor wished better to man , 1 Sam . 28.19 . To morrow shalt thou be with me .

Forewarning fore-armes not Sinners ; he that doubted of his Choise , though from the mouth of Gods Prophet , credits his refusal and death from the Devils Oracle . Extraordinary Blessings are the free and voluntary gift of God , and not believed of Sinners before enjoyed . But his punishments are the due Burden of sins desert , and therefore are expected before divulged . The Soul being often-times aforehand sensible of that which the Body afterwards endures . None but a false , or temporary Faith hath a final cessation ; but such is this of Saul , he now beleeves onely that he might dispair . The first degree of a true Faith , being usually , the false ones last step . God lifting up the one from the sense of judgement to the faith and sight of Mercy . Sin dragging the other from the belief of punishment into the gulf of Despairation .

Though Saul hath his last day marked out , even the morrow ; yet neither the love towards his Sons ( whose Lives bore the same date with his ) nor care for himself , begets the least endeavour , by delay , or otherwise , to out-live the fore-going Prophesie ( inevitable are the Judgements of God ) ; nay rather , he hastens it , shortning his flight , that he might shorten his life . And , that sin ( according to its nature ) might have a companion , he moves his Armour-bearer to be a traitour to his own Soul by example , whom his precept could not force to be a traitour to his Prince . For , he falls upon his Sword , which , instead of Defence , becomes a weapon of Offence . So often-times God deals with the Wicked ; who , as in life , themselves are their worst Enemies , so in death they prove their own Executioners . Thus the Sacred Annals , before and since Moses , hath by the Deads example , given most lively arguments to prove this falshood , of the deadness of this seeming life of faith . O admire here the infinite extent of the Mercy of God! who out of the carcase of this Lyon ( Sin ) this Eater ( Death ) brings forth both meat and sweetness for his Sampsons , his Nazarites ; making the Downfal of the Fathers , the Rises of the Children ; their Ignorance our Knowledge ; their faults and blindness , apt spectacles to help the weakness of our sight ! It now remains , that the holy Records of the faithful and powerful Gospel , as the Eccho of the Old Testament , consort in the like precedents ; that by so consonant an Harmony , the dissonant , and ungrounded judgement of the most hypocritical and temporary Believer , may be convinced , if not converted .