A sermon preached to the loving society at St. Dunstans in the west; on Wednesday the 1st. of July. 1685. And published at their desire. By Thomas Aston, M.A.

A SERMON Preached to the Loving Society , &c. Isaiah , 57 , 21.

There is no Peace saith my God , to the Wicked .

SO ill sounding an accent , is the Alarum of War , that it makes those that hear it to tremble : so sweet is the message of Peace , that it is as a Cordial to the Heart . The proclaimer of War is terrible , but Isaiah . 52.7 . how beautiful upon the Mountains are the Feet of those that bring Tydings of Peace ? they have both the same Master , the same Prophet proclaims these different tenours , from the same Authority . This Herald was sent to Jerusalem : Isaiah . 40.2 . to tell her that her Warfair was ended : Then he brought an Olive Branch of Peace ; here he proclaims War and both sealed with the Kings Signet . Comfort ye my People saith your God , Isaiah . 40.1 . there is no Peace saith my God to the Wicked .

Wherein observe 1st . the Thing proclaimed , 2dly . the Person proclaiming and 3dly . the Parties against whom . The Proclamation is War , negatively set down , there is no Peace , which is more binding than a positive Assertion . The Herald or Party Proclaiming ; is no less then a Prophet but not from himself , but from the King of Kings , which has an indisputable Power to grant a Commission , being God ; to whom he expresseth his Relation my God . The Parties against whom , viz. Wicked . Tho' God is a God of Peace , yet he hath Enemies against whom he doth wage War from generation to generation . There is no Peace to the Wicked .

First of the Proclamation , There is no Peace . I shall not lead you into a common place , to shew the sweet Fruits of Peace , and the bitter Effects and lamentable Calamities of War ; I may say of it with wise King Solomon , Eccles . 1.18 . He that encreaseth Knowledge , encreaseth Sorrow .

I shall conjoyn the War and the Enemy , the Wicked and no Peace , Oh heavy Doom aggravated by the generality of the Persons and the universality of time and place : no wicked Man at any time , in any place can be exempted . The proposition will bear this , being an universal Negative .

A wicked Man hath neither Peace of Grace here , nor Peace of Glory hereafter , but as he passeth from sin to sin , from one wickedness to another ; so he passeth from one punishment to another , from one War to another , from one Hell to another , from Flashes into Flames from the inward Torment of the Fiend of Conscience , to the eternal Torments of the Devil and his Angels .

Thus you see there is no Peace to the Wicked , at any time , nor in any place , nor [ indeed ] with any Person . 1st . not with God 2ly . not with Man , and 3dly . not with themselves . Upon these three I shall ground my present Discourse .

First , the Wicked have no Peace with God . The Scripture tells us plainly they Enemies to God , Psalm 21.8 Sons of Wrath , Eph. 2.3 . set on fire of Hell . St. Jam . 3.6 . Aliens from the Common-Wealth of Israel , and Strangers from the Covenant of Grace . Eph , 2.12 . Being such they are without Christ , and consequently without peace , for he is our Peace . 14. He is our Peace-maker . When we were Enemies , we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son . Rom. 5.10 . In him God is well pleased , St. Luke 3 22. and for him he is well pleased with us . Without Christ we are Enemies ; through him we are Friends of , and United to God .

The Apostle affirms , that some Men have not Faith . 2. Thessa . 3.1.2 . Pray for us , &c. That we may be delivered from unreasonable and Wicked Men : for all Men have not Faith . Heb . 11.6 . Without Faith it is impossible to please God . And this great King will not be at Peace with those that displease him . Without Faith no justification , and we must be justified before we can have peace with God . So long then as men continue in their unbelief , they can have no Peace .

Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft 1. Sam . 15.23 . and Withchcraft is a kind of dethroning God Almighty , and [ as far as the Creature is able ] a setting the Devil in his place . This hainous Sin we are guilty of , if we rebel , and we do rebel if we disobey Gods Commandments : and this is one of his Statutes ; Psalm . 105.15 . Touch not mine anointed . This is one Commandment , Rom. 13.1 . Let every Soul be subject unto the higher Powers . This is one Precept , 1. Tim . 2.2 . Pray for Kings and for all that are in Authority . This is one Commandment , 1. St Peter . 2.13 . Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man , for the Lords sake , whether it be unto the King as Supream , 1. St Peter . 2.14 . or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him . He then that draws his Sword , or lifts up his Hand against his lawful Soveraign , the Lords anointed , is not only an Enemy , a Traytor , a Rebel to the King , but also to the King of Kings , he proclaims open War against him , he shall have no Peace .

And he doth not only proclaim , but hath joyned Battle , and fought with the Wicked from Heaven , on Earth , and summon'd Powers from under the Earth .

First from Heaven . There is mention made of three Heavens , and from all he has opposed the Wicked . From the highest Heaven by his Angels ; An Angel was sent to destroy the Assyrians ; 2. Kings . 10 35. an Angel was sent to be the Death of Herod . Act. 12.23 . By his Saints for tho' they know not the desires of Men in particular , yet they pray in general , that God may be avenged of such as molest his Church . Rev. 6.10 . Crying with a loud Voice , saying how long O Lord , Holy and True , dost thou not judge , and avenge our Blood on them that dwell on the Earth .

He has fought with them from the second Story , Judges . 5.20 . The Stars in their Courses fought against Sisera . The Sun stood still , and hasted not to go down about a whole day , and the Moon stayed until the People had avenged themselves upon their Enemies . Joshua . 10. v. 13. For the Lord hearken'd unto the Voice of a Man ; and fought for Israel .

From the lowest Heaven . He bringeth the Winds and Storms out of his Treasure , and persecuteth the Wicked with his Tempest . Hailstones from Heaven were showred down , to slay the wicked Amorites . Psalm . 11.6 . upon the Ungodly he shall rain snares , fire and Brimstone , Storm and Tempest : this shall be their Portion to drink .

Secondly , He hath fought with them on earth . The earth opened and swallowed the Rebellious Chorites . The Sea drowned the Aegyptians .

Thirdly , He hath brought Forces from beneath to War against them . An evil Spirit from the Lord vexed Saul . And we read in the Gospel , of foul Spirits that haunted many , made some deaf , some dumb , drove some into the Water , some into the Fire . All which as actions proceed from God ; for there is no Power but of God . Rom. 13.1 . The Devil cannot stir but when and so far as God pleaseth .

God Almighties hand is not shorten'd ; what he hath done , we may certainly expect he will do . He will vex , overthrow the wicked , they shall have no Peace .

Secondly , The Wicked have no Peace with Men . Solomon tells us , there is a time for War , and a time of Peace : But the time of Peace , the Wicked cannot be said to enjoy ; for when they sing Peace , Peace , then Destruction is hard at hand , Like Oxen they are pampered and fed , but it is but for the Slaughter ; But generally , The Wicked are like the troubled Sea , when it cannot rest ; whose Waters cast up Mire and Dirt . verse . 20. They are turbulent in their own Nature , and instead of Peace on Earth , they send a Sword , and are Seminaries of Discord .

But there is little need to trouble my self , or you , to prove that the Wicked have no outward Peace with Men ; since both Nature , and the Holy Scripture gives us So convincing a reason , which is this : Righteousness is the elder Sister to Peace .

Aristotle in his Aethicks tells us , that Agreement in Evil , is not Amity , but Conspiracy . The Tabernacles of the Edomities and Ishmalites , the Moabites and Hagarens may cast their Heads together with one consent , and be confederate . Herod and Pilate may agree against Christ . All the Dissenters [ tho' they differ among themselves ] agree in their Opposition to the Church : but this agreement does not not proceed from a Principle of Love , 't is only the product of a joynt hatred in them towards others , and doth not deserve the Name of Peace , 't is meer Confederacy .

The Royal Prophet , who spake part of the lively Oracles of God , clears this Point . Psalm . 85.10 . Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other : For that Man can never be a true Friend to any , that is not a Friend to Truth it self ; he can never be Faithful to any that confide in him , that is perfidious to his God . What Peace [ said Jehu to Jehoram ] 2. King 9.22 . so long as the Whoredoms of thy Mother Jezebel and her Witch-crafts are so may ? And how can we expect Peace on Earth , and good Will among Men : so long as Whoredom , Drunkenness , rash , and false Swearing , Lying , Deceit , Rebellion , & Treason are so frequent among us ? Peace is as inconsistent with Wickedness , as Light with Darkness . St. James , 4.1 . asketh the question From whence come Wars , and fightings among you ? come they not hence , 〈◇〉 of your lusts ? This is the reason ; because Men keep not the unity of the Faith , they have broken the Bond of Peace . We put up our Petitions for Peace , and may the Prince of Peace accept our Devotion . But we cannot pray for it , but with St. Pauls limitation ; if it be possible , and 't is impossible to be at Peace with Scismaticks and Phanaticks , since they are professed Enemies both to Truth and Peace : When we speak of Peace [ saith King David ] they make ready for Battle .

But [ my Friends ] I can shew you the good and right way , to make even your Enemies to be at Peace with you ; Viz . When a Mans Ways please God : this great King will be his Advocate to those that plead with him , and fight against those that fight against him .

Now I come to the 3d . Position ; viz. that the Wicked have neither Peace one with another , nor in their own Consciences .

First they have very seldom Agreement among themselves . I will [ saith God ) set Aegyptians against Aegyptians , and they shall fight every one against his Brother , and every one against his Neighbour , Kingdom against Kingdom , and City against City , Ephraim against Manasseh , and Manasseh against Ephraim , the Sadduces against the Pharisees , and the Pharisees against the Sadduces , and a Mans Foes may be those of his own Household .

Do so , Oh Lord , to our Enemies , divide them , let every Mans Sword be against his Fellow , but let us ever escape them .

Secondly , they have no Peace in their own Consciences . I have shewed you already , that they have no Peace with God ; and Peace of Conscience ariseth from Peace with him . The Conscience is never at Peace until sin be pardoned , and being without Christ , their sin remaineth : and their Conscience will one day be a thousand Witnesses to accuse them .

This Evil Conscience may be considered two ways , either too quiet , or too unquiet ; both directly opposite to a peaceable Conscience .

First , Conscience may be too quiet , This [ you 'l say ] is a Paradox . A Conscience quiet and not peaceable ! This overquiet Conscience is , when a Man seared as with a hot Iron 1. Tim . 4.2 . is past feeling , viz. when the custom , and habit of Sin hath taken away the sence of it . When a Man is given up to a reprobate mind to work all uncleaness with greediness , when neither threatnings can terrifie , judgments move , nor promises allure him ; then Conscience is too quiet . That Army must needs be surprized , where there is no Watches , no Alarums to give Warning . When the Pulse beats not , the Party is near his Death . He that is ignorant of his Sickness , will never apply himself to a Physitian . He 's most desperately sick , who feels not his Distemper . So if Conscience do not do its Office to accuse and excuse , 't is dangerously ill . There is the greatest danger in such a calm , or rather insensibility of Conscience ; nay , such a Numness , or Lethargy is the greatest punishment . The Lord threatned the Israelites , that he would smite them with Blindness , and Astonishment of Heart : Deu . 28.28 meaning , that he would inflict upon them such an insensible dulness , that in doing Evil , they should be without apprehension of the Evil ; and such a heavy Judgment fell upon them ; for when they were pressed by Pilate to release Christ , they in their implacable Fury neither knowing what they did , nor said , horribly curs'd themselves , crying out , his Blood be on us and on our Children . And God Almighty is just and true in his dealing with them ; for ever since to this day they have been Vagabonds , and have no City to dwell in , and are hatred of God , and Man .

Thus you see what a sore Judgment stupidity of Conscience is . Such are naked , and not ashamed : they drink deadly Poison , and cannot perceive it : their Wounds are so deep , that they had rather they should fester , than be searched . They will not War against sin , but are at peace with Hell .

Conscience is privy to all our good and evil actions ; and doth either vindicate , or condemn us . It is a practical Syllogism in our understanding ; the Major whereof is Gods Law , the Minor is our application of that Law to our selves , approving in our Actions what is good , and disliking what is evil . As Gods Secretary , it Records all our Actions , and Thoughts , and Words in a Book of remembrance ; and if it be not called to give Testimony here , it will be called at the general Audit to make answer for whatsoever has been done in the body , whether it be good , or bad . 2 Cor . 5.10 .

Men are now so carried away with the Delights of this Life , that they have no leasure to take notice of the checks of Conscience : but in the day of Judgment they shall be brought to light , and every Mans Conscience will acknowledge the Justice of the Sentence of the Righteous Judge . Conscience is now a secret Witness , only known to the Person whose it is ; but then all shall be made manifest , and apparent to all .

But this Conscience will appear a greater Enemy , if we consider the next degree , which is a too disquiet Conscience . This is fain'd by the Poet to be one of the three Furies of Hell . For tho' a Man use all means imaginable ; Wine , Musick , Society to quiet it , when it is once awaked out of that past feeling , and deluding Dream , he endures a Hell upon Earth . This moved Solomon to ask the Question . Prov. 18.14 . A Wounded Spirit who can bear ? Then no Wisdom can counsel him , no Eloquence perswade him ; then no Physick can cure , nor Riches ransom him from this tormenting Fiend . And it is such a Tormentor , as the Wretch always carries about him ; he continually feels those inward Flashes , and Flames : he can find no comfort abroad , nor please himself at home ; but in all places , and at all times hellish Haggs , and infernal Furies afright him . A Man may fly from , and escape an outward Enemie , but he cannot fly from himself . The Murderer of Symmacus , [ being at Supper ] thought he saw his Visage in the head of a Fish , served up to the Table . And it is reported of Richard the third , that [ as a Judgment for his bloody Act upon his two Nephews ] Prince Edward and Richard D. of York in the Tower . he dreamed the Devil did haul and pull him in most hideous and ugly shapes . Cain and Judas were dogg'd at their heels by their tormenting Consciences : the death of the former is not so notorious ; but you know how the other was brought to his dismal end . His Conscience was a Bayliff to arrest , a Justice to commit him , a Jaylor to imprison , and a Witness to accuse him , a Jury to find him guilty , and a Judge to condemn him , a Sheriff to convey him to the Place of Execution , and a Hangman to end one Misery , and begin a greater .

't is true a Tender Conscience , is a blessing , it worketh Repentance never to be repented of ; 2. Cor . 7.10 . it prevents sin , and makes a Man circumspect in his Ways . It was happy for King David , that his Conscience check'd him for his Adultery , and Murther , and numbring the People ; this wrought in him a Godly Sorrow , expressed by his poenitential and hearty Prayers . It was happy for the Apostle Peter , that his Conscience check'd him for denying his good Lord and Master ; he wept bitterly , discovered his own weakness , and became a stronger Pillar in the Church of God . But there may be a tender Conscience in Masquerade , I do not need to take up much time to distinguish . 't is very apparent , some presume upon a tender Conscience when really they have none . By their Fruits you may know them . When you see a Man scrupulous at an innocent Ceremony , bowing at the name of Jesus , kneeling at the Sacrament , &c. and yet make no Conscience to lye , to deceive , to speak evil of Dignities , to be drunk , to commit uncleanness : you may well conclude that Mans scrupulocity proceeds not from Conscience [ properly so called ] but from erronious Fancy ; and this is that our pretended consciencious Schismaticks , [ who disturb the Peace of our Church ] are possessed off . Indeed he is not a good Christian who is not conscious of his Failings , and Aberrations , and doth not earnestly beseech a Pardon for Christs sake , with strong cryes , prayers , and Tears , wherewith God is well pleased to be importun'd . But a Man may as easily see the difference between these two , as between a real Monarch and a personated King , on a Stage : The one cryes out against Sin ; the other against Superstition and Idolatry , nicknaming Decency and Order . The counterfeit Conscience is hateful to the true God , the unfeigned is his Delight ; and the gracious Redeemer of mankind will wipe away all Tears from such : they shall see their Obligation cancell'd , their Debt paid ; for the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth them from all Sin . But the Wicked are condemned by their Conscience . Their secret Faults , [ whereof they would take no Cognizance , when it might be advantagious to them , ] their lying in wait for Blood , their private lurking in thievish Corners , their secret slanders , their Covetousness , their Rebellion , covered over with a superficial Holiness ; all these , and whatsoever else they are guilty of , are well known to Conscience ; and it will accuse , and condemn them .

Thus I have briefly shew'd , that the wicked have no Peace with God nor with Men , nor among themselves , nor in their own Consciences . For tho' for a time , they may seem quiet , they are not peaceable , 't is only from carnal security . I shall now descend to some practical Conclusions .

First we may conclude , that Sin in the Habit without Remorse ; [ which amounts to Wickedness ] inevitably brings Misery . no Peace ! consequently War , ruine to the Wicked . Yet because Sentence against an Evil Work is not executed speedily ; therefore the Hearts of the Sons of Men are fully set in them to do evil . Eccles . 8.11 . But it shall not be well with the Wicked , neither shall he prolong his days . v. 13. The wicked Man [ because he is not presently struck with a Thunderbolt ] Fancies that God takes no notice of his actions , and will not punish him for them ; these things hast thou done and I kept silence : thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thy self , but I will reprove thee , and set them in Order before thine Eyes . Psalm . 50.21 . Now consider this yee that forget God , yee that approve , and caress your selves in any known sin , whether concupiscence , drunkenness , rash swearing , disobedience to Governours , or deceit and fraud . Consider this yee that speak of good evil and of evil good , that give base Schism , and ungodly Rebellion , the glorious Title of Religion ; and the true Worship , and Service of God , the ignominious name of Superstition : yee put Light for Darkness , and Darkness for Light . Yee can have no Peace ; God will War against you , he will break you in pieces while there is none to help . Man will War against you ; like Ishmael your hand will be against every Man , and every Mans Hand against you . Your own Conscience will War against you , prosecute and condemn you . You shall have no Peace . Consider how fearful a thing it is , to be at variance with all these , and therefore labour to be at Peace with God , and then what Man ? what Angel ? what Devil can be against you ? If as yet you apprehend him your adversary , agree with him quickly ; seek him early whilst he may be found , call upon him , while he is near ; 't is not yet too late : beseech him to forgive you your unrighteousness , and to cover all your Sin , and to be at peace with you through the intercession of your blessed Mediator ; so shall you not only enjoy the unspeakable Blessing , The Peace of God which passeth all understanding . But Peace with Men . Not only with good Men , who are not apt to be at variance ; but even with your Enemies , and Peace in your own Consciences , which is a continual Feast . But if you fight against God , by an unchast Conversation , and wicked Life , then the Lord will fight against you even with the Rod of the ungodly ; those that are as wicked , or more wicked than your selves , shall be your Scourges . For we may be well assured that if the Wise Disposer of all Things , should give the Rebel Enemies the Victory , [ which God in mercy forbid , I hope there is no danger of them ] it is not for any love to them , but partly for the Chastisement , and so for the amendment of Gods erring and straying Servants ; and partly , that the Wicked being promoted , may have the greater Downfal .

Secondly , We may conclude that , The only way to obtain Peace , is to do Righteousness . Men generally regard their own advantage , what more forceable inducement to perswade Men to be just , good , meek , religious than this ? This great blessing Peace , is the portion , the inheritance of the Righteous ; wherefore the wicked intermeddle not in it . Peace is Gods Creature . I create the fruits of the Lips , Peace , Peace . As in this Chap. he can convert cursing Traytors and Rebells : and make cruel Esau dissolve into Tears in his Brothers Bosom , whom he had vowed to kill . In a word , the only way to wound our Enemies is to mortifie our selves ; so shall Sinners be converted unto us : so shall God even our God , give us his Blessing : the Blessing of all possible Peace ; the Blessing of Plenty , all good things shall be ministred unto us in this Life , and after this Warfair is ended , he who is the Prince of Peace will Crown us with Victory .

FINIS .