Christian Behaviour; OR THE Fruits of true Christianity. Shewing the Ground from whence they flow, in their Godlike or­der in the Duty of Relations, as Husbands, Wives, Parents, Chil­dren, Masters, Servants, &c. With a Word of Direction to all Back­sliders.

By John Bunyan, a Prisoner of Hope.

The Earth that drinketh in the Rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth Briers and Thorns is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned, Heb. 6. 7, 8.

London, Printed for F. Smith, at the Elephant and Castle without Temple-Bar.

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

Courteous Reader,

HAving formerly writ some small matter, touching the Doctrine of Faith; as Justification by Grace through the Faith of Christs Blood, &c. I do here, as the second to that Doctrine, present thee with a few lines, touching Good Works, that I might, as at first I shewed thee the Good and Glory of the one, so now shew thee the Beauty and Excellency of the other: [Page] For though we are justified, Rom. 3. 24, &c. freely by Grace through Christ before God; yet we are justified before Men, Jam. 2. 18. by our Works: Nay, a life of Holiness flowing from Faith in us that are saved by Grace, it doth justifie that Grace before the World that justifies us before God, 2 Cor. 6. 1, 3. 2 Cor. 9. 12, 13, 1 Pet. 2. 11, 12.

I have not here only in general trea­ted of this Doctrine of Good Works, but particularly (after some discourse about Works flowing from Faith, and what makes it truly and gospelly Good) I discourse of them as we stand under our several relations in this World a­mong men;

As first, The Duty of the Master of a Family: Of the Husband to his Wife; and of hers to him: Of the Duty of Parents to their Chil­dren; [Page] and of Children to their Pa­rents: Of Masters also to their Ser­vants; and of the Servant again to his Master; with a brief touch upon Good Neighbourhood; and a dis­covery of Covetousness, Pride and Uncleanness, which are great Ob­structions to a truly Gospel-Conversa­tion.

I know there are many that have treated of Good Works in large and learned Discourses, but, I doubt, all have not so Gospelized their dis­courses as become them, and as the Doctrine of the Grace of God cal­leth for. However, I thoughtit my duty to add this discourse to all that are past; and that for these Reasons.

First, to take away those Aspersions that the Adversaries cast upon our Doctrine (Rom. 3. 8. as also in the dayes of Paul) that because we preach [Page] Justification without the Works of the Law; therefore they pretend we plead for loosness of life, whose damnati­ [...]s just.

Secondly, Because though there be much discourse about Works in gene­ral; yet a particular Discourse of them, as afore is touched, is too much neglected, and by this means every one too much left at uncertainties (as from them) of their several works un­der their particular Relations, which I think is one reason of that disorder in Families and Places, where God's People live, to their shame, and the dishonour of their God.

Thirdly, Because these few Books that do particularly treat thus of Good Works, are, I think, now so scarce, or so big, that but few have them, and few buy them, if they may be had, especially our new Converts; for whose [Page] sakes principally this short Discourse is intended: and indeed this is one reason of my brevity, that the price might neither be burdensome, nor the reading long and tedious: Multitude of words drown the Memory; and an Exhortation in few words, may yet be so full, that the Reader may find that in the side of a sheet, which some are forced to hunt for in a whole Quire, &c. The Lord teach us this Wis­dom.

Fourthly, I have written this Book, to shew that I bear a fellow-Testi­mony and Witness (with all that know God) of the Operation that Grace hath, and will have in the heart that hath savingly received it.

Lastly, I have thus written, be­cause it is amiable, and pleasant to God, when Christians keep their Rank, Relation and Station, doing [Page] all as become their Quality & Calling. When Christians stand every one in their places, and do the work of their Relations, then they are like the flow­ers in the Garden, that stand and grow where the Gardner hath planted them, and then they shall both honour the Gar­den in which they are planted, and the Gardner that hath so disposed of them: From the Hysop on the Wall, to the Ce­dar in Lebanon, their Fruit is their glory. And seeing the stock into which we are planted, is the fruitfullest stock; the sap conveyed thereout the fruitful­lest sap, and the dresser of our souls, the wisest Husbandman, John 15. 1. How contrary to nature, to example, and expectation should we be, if we should not be rich in Good Works.

Wherefore take heed of being paint­ed fire, wherein is no warmth, and painted flowers, which retain no smell, [Page] and of being painted trees, whereon i [...] no fruit. Whoso boasteth himself o [...] a false gift, is like Clouds and Wind without Rain, Prov. 25. 14.

Farewel▪ The Lord be with thy Spirit, tha [...] thou mayest profit for time to come.
J. BUNYAN

Christian Behaviour; OR, The Fruits of true Christianity.

Tit. 3. 7, 8.

That being justified by his Grace, we should be made Heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life.

This is a faithful Saying; and these things I will that you affirm con­stantly, that they which have be­lieved in God, might be careful to maintain good Works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

I Shall not at this time dis­course of every Particular at large, included in these words, but shall briefly fall upon those things that I judge most ne­cessary [Page 11] for the People of God: Neither shall I need to make any great preamble to the words for their Explication, they themselves being plain, and without tha [...] ambiguity that calleth for such a thing the general scop being this, That the which have believed in God, should be care [...]ful to maintain Good Works.

But yet, to prosecute what I inten [...] with what clearness I may, I shall in [...] word or two make way for what is to be the main of this Book.

[This is a Faithful Saying] This Which? Why that which goeth before namely, That being justified by Grace, w [...] should be made Heirs according to the hop [...] of Eternal Life. This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm con [...]stantly.

Why so?

Why, that they which have believed i [...] God, might be careful to maintain Goo [...] Works.

The meaning is, That the way to provoke others to Good Works, is constant [...]ly (in the evidence and demonstratio [...] [Page 12] of the Spirit) to shew them the certain­ty of their being by Grace made Heirs of Eternal Life.

From this Scripture therefore I do ga­ther these things observable.

First, That Good Works do flow from Faith. Yea,

Secondly, That every one that believeth should be careful that their Works be Good.

Thirdly, That every Believer should not only be careful that their Works be good, and for the present do them, but should also be careful to maintain them; that is, They should carefully study to keep in a constant course of Good Works.

And lastly, That the best way to provoke both our selves and others to this Work. It is to be often affirming to others, the Doctrine of Justification by Grace, and to believe it our selves. This is a faithful Saying; and these things I will, saith Paul, that thou affirm constantly, that they who have believed in God, might be careful to maintain Good Works.

I begin with the first.

That Good Works do flow from Faith.

[Page 13] This is evident divers wayes. First, from the impossibility of their flowing from any other thing; they must either flow from Faith, or not at all: For what­soever is not of Faith, is sin. And again; without Faith it is impossible to please Him, (Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6.) Every man by nature, before Faith, is an evil and a corrupt tree: And a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Do men ga­ther grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Mat. 7. 16, 17.) Now a man is made good by Faith, and by that bringeth forth the Fruits that are acceptable to God, (Heb. 11. 4. Col. 1. 4, 5, 6.) Wherefore sinners before faith, are compared to the Wilderness, whose fruits are briers and thornes; and whose hearts are the ha­bitation of Dragons; that is, of Devils, (Isa. 35. 6, 7. Heb. 6. 7, 8.) And hence again it is, that they are said to be God­less, Christless, Spiritless, Faithless, Hope­less; without the Covenant of Grace; with­out Strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and possessed by the Spi­rit of wickedness, as a Castle by a Con­queror, [Page 14] Ephes. 2. 12. Jude 19. 2 Thes. 3. 2. Col. 1. 21. Luke 11. 21.

Now these things being thus, it is im­possible that all the men under heaven, that are unconverted, should be able to bring forth one work rightly good; even as impossible, as for all the Briers and Thrones under Heaven, to bring forth one cluster of Grapes, or one bunch of Figs; for indeed they want the qualifi­cation: A Thorn bringeth not forth Figs, because it wanteth the nature of the Fig-tree; and so doth the Bramble the na­ture of the Vine. Good Works must come from a good heart.

Now, this the unbeliever wanteth, be­cause he wanteth Faith; For 'tis that which purifieth the heart (Luk. 6. 45. Acts 15. 9.) Good Works must come from love to the Lord Jesus; but this the unbeliever wanteth also; Because he wanteth Faith: for Faith worketh by love, and by that means doth good, as Gal. 5. 6.

And hence again it is, That though the carnal man doth never so much which he calleth good, yet it is rejected, sligh­ted, [Page 15] and turned as dirt in his face again; his prayers are abominable, his plowing is sin, and all his righteousness as menstruous rags (Prov. 15. 8. Prov. 21. 4. Isa. 60. 4.) Thus you see, that with­out Faith there is no Good Works. Now then to shew you that they flow from Faith. And that,

For that Faith is a principle of Life by which a Christian lives (Gal. 2. 20, 21.) a principle of Motion by which it walks to­wards Heaven in the Way of Holiness, (Rom. 4. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 7.) It is also a principle of strength, by which the soul opposeth its lust, the Devil and this World, and over-comes them; This is your victory, even your Faith, (1 John 5. 4, 5.) Faith in the heart of a Christi­an, is like the Salt that was thrown into the corrupt Fountain, that made the naughty waters good, and the Land fruit­ful (2 Kings 2. 19, 20, 21.) Faith, when it is wrought in the heart, it is like leaven hid in the meal, Mat. 13. 33. or like perfume, that lighteth upon stinking leather, turning the smell of the leather [Page 16] the savour of the perfume; it being the [...] planted in the heart, and having its na­tural inclination to holiness. Hence it i [...] that there followeth an alteration of the life and conversation, and so bringeth forth fruit accordingly. A good man ou [...] of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good fruit, Luk. 6. 45. Which trea­sure, I say, is this Faith (Jam. 2. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 7.) And therefore it is, that Faith is called, The Faith according to Godliness, and the most holy Faith, Tit. 1. 1. Jude 20.

2. Good Works must needs flow from Faith, or no way; Because, that alone carrieth in it an argument sufficiently preva­lent to win upon our natures, to make them comply with holiness.

Faith sheweth us that God loveth us, that he forgiveth us our sins, that he counteth us for his Children, having free­ly justified us through the Blood of his Son, Rom. 3. 24, 25. Rom. 4. Heb. 11. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 8.

Faith receiveth the Promise, imbra­ceth it, and comforteth the Soul unspeak­ably [Page 17] with it. Faith is so great an Artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with: It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vile­ness against God, and his goodness to­wards me; it will shew me, that though I deserve not to breath in the Air, yet that God will have me an Heir of Glo­ry.

Now, there is no argument greater than this: this will make a man run tho­row ten thousand difficulties to answer God (though it never can) for the Grace that he hath bestowed on it.

Further, Faith will shew me how di­stinguishingly this Love of God hath set it self upon me: It will shew me, that though Esan was Jacobs Brother, yet he loved Jacob, Mal. 1. 2. that though there were thousands more besids me that were as good as me, yet I must be the man that must be chosen.

Now this, I say, is a marvellous argu­ment, and unspeakably prevaileth with the sinner, as saith the Apostle, For the [Page 18] Love of Christ constrains us, because we th [...] judge, That if one dyed for all, then are all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live (that is by Faith) should not henceforth live unto themselves, but to Hi [...] that died for them, and rose again, 2 Cor. 5. 14. Love, saith the Wise man, is strong as Death; many waters cannot quench Love, neither can the floods drown it▪ If a man would give all the substance of his house for Love, it would be utterly contem­ned. Song. 8. 6, 7.

Oh! when the broken dying condem­ned sinner, can but see, by Faith, the Love of a tender-hearted Saviour; and also see what he underwent to deli­ver it from under that Death, Guilt and Hell that now he feels and fears, which also it knoweth it hath most justly and highly deserved: Then bless the Lord, O my soul; and what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits? Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3. Psal. 116. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Thus is Faith a prevailing argument to the sinner, whereby he is fetched off [Page 19] [...]rom what he was, and constrained to [...]end and yeeld to what before it neither would nor could, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Rom. 8. [...].

And hence it is, that Gospel-obedi­ence is called the Obedience of Faith, as well as obedience to the Faith, (Rom. 16. 26. For it must be by the Faith of Christ in my heart, that I submit to the Word of Faith in the Bible, otherwise [...]ll is to no profit, as saith the Apostle▪ The Word preached did not profit them, it not being mixed with Faith in them that heard it (Heb. 4. 2.) For Faith alone can see the reality of what the Gospel saith; and so I say, argue over the heart to the imbracing of it.

4. Faith is such a Grace, as wil repre­sent to the soul all things in their proper colours: it doth not (as doth unbelief and ignorance) shew us all things out of order, puting darkness for light, and bitter for sweet, but will set every thing in his proper place before our eyes, God and Christ shall be with it, the chiefest good, the most lovely and amiable; a [Page 20] Heavenly Life shall be of greater estee [...] and more desirable, than all the tre [...]sures of Egypt: Righteousness & Sanct [...]fication will be the thing after which [...] will most vehemently press, because [...] seeth not only Death and Damnation, [...] the fruits of sin, but sin also in it sel [...] distinct from the punishment belongin [...] to it, a detestible, horrible, and odiou [...] thing, Heb. 11. 25, 26, 27. Phil. 3. 7, 8, 9▪ 10, 11, 12. Rom. 12. 9.

By Faith we see this World hath n [...] abiding in it for us, nor no satisfactio [...] if it were otherwise, Prov. 33. 5. Heb▪ 11. 15, 16. & 13. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30, 31▪ And hence it is, that the People of God have groaned to be gone from hence, int [...] a state that is both sinless, and tempta­tionless: And hence it is again, that they have run through so many Tryals, Afflic­tions and Adversities, even because of that Love to holiness of life, that Faith being in their hearts did prompt them to by shewing them the worth and durable­ness of that which was good, and the irksomeness and evil of all things else▪ [Page 21] [...]Cor. 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Heb. 11. 33, [...]4, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39.

5. Faith layeth hold of that which is [...]ble to help the soul to bring forth Good Works: It layeth hold of, and ingageth [...]e Strength of Christ, and by that over­ [...]ometh that which oppresseth. I can do [...]ll things through Christ that strengthen­ [...]th me, Phil. 4. 13.

In a word, A Life of Holiness and Godliness in this world, doth so insepa­ [...]ably follow a Principle of Faith, that [...] is both monstrous and ridiculous to [...]uppose the contrary. What, shall not [...]e that hath life have motion? Gal. 2. [...]0. He that hath by Faith received the [...]pirit of Holiness, shall not he be Ho­ [...]y? Gal. 3. 2. And he that is called to Glory and Vertue, Shall not he add to [...]is Faith Vertue? 2 Pet. 1. 4, 5. We are [...]y Faith made good Trees, and shall not [...]e bring forth good Fruit? Luke 6. 43. They that believe are created in Christ [...]esus unto Good [...]orks; and God hath, [...]efore the world was, ordained that we [...]hould walk in them; and shall both our [Page 22] second Creation, and God's fore-ordin [...]tion be made frustrate? Ephes. 1. 4. & [...] 10. Besides, the Children of Faith [...] the Children of Light, and of the [...] 1 Tim. 5. 5. Lights upon a Hill, & Ca [...]dles on a Candle-stick, and shall not the shine? They are the Salt of the Earth shall not they be seasoning? Mat. 5. 1 [...] 14.

The Believer is the alone Man, [...] whom God sheweth to the World th [...] Power of his Grace, the operation of h [...] Peoples Faith, &c. The unbeliever [...] reade indeed of the Power of Grace, [...] the Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, an [...] Sanctification of the Heart of the Chri [...]stian, but they feel nothing of that sin killing operation that is in these things these are to them as a story out of Rom [...] or Spain: Wherefore, to shew them i [...] others, what they find not in themselves God worketh Faith, Hope, Love, &c. i [...] a Generation that shall serve him; an [...] by them they shall see what they canno [...] find in themselves; and by this mean [...] they shall be convinced, that though sin [...] [Page 23] [...]nd the pleasures of this life, be sweet to [...]hem, yet there is a People otherwise- [...]inded, even such a People, that do in­ [...]eed see the Glory of that which others [...]eade of, and from that fight, take plea­ [...]ure in those things which they are most [...]verse unto. To this, I say, are Christi­ [...]ns called; herein is God glorified; Hereby are sinners convinced; and by [...]his is the World condemned, 1 Thes. 4. [...]. 1 Pet. 2. 12. & 3. 1. Heb. 11. 7.

Object. But if Faith doth so naturally [...]ause Good Works, what then is the rea­ [...]on that God's People find it so hard a mat­ [...]er to be Faithful in Good Works?

I answer, First, God's People are [...]ruitful in Good Works, according to the pro­ [...]ortion of their Faith; if they be slender [...]n Good Works, it is because they are weak [...]n Faith. Little faith is like small can­ [...]les, or a weak fire, which though they shine, and have heat, yet but dim shi­ning, and but small heat, when compared with bigger Candles & greater Fire. The reason why Sardis had some in it whose [Page 24] works were not perfect before God; [...] was because they did not hold fast, b [...] Faith, the Word that they had former [...] heard, and received, Rev. 3. 1, 2, 3.

Secondly, There may be a great mistak [...] in our judging of our own fruitfulness [...] the soul that indeed is candid, and righ [...] at heart, is taught by Grace to judge [...] self, though fruitful, yet barren upo [...] two accounts; 1. When it compareth it life to the Mercy bestowed upon it: Fo [...] when a Soul doth indeed consider th [...] greatness and riches of the Mercy be [...]stowed upon it, then it must needs cr [...] out, O wretched man that I am! Rom▪ 7. 24. for it seeth it self wonderfully t [...] fall short of a Conversation becomin [...] one who hath received so great a benefit▪ 2. It may also judge it self barren, becaus [...] it falleth so far short of that it woul [...] attain unto; it cannot do the thing tha [...] it would, Gal. 5. 17. 3. The heart o [...] a Christian is naturally very barren; up [...]on which, though the Seed of Gra [...] (that is the fruitfullest of all Seeds) b [...]sowen, yet the heart is naturally subjec [...] [Page 25] to bring forth weeds, Mat. 15. 19.

Now, to have a good Crop from such ground, doth argue the fruitfulness of the Seed: wherefore I conclude upon these three things.

First, That the Seed of Faith is a ve­ry fruitful Seed, in that it will be fruit­ful in so barren a soil.

Secondly, That Faith is not beholding to the heart, but the heart to it, for all its fruitfulness.

Thirdly, That therefore the way to be a more fruitful Christian, it is to be stronger in believing.

Now for the second thing, to wit, That every one that believeth should be careful that their Works be Good. This followeth from what went just before; to wit, That the heart of a Christian is a heart subject to bring forth weeds.

There is Flesh as [...] well as Spirit in the best of Saints: and as the Spirit▪ of Grace will be alwayes putting forth something that is good, so the Flesh will be putting forth continually that which is evil.

[Page 26] For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit as the Spirit against the Flesh, Gal. 5. 17. Now, this considered, is the cause why you find so often in the Scriptures so ma­ny items & cautions to the Christians to look to their lives and conversations▪ As, Keep thy heart with all diligence, Prov▪ 4. 23. Watch ye; stand fast in the Faith▪ quit you like men, be strong, 1 Cor. 16. 13▪ Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth, that shall he reap▪ for he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap Corruption: but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life ever­lasting, Gal. 6. 7, 8.

All works are not good that seem to be so: It is one thing for a mans wayes to be right in his own eye; and another, for them to be right in God's. Often that which is in high estimation with men, is abomination in the sight of God, Prov. 30. 12. Luke 16. 15.

Seeing Corruption is not yet out o [...] our natures, there is a proneness in us t [...] build upon the right foundation, Wood Hay and Stubble, instead of Gold and [Page 27] Silver and precious Stones, 1 Cor. 3. 11, 13, 14, 15. How was both David the King, Nathan the Prophet, and Vz­za the Priest deceived, touching Good Works? 1 Chron. 17. 1, 2, 3, 4. 1 Chron. 13. 9, 10, 11. Peter also in both his de­fending his Master in the Garden, and in diswading of him from his sufferings, though both out of love and affection to his Master, was deceived touching Good Works, Mat. 16. 22, 23. John 18. 9, 10.

Many have miscarried both as to Do­ctrine, Worship, and the prosecution of each.

1. For Doctrine. Christ tells the Jews, That they taught for the Doctrines of God, the doctrines and traditions of men, Mat. 15. Mark 7. As also saith the Apostle▪ They teach things they ought not, for filthy lucres sake, Tit. 1. 11.

2. Also, touching Worship, we find how frequently men have mistaken both for time, place and matter with which they worshipped.

1. For time. It hath been that which [Page 28] man hath devised, not which God hath commanded, 1 Kings 12. 32. They change the Ordinances, saith Isaiah, Isa. 24. 5. They change God's Judgments into wickedness, saith Ezekiel, Ezek. 5. 6.

2. For place. When they should have worshipped at Jerusalem, they worshipped at Bethel, at Gilgal, and Dan, in Gardens un­der Poplers and Elms, 1 Kings 12. 26, 27, 28, 29. Hos. 4. 13, 14, 15. Isa. 65. 2, 3, 4, 5.

3. For the matter with which they worshipped. Instead of bringing accord­ing to the Commandment, they brought the lame, the torn, and the sick: they would sanctifie themselves in Gardens, with Swines-flesh and Mice, when they should have done it at Jerusalem, with Bullucks and Lambs, Isa. 66. 17.

Again, Touching mens prosecuting their Zeal for their Worship, &c. that they do think right: How hot hath it been, though with no reason at all. Ne­buchadnezzar will have his Fiery-Fur­nace, and Darius his Lyons-Den for Non­conformists, Dan. 3. 6. & 6. 7, &c.

[Page 29] Again, they have persecuted men e­ven to strange Cities; have laid traps and snares in every corner to intrap and to intangle their Words; and if they could at any time but kill the Persons that dissented from them, they would think they did God good service, Acts 26. 11. Luke 11. 53, 54. John. 16. 1, 2. But what need we look so far from home, (were it not that I would seal my Say­ings with Truth) we need look no fur­ther to affirm this position, than to the Papists and their Companions: How ma­ny have they in all ages hanged, burned, starved, drowned, wracked, dismembred and murdered, both openly and in secret? and all under a pretence of God, his Worship, and Good Works.

Thus you see how both Wise men and Fools, Saints and Sinners, Christians and Heathens, have erred in the business of Good Works; Wherefore every one should be careful to see that their works be good.

Now, then to prevent, if God will, miscarriage in this matter, I shall pro­pound unto you what it is for a Work to be rightly Good.

[Page 30] First, A Good Work must have, The Word for its authority.

Secondly, It must, as afore was said, flow from Faith.

Thirdly, It must be, both rightly ti­med, and rightly placed.

Fourthly, It must be done, Willingly, chearfully, &c.

1. It must have the Word for its au­thority.

Zeal without knowledge, is like a met­led Horse without eyes, or like a sword in a mad-man's hand: and there is no knowledge where there is not the Word; For if they reject the Word of the Lord, and act not by that, What Wisdom is in them? saith the Prophet, Jer. 8. 9. Isa. 8. 20. Wherefore see thou have the Word for what thou dost.

2. As there must be the Word for the authorizing of what thou dost, so there must be Faith, from which it must flow, as I shewed you before: For whatever is not of faith is sin: and without faith, it is impossible to please God. Now I say, with­out the Word there is no Faith; Rom. [Page 31] 10. 17. As without Faith there is no good, let mens pretences be what they will.

3. As it must have these two afore-na­med, so also it must have, first, right Time, and secondly, right Place.

1. It must be rightly timed: Every work is not to be done at the same time, every time not being convenient for such a work: There is a time for all things; and every thing is beautiful in its time, Ec­cles. 31. 11. There is a time to pray, a time to hear; a time to read, a time to confer; a time to meditate; a time to do, and a time to suffer. Now, to be hearing when we should be preaching, and doing, that is, yeelding active obe­dience to that under which we ought to suffer, is not good. Christ was very wa­ry, that both his doings and sufferings were rightly timed, John 2. 3, 4. & 13. 1, 2. and herein we ought to follow his steps: To be at plow in the field, when I should be hearing the Word, is not good; and to be talking abroad, when I should be instructing my family at home, is as [Page 32] bad. Who so keepeth the Commandment, shall feel no evil thing: and a wise mans heart discerneth both time and judgement, Eccles. 8. 5. Good things mis-timed, are fruitless, unprofitable, and vain.

2. As things must have their right time, so they must be rightly placed; for the misplacing of any work, is as bad as the mis-timing of it.

When I say, things, if good, must be rightly placed, I mean, we should not give to any work more than the Word of God alloweth it; neither should we give it less: Mint, Anise, and Cummin, are not so weighty matters, as Faith and the Love of God, as in Mat. 23. 23. For a Pastor to be exercising the office of a Deacon instead of the office of a Pastor, it is misplacing of works, Acts 6. 2. For Martha to be making outward pro­vision for Christ, when she should have sate at his feet to hear his Word, was the mis-placing a work; and for her sister to have done it at her request, (though the thing in it self was good) had been her sin also, Luke 10. 39, 40, 41, 42.

[Page 33] Now, to prevent the misplacing of Good Works, observe,

First, They misplace them that set them in the room of Christ, Rom. 10. 1, 2, 3.

Secondly, They also misplace them that make them co-partners with Him, Rom. 9. 31, 32. Acts 15. 1.

This is, setting up our posts by God's posts; and man's righteousness by the righteousness of Christ, Ezek. 43. 7, 8. these are said to be teachers of the Law, not knowing what they say, nor whereof they affirm, 1 Tim. 1. 7.

Thirdly, They also misplace works, who ascribe to a work of less moment, that honour that belongeth to a work more noble: and such are, 1. Those who count the ceremonial part of an Ordi­nance, as good as the doctrine and sig­nification of it.

2. Such who count the dictates and impulses of a meer natural conscience, as good, as high, and divine, as the lead­ings and movings of the Spirit of Christ.

3. Those also who count it enough to [Page 34] do something of what God hath command­ed (and that something, possibly the least instead of all, and the things more neces­sary and weighty.

Fourthly, They also much misplac [...] them, who count things indifferent, a [...] high as those that are absolutely ne­cessary in the Worship of God.

5ly. But they grosser, who place men traditions above them.

6ly. And they greatest of all, who pu [...] bitter for sweet, and darkness for light. Al [...] these things we must shun and avoid, a [...] things absolutly obstructive to Good Works▪

Wherefore, touching Good Works; Obedi­ence is better than Sacrifice; that is, to do things according to the Word of God, is better than to do them according to my fancy & conceit, 1 Sam. 15. 22. Where­fore let all things be done decently and in or­der, 1 Cor. 14. 40.

Again, as Good Works should be order­ed and qualified as afore is touched, so they should be done from the heart, wil­lingly, chearfully, with simplicity and cha­rity, according to what a man hath, 1 Joh [...] [Page 35] 5. 3. 2 Cor. 9. 7. Rom. 12. 8. Col. 3. 20. 1 Cor. 10. 14. 1 Cor. 8. 12.

Further, There are three things that a man should have in his eye in every work he doth.

1. The honour of God, 1 Cor. 6. 20.

2. The edification of his Neighbour, 1 Cor. 14. 26.

3. The expediency or inexpediency of what I am to do, 1 Cor. 6. 12. And al­wayes observe it, that the honour of God is wrapped up in the edification of thy neighbour; and the edification of thy neighbour, in the expediency of what thou dost.

Again, if thou wouldst walk to the e­dification of thy neighbour, and so to God's honour, in the midst of thy obser­vers; Beware, 1. That thou in thy words and carriages, dost so demean thy self, that Christ in his precious benefits may be with clearness spoken forth by thee: and take heed, that thou dost not enter into doubtful points with them that are weak, Rom. 15. 1. but deal chiefly, lovingly, and wisely with their Consci­ences [Page 36] about those matters that tend to their better establishment in the Faith of their Justification, and deliverance from Death and Hell. Comfort the feeble-mind­ed, confirm the weak, 1 Thes. 5. 14.

2. If thou be stronger than thy bro­ther, take heed that thou do not that be­fore him, that may offend his weak con­science; I mean, things that in them­selves may be lawful: All that is lawful is not expedient; all that is lawful edifieth not, 1 Cor. 6. 12. Wherefore here is thy wisdom and love, that thou in some things deny thy self for thy brothers sake: 1 Cor. 8. 13. I will not eat meat while the world standeth, saith Paul, lest I make my Brother to offend. Wherefore have this Faith to thy self before God, Rom. 14. 22. but if thou walk otherwise, know, thou walkest not charitably, and so not to edification, and so not to Christ's honour, but dost sin against Christ, and wound thy weak brother, for whom Christ died, Rom. 14. 15. 1 Cor. 8. 12.

But I say, all this while keep thy eye upon the Word; take heed of going con­trary [Page 37] to that under any pretence what­ [...]ver; for without the Word, there is no­ [...]hing to God's glory, nor thy brothers edification. Wherefore, walk wisely in a perfect way, Psal. 101. 2, 3.

Having thus, in few words, shewed you what are works rightly Good, I be­seech you in the Name of the Lord Je­sus Christ, that you put your selves into a consciencious performance of them, that you may, while you live here, be Vessels of Honour, and fit for the Ma­sters use, and prepared to every Good Work, 1 Tim. 6. 17. Study to approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere, and without offence, until the Day of Christ, Phil. 1. 10. Covet com­munion with God; covet earnestly the best gifts, 1 Cor. 12. 31. Ah! we that are redeemed from among men, Rev. 14. 4. and that rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God, Rom. 5. 2. we that look, I say, for the blessed hope, and the glorious appea­ring of the Great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Tit. 2. 13. What manner of persons should we be in all holy Conversation and Godliness? 2 Pet. 3. 11.

[Page 38] To conclude; For your further edific [...] ­tion, take a plain rehearsal of your sev [...] ­ral general Duties and Works, to whi [...] God ingageth you in his Word, accor [...]ing to your places, callings, and relat [...]ons in this World.

Touching the Master of a Family.

If thou have under thee a Family then thou art to consider the several re [...]lations thou standest under; and art t [...] know, that thou in each of them hast [...] work to do for God; and that he expect [...]eth thy faithful Deportment under eve [...]ry one of them. As,

First then in general, He that is th [...] Master of a Family, he hath, as unde [...] that relation, a work to do for God; t [...] wit, The right governing of his own Fa [...]mily; and his work is twofold.

1. Touching the spiritual State there [...]of.

2. Touching the outward.

As touching the spiritual State of hi [...] Family; He ought to be very diligen [...] [Page 39] and circumspect, doing his utmost indea­vour, both to increase Faith where it is begun, and to begin it where it is not.

Wherefore to this end, he ought dili­gently and frequently to lay before his houshold such things of God, out of his Word, as are sutable for each particular: and let no man question his Rule in the Word of God for such a practice; for if the thing it self were but of good report, and a thing tending to civil-honesty, it is within the compass and bounds even of nature it self, and ought to be done, much more things of a higher nature: Besides, the Apostle exhorts us to, What­soever things are honest, whatsoever things are true, just, and of good report, to think of them, that is, to be mindful to do them, Phil. 4. 8. But to be conversant in this Godly Exercise in our Family, is very worthy of praise, and doth much become all Christians. This is one of the things for which God so highly commended his Servant Abraham, and that with which his heart was so much affected: I know Abraham, saith God, (I know him to [Page 40] be a good man in very deed) for he wi [...] command his Children and his Houshold af [...]ter him, and they shall keep the way of th [...] Lord, Gen. 18. 19. This was a thing als [...] which good Joshua designed should b [...] his practice as long as he had a breathin [...] time in this world: As for me, saith he and my houshold, we will serve the Lord Josh. 24. 15.

Further. We find also in the New Te­stament, that they are looked upon a [...] Christians of an inferior rank that have not a due regard to this Duty, yea, so in­ferior, as not fit to be chosen to any of­fice in the Church of God. A Pastor mus [...] be one that ruleth well his own house, having his Children in subjection with all gravity For if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God? The Deacon also, saith he, mus [...] be the husband of one wife; ruling their Children and their own house well, 1 Tim. 3. Mark a little, the Apostle seems to lay down thus much, that a man that govern [...] his family well, hath one qualification belonging to a Pastor or Deacon in the [Page 41] House of God (For he that knoweth not [...]ow to rule his own house, how shall he take [...]are of the Church of God?) which thing considered, it giveth us light into the work of the Master of a Family, touch­ [...]ng the governing of his house.

1. Then a Pastor must be sound and [...]ncorrupt in his Doctrine: and indeed [...]o must the Master of a Family, Tit. 1. 9. Ephes. 6. 4.

2. A Pastor should be apt to teach, to reprove, and to exhort: and so should the Master of a Family, 1 Tim. 3. 2. Deut. 6. 7.

3. A Pastor must himself be exempla­ry in Faith and Holiness: and so also should the Master of a Family, 1 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4. & 4. 12.

I, saith David, will behave my self in a perfect way; I will walk in (or before) my house in a perfect way, Psal. 101. 2.

4. The Pastor is for getting the Church together, and when they are so come to­gether, then to pray among them, and to preach unto them: this is also commen­dable in Christian Masters of Families.

[Page 42] Object. But my Family is ungodly [...] unruly, touching all that is good, What sh [...] I do?

Answ. I answer, first, Though this [...] true, yet thou must rule them, and n [...] they thee: Thou art set over them [...] God, and thou art to use the authori [...] which God hath given thee, both to r [...]buke their vice, and to shew them th [...] evil of their rebelling against the Lor [...] This did Eli, though not enough; an [...] thus did David, 1 Sam. 2. 24, 25. 1 Chro [...] 28. 9.

Also, thou must tell them how sad th [...] state was when thou wast in their cond [...]tion, and so labour to recover them o [...] of the snare of the Devil, Mark. 5. 19 [...]

2. Thou oughtest also tolabour [...] draw them forth to God's publick Wor [...]ship, if peradventure God may conver [...] their souls. Saith Jacob to his houshol [...] and to all that were about him, Let us ari [...] and go to Bethel, and I will make there a [...] Altar to God, that answered me in the d [...] of my distress, Gen. 35. 3.

Hannah would carry Samuel to Sh [...] [Page 43] that he might abide with God for ever, Sam. 1. 22. Indeed a soul rightly touch­ [...]d, will labour to draw, not only their [...]amilies, but a whole City after Jesus [...]hrist, John 4. 28, 29.

3. If they are obstinate and will not [...]o forth with thee, then do thou get god­ [...] and sound Men to thy house, and there [...]et the Word of God be preached, when [...]hou hast, as Cornelius, gathered thy Fami­ [...]y and Friends together, Acts 10.

You know that the Jayler, Lydia, Cris­ [...]us, Gaius, Stephanus, and others, had not [...]nly themselves, but their Families made [...]racious by the Word [...]reached, and that [...]ome of them, if not all, by the Word preached in their houses, Acts. 16. 14, [...]5, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. Acts [...]8. 7, 8. 1 Cor. 1. 16. And this, for ought [...] know, might be one reason among ma­ [...]y, why the Apostles taught in their day, [...]ot only publickly, but from house to [...]ouse. I say, that they might, if possible, [...]ring in those in some family, which yet [...]emained unconverted and in their sins, Acts 5. 24. & 20. 20, 21, for some you [Page 44] know, how usual it was in the day [...] Christ, to invite Him to their houses, they had any afflicted, that either wou [...] not or could not come to him; Luke [...] 2, 3. & 8. 41.

If this be the way with those that hav [...] outward diseases in their Families, ho [...] much more then where there is souls th [...] have need of Christ to save them fro [...] Death and eternal Damnation?

4. Take heed that thou do not negle [...] family Duties among them thy self as reading the Word, and Prayer; [...] thou hast one in thy Family that is gr [...]cious, take incouragement; nay, if tho [...] art alone, yet know thou hast both liber [...]ty to go to God thorow Christ; and al [...] art at that time in a capacity of having th [...] universal Church joyn with thee, for th [...] whol number of those that shal be save [...].

5. Take heed that thou suffer not an [...] ungodly, prophane, or heretical Books o [...] Discourse in thy house: Evil Communi [...]cation corrupts good Manners, 1 Cor. 15 [...] 33. I mean, such prophane, or heretica [...] Books, &c. as either tend to provoke t [...] [Page 45] [...]osness of life, or such as do oppose the [...]ndamentals of the Gospel.

I know, that Christians must be allow­ [...]d their liberty as to things indifferent; [...]ut for those things that strike at either [...]aith or Holiness, they ought to be a­ [...]andoned by all Christians, and especi­ [...]ly by the Pastors of Churches, and Ma­ [...]ers of Families: which practice was [...]gured out by Jacobs commanding his [...]use, and all that was with him, to put away [...]e strange gods from among them, and to [...]ange their garments, Gen. 35. 1, 2.

Also those in the Acts set a good ex­ [...]mple for this, who took their curious [...]ooks and burned them before all men, [...]ough they was worth five thousand pie­ [...]es of Silver, Acts 19. 18, 19.

The neglect of this fourth particular [...]ath occasioned ruin in many Families, [...]oth among Children and Servants. It [...] easier for vain talkers, and their deceive­ [...]le works, to subvert whole housholds, than [...]any are aware of, Tit. 1. 10, 11.

Thus much touching the spiritual State [...] thy Houshold.

[Page 46] And now to its outward.

Touching the outward state of thy [...]mily, thou art to consider these th [...] things;

First, That it lyeth upon thee to c [...] for them that they have a convenie [...] livelyhood. If any man provide not for [...] own, and especially for those of his own hou [...] he hath denied the Faith, and is worse th [...] an infidel, 1 Tim. 5. 8. But mark, wh [...] the Word saith, thou art to provide [...] thy house, it giveth thee no license [...] distracting carefulness, neither doth [...] allow thee to strive to grasp the World [...] thy heart or Coffers, nor to take care f [...] years or dayes to come, but so to pr [...]vide for them, that they may have fo [...] and raiment; and if either they or tho [...] be not content with that, you lanch o [...] beyond the Rule of God, 1 Tim. 6. [...] Mat. 6. 34. This is to labour, that you [...] have wherewith to maintain good Works [...] necessary uses, Tit. 3. 14.

And never object, that unless you rea [...] further it will never do, for that is [...] unbelief. The Word saith, That G [...] [Page 47] [...]edeth Ravens, careth for Sparrows, and loatheth the Grass; in which three, to feed, loath, and care for, is as much as heart an wish, Luke. 12. 6, 24, 27, 28.

Secondly, Therefore though thou shouldst [...]rovide for thy Family, yet let all thy [...]abour be mixed with moderation. Let our moderation be known to all men, Phil. [...]. 5. Take heed of driving so hard after his World, as to hinder thy self and fa­ [...]ily from those Duties towards God, which thou art by Grace obliged to; as [...]rivate Prayer, reading the Scriptures, [...]nd Christian Conference. It is a base [...]hing for men so to spend themselves, and [...]amilies after this World, as that they [...]isingage their hearts to God's Worship. [...] Christians. The time is short: It remain­ [...]th then, that they that have Wives be as [...]hose that have none; and they that weep, [...] though they wept not; and they that re­ [...]yce, as though they rejoyced not; and they [...]hat use this world, as not abusing it; for [...]e fashion of this world passeth away, 1 Cor. [...]. 29, 30, 31.

Many Christians live, and do, in this [Page 48] world, as if Religion were but a by-bi [...] ­ness, and this World the one thing nece [...] ­sary; when indeed all the things of [...] world are but things by the by; and R [...]ligion only the one thing needful, Luk [...] 10. 40, 41. 42.

Thirdly, If thou wouldst be such a M [...] ­ster of a Family as becomes thee, th [...] must see that there be that Christi [...] Harmony among those under thee, as b [...] ­comes that house where one ruleth th [...] feareth God. 1. Thou must look that t [...] Children & Servants be under subject [...] on to the Word of God: for though it of God only to rule the heart, yet he e [...] ­pecteth that thou shouldst rule their ou [...] ward man; which if thou dost not, he m [...] in short time cut off all, of thy stock, that p [...] ­seth against the wall, 1 Sam. 3. 11, 12, 1 [...] 14. See therefore that thou keep the temperate in all things, in Apparrel, [...] Language, that they be not Glutteno [...] nor Drunkards; not suffering either t [...] Children vainly to domineer over t [...] Servants, nor they again to carry the [...]selves [Page 49] foolishly towards each other.

2. Learn to distinguish between that injury that in thy Family is done to thee, and that which is done to God: and though thou oughtest to be very zealous for the Lord, and to bear nothing that is open trans­gression to Him, yet here will be thy wisdom to pass by personal in­juries, and to bury them in oblivion. Love covereth the multitude of sins. Be not then like those that will rage and stare like mad-men when they are injured; and yet either laugh, or at least not soberly rebuke, and warn, when God is dishonoured.

Rule thy own house well, having thy Children (with others in thy Fami­ly) in subjection with all gravity, 1 Tim. 3. 4.

Solomon was so excellent (sometimes) this way, that he made the eyes of his beholders to dazzle, 2 Chron. 9. 3, 4.

But to break off from this general and to come to particulars.

[Page 50] First, Hast thou a Wife? thou mu [...] consider how thou oughtest to behave th [...] self under that relation: And to do this [...] right, thou must consider the condition [...] thy wife, whether she be one that indee [...] believeth, or not: [...] she believeth,The Duty of Hus­bands to believing Wives. The [...] First, Thou art eng [...]ged to bless God fo [...] her, For her price is far above Rubies, an [...] she is the Gift of God unto thee, and is f [...] thy adorning and glory, Prov. 12. 4. Prov [...] 31. 10. 1 Cor. 11. 7. Favour is decei [...] ­ful, and beauty is vain; but a Woman th [...] feareth the Lord, she shall be praised, Prov [...] 31. 30.

Secondly, Thou oughtest to love he under a double consideration; 1. As sh [...] is thy flesh and thy bone (For [...]ev [...] [Man] yet hated his own flesh, Ephes. 5 [...] 29.) 2. As she is together with thee a [...] heir of the Grace of Life, 1 Pet. 3. [...] This I say, should engage thee to lov [...] her with Christian Love; to love her as believing you both are dearly belov [...] of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, an [...] [Page 51] as those that must be together with him in Eternal happiness.

Thirdly, Thou oughtest so to carry thy self to, and before her, as doth Christ, to, and before his Church; as saith the Apostle, So ought men to love their wives, even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, Ephes. 5. 25. When hus­bands behave themselves like husbands indeed, then will they be not only hus­bands, but such an Ordinance of God to the wife, as will preach to her the car­riage of Christ to his Spouse. There is a sweet scent wrapped up in the rela­tions of husbands and wives (Ephes. 5. 32.) that believe. The wife, I say, sig­nifying the Church, and the husband the head and saviour thereof; Ephes. 5. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even a Christ is the head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the body.

This is one of God's chief ends in in­stituting Marriage, that Christ and his Church, under a figure, might be where­ever there is a couple that believe through Grace.

[Page 52] Wherefore that husband that carrieth it undiscreetly toward his wife, he doth not only behave himself contrary to the Rule, but also maketh his Wife lose the benefit of such an Ordinance, and cros­seth the mystery of this Relation. There­fore, I say, So ought men to love their Wives as their own bodies: He that loveth his Wife, loveth himself; for no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, Christ laid out his life for his Church; covereth her infirmi­ties; communicates to her his Wisdom, protecteth her, and helpeth he in her imployments in this world: and so ought men to do for their Wives. even as the Lord the Church, Ephes. 5. 28, 29.

Solomon, and Pha­raoh's Daughter, had the art of thus doing, as you may see in the Book of Canticles.

Wherefore bear with their weaknesses, help their infirmities, and honor them as the weaker vessels, and as being of a frailer constitution, 1 Pet. 3. 7.

In a word, be such a Husband to thy believing Wife, that she may say, God hath not only given me a husband, but such [Page 53] a Husband, as preacheth to me every day the Carriage of Christ to his Church.

2. If thy Wife be unbelie­ving or carnal,The duty of Husbands to unbelieving Wives. then thou hast also a duty lying before thee, which thou art ingaged to perform under a double ingagement. 1. For that she lyeth liable every moment to eternal Damnation. 2. That she is thy Wife that is in this evil case.

Oh! how little sense of the worth of Souls is there in the hearts of some Hus­bands, as is manifest by their unchri­stian carriage, to, and before their Wives.

Now, to qualifie thee for a Carriage suitable,

1. Labour seriously after a sense of her miserable state, that thy bowels may yearn towards her soul.

2. Beware that she take no occasion from any unseemly carriage of thine, to proceed in evil; and here thou hast need to double thy diligence, for she li­eth in thy bosome, and therefore is ca­pable of espying the least miscarriage in thee.

[Page 54] 3. If she behave her self unseemly and unruly, as she is subject to do, being Christless & Graceless, then labour thou to overcome her Evil with thy Good­ness, her Frowardness with thy Patience and Meekness: it is a shame for thee who hast an other principle, to do as she.

4. Take fit opportunities to convince her; observe her disposition, and when she is most likely to bear, then speak to her very heart.

5. When thou speakest, speak to pur­pose; 'tis no matter for many words, pro­vided they be pertinent. Job in a few words answers his Wife, and takes her off from her foolish talking; Thou speak­est, saith he, like one of the foolish women; shall we receive good at the hands of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job 2. 10.

6. Let all be done without rancor, or the least appearance of anger; With meekness instruct those that oppose them­selves, if peradventure they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will, 2 Tim. 2. 25, 26.

[Page 55] And how knowest thou, O man, but thou mayest save thy Wife, 1 Cor. 7. 16.

Touching Parents.

IF thou art a Parent, a Father or a Mo­ther, then thou art to consider thy Calling under this Relation.

Thy Children have souls, and they must be begotten of God as well as of thee, or they perish.

And know also, that unless thou be very circumspect in thy behaviour, to, and before them, they may perish through thee: the thoughts of which should pro­voke thee, both to instruct, and also to correct them.

1. To instruct them as the Scripture saith, and to bring them up in the nur­ture and admonition of the Lord; and to do this diligently when thou sittest in thy house, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up, Ephes. 6. 4. Deut. 6. 7.

Now to do this to purpose.

First, Do it in terms and words, easie to [Page 56] be understood: affect not high expressions, they will drown your Children. Thus God spake to his Children, and Paul to his, Hos. 12. 10. 1 Cor. 3. 2.

Secondly, Take heed of filling their heads with Whimzies, and unprofitable Notions; for this will sooner learn them to be ma­lepert and proud, than sober and humble. Open therefore to them the state of man by nature: discourse with them of Sin, of Death, and Hell; of a crucified Savi­our, and the Promise of Life through Faith. Train up a Child in the Way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it, Prov. 22. 6.

Thirdly, There must be much Gen­tleness and Patience in all thy instructi­ons, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3. 21.

And fourthly, Labour to convince them by a Conversation answerable, that the things of which thou instructest them, are not febles, but Realities, yea, and Realities so far above what can be here enjoyed, that all things, were they a thousand times better than they are, are not worthy to be compared with the Glo­ry [Page 57] and Worthyness of these things.

Isaac was so holy before his Children, that when Jacob remembred God, he re­membred that he was the fear of his Fa­ther Isaac. Gen. 31. 53.

Ah! when Children can think of their Parents, and bless God for that instructi­on and good they have received from them, this is not only profitable for Chil­dren, but honourable and comfortable to Parents. The Father of the Righte­ous shall greatly rejoyce; and he that beget­teth a wise Child, shall have joy of him, Prov. 23. 24, 25.

Touching Correction.

First, See if fair words will win them from evil: This is God's way with his Children, Jer. 25. 4, 5.

Secondly, Let those words you speak to them in your reproof, be both sober, few, & pertinent, adding always some sutable sentence of the Scripture therewith; as if they lie, then such as Rev. 21. 8. 27. If they refuse to hear the Word, such as 2 Chron. 25. 14, 15, 16.

[Page 58] Thirdly, Look to them that they b [...] not companions with those that are rud [...] and ungodly, shewing with soberness a continual dislike of their naughtiness, of­ten crying out to them, as God did of old unto his; Oh! do not this abominable thing that I hate, Jer. 44. 4.

Fourthly, Let all this be mixed with such love, pitty, and compunction of Spi­rit, that if possible, they may be convin­ced, you dislike not their persons but their sins. This is God's way, Psal. 99. 8.

Fifthly, Be often indeavouring to fa­sten on their Consciences the day of their Death and Judgement to come. Thus al­so God deals with his, Deut. 32. 29.

Sixthly, If thou art driven to the Rod, then, 1. Strike advisedly in cool blood; and soberly shew them, 1. Their fault; 2. How much it is against thy heart thus do deal with them; 3. And that what thou dost, thou dost it in con­science to God, and love to their Souls; 4. And tell them, that if fair means would have done, none of this severi [...]y should have been: This, I have proved [Page 59] it, will be a means to afflict their hearts as well as their bodies; and it being the way that God deals with his, it is the most likely to accomplish its end.

Seventhly, Follow all this with prayer to God for them, and leave the issue to Him.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a Child; but the Rod of Correction will fetch it out, Prov. 22. 15.

Lastly, Observe these Cautions.

1. Take heed that the mis-deeds for which thou corectest thy Children be not learn'd them by thee. Many Children learn that wickedness of their Parents, for which they beat and chastise them.

2. Take heed thou smile not upon them to encourage them in small faults, lest that thy carriage to them, be an en­couragement to them to commit grea­ter.

3. Take heed thou use not unsavory and unseemly words in thy chastising of them, as railing, mis-calling, and the like; this is devilish.

4. Take heed thou do not use them [Page 60] to many chiding words and threatnings, mixed with lightness and laughter; this will harden: Speak not much, nor often, but pertinent to them with all gravity.

Of Masters to Servants.

MAsters also have a work to do as they stand related to their Ser­vants.

And first, If possible they can, to get them that fear God. He that worketh de­ceit, saith David, shall not dwell within my House; and he that telleth lies, shall not tar­ry in my sight, Psal. 101. 7.

Secondly, But if none at the present but unbelievers can be got to do thy la­bour; Then,

1. Know that it is thy duty so to be­have thy self to thy Servant, that thy ser­vice may not only be for thy good, but for the good of thy Servant, and that both in body and soul: Wherefore deal with him, as to admonition, as with thy Children; give him the same Bread of [Page 61] God thou givest to them; & who knows, but that if thou with spiritual Dilicates bringest up thy Servant, but he may be­come thy spiritual Son in the end, Prov. 29. 21.

2. Take heed thou do not turn thy Servants into slaves by over-charging them in thy work, thorow thy greediness. To make men serve with rigor, is more like to Israels enemies than Christian Masters, Exod. 1. 14.

3. Take heed thou carry not thy self to thy Servant, as he of whom it is said, he is such a Son of Belial, that his Ser­vants could not speak to him; 1 Sam. 25. 14, 15, 16, 17.

And the Apostle bids you forbear, to threaten them, because you also have a Master in Heaven, Ephes. 6. 9. as who should say, your Servants cannot be guil­ty of so many miscariages against you, as you are guilty of against Christ: where­fore do wi [...]h, and to your Servants, as you would have your Master do with you.

4. Take heed that thou neither circum­vent him at his coming into thy service, [...]o [...] at his going out.

[Page 62] 1. Servants at their going into ser­vice, may be beguised two wayes.

First, By their Masters lying unto them, saying, their work is so small, and so easie, when it is indeed, if not too bur­densome, yet far beyond what at first was said of it. This is beguiling of them.

Secondly, The other way is, whe [...] Masters greedily seek to wier-draw their Servants to such wages, as indeed is too little and inconsiderable for such work and labour. Both these the Apostle op­poseth, where he saith, Masters give un­to your Servants that which is just, just la­bour, and just wages, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven, Col. 4. 1.

2. As Servants may be circumvented at their coming into their labour, so al­so they may be at their going out. Which [...] done by Masters that either change [...]eir wages, like heathenish Laban, Gen, 31. 7. or by keeping it back, like thos [...] against whom God will be a swift Wit­ [...]ess, Mal. 3. 5.

3. Take heed that thou make not a gain of thy place because thou art gracious, [Page 63] or livest conveniently for the means of Grace.

Servants that are truly godly, they care not how cheap they serve their Masters, provided they may get into godly Fami­lies, or where they may be convenient for the Word. But now, if a Master or Mistris should take this opportunity to make a prey of their Servant, this is a­bominable; this is making a gain of God­liness, and merchandize of the things of God (1 Tim. 6. 5.) and of the soul of thy Brother.

I have heard some poor Servants say, That in some carnal families, they have had more liberty to God's things, and more fairness of dealing, than among Professors. But this stinketh: and as Jacob said concerning the cruelty of his two Sons, so may I say of such Masters, they make Religion stink before the in­habitants of the Land, Gen. 34. 30.

In a word, learn of the Lord Jesus to carry your selves well to your Servants, that your Servants also may learn some­thing of the kindness of Christ by your [Page 64] deportment to them: Servants are g [...] ­ers aswel as comers; take heed that thou give them no occasion to scandal the Gospel when they are gone, for what they observed thee unrighteously to do when they were with thee.

Then Masters carry it rightly toward their Servants, when they labour both in word and life to convince them, that the things of God are the One thing necessa­ry.

That which Servants are commanded to do, touching their fear, their single­ness of heart, their doing what they d [...] as to the Lord, and not to men; the Ma­ster is commanded to do the same things unto them, Ephes. 5. 6, 7, 8, 9.

The Duty of Wives.

But passing the Master of the Family I shall speak a Word or two to those that are under him.

And first to the Wife; The Wife i [...] bound by the Law to her Husband, so [Page 65] long as her Husband liveth, Rom. 7. 2. Wherefore she also hath her work and place in the family, as well as the rest.

Now there are these things considera­ble in the carriage of a Wife toward her Husband, which she ought conscientiously to observe.

First, That she look upon him as her head and lord. The head of the woman is the man. And so Sara called Abraham Lord; 1 Cor. 11. 3. 1 Pet. 3. 6.

Secondly, She should therefore be sub­ject to him as is fit in the Lord. The Apostle saith, That the Wife should submit her self to her Husband, as to the Lord, 1 Pet. 3. 1. Col. 3. 18. Ephes. 5. 22. I told you before, that if the husband doth walk towards his wife as becomes him, he will therein be such an ordinance of God to her, besides the relation of an husband, that shall preach to her the carriage of Christ to his Church. And now I say al­so, that the wife, if she walk with her hus­band as becomes her, she shall preach the Obedience of the Church to her husband. Therefore, as the Church is subject to Christ, [Page 66] so let the wives be to their own husbands i [...] every thing, Ephes. 5. 24.

Now for thy performing of this work thou must first shun these evils.

1. The evil of a wandering and a go [...] ­soping spirit: this is evil in the Church and is evil also in a wife, who is the figur [...] of a Church. Christ loveth to have hi [...] Spouse keep at home; that is, to be wit [...] him in the Faith and practice of hi [...] things, not ranging and medling wit [...] the things of Satan: no more should wives be given to wander and gossop a broad: You know that Prov. 7. 11. saith She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide n [...] in her house.

Wives should be about their own hus­bands business at home: As the Apostl [...] saith, Let them be discreet, chaste, keepers a home, good, obedient to their own husbands And why? because otherwise the Word [...] God will be blasphemed, Tit. 2. 5.

2. Take heed of an idle, talking, o [...] brangling tongue. This also is odious ei­ther in maids or wives, to be like Pa [...] ­ra [...]s, not bridling their tongue; where [Page 67] [...] the wife should know, as I said before, [...]at her husband is her lord, and is over [...]r as Christ is over the Church. Do you [...]ink it is seemly for the Church to par­ [...]t it against her Husband? is she not [...] be silent before him, and to look to his [...]aws rather than her own fictions? Why [...], saith the Apostle, ought the wife to car­ [...]it towards her husband. Let the woman, [...]ith Paul, learn in silence with all subjecti­ [...]: but I suffer not a woman to teach, or to [...]urp authority over the man, but to be in [...]ence, 1 Tim. 2. 11, 12.

It is an unseemly thing to see a woman, [...] much as once in all her life-time, to [...]fer to over-top her husband; she ought [...] every thing to be in subjection to him, [...]d to do all she doth, as having her war­ [...]nt, licence, and authority from him. [...]nd indeed here is her glory, even to be [...]ider him as the Church is under Christ. [...]ow she openeth her mouth in Wisdom, and [...] her tongue is the Law of kindness, Pro. [...]1. 26.

3. Take heed of affecting immodest [...]parel, or a wanton gate, this will be e­vil [Page 68] both abroad and at home; abroad will not only give evil example, but so tend to tempt to lust & lasciviousn [...] and at home 'twill give an offence [...] godly Husband, and be cankering to [...] godly Children, &c. Wherefore, as sa [...] the Apostle, Let womens apparel be mo [...] as becometh women professing Godliness [...] Good Works, 1 Tim. 2. 10. not with b [...] dered hair, or Gold or Pearls, or co [...]aray. And as 'tis said again, Whose [...] ­dorning, let it not be that outward adorni [...] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, [...] of putting on of apparel; but let it be hidden man of the heart, in that which not corruptible, even the ornament of a m [...] and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of G [...] of great price: For after this manner in a time, the holy women also, who trusted God, adorned themselves, being in subject [...] on to their own husbands, 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4, 5, [...]

But yet, do not think that by the su [...]jection I have here men [...]ned, that I intend women should be their husban [...] slaves. Women are their husbands yo [...] fellows, their flesh and their bones; a [...] [Page 69] [...] is not a man that hateth his own flesh, [...] that is bitter against it, Ephes. 5. 29. Wherefore let every man love his wife as himself: and the wife see that she reverence her husband, Ephes. 5. 33.

The wife is master next her husband, and is to rule all in his absence; yea, in his presence she is to guide the house, to bring up the Children, provided she so [...] it, as the adversary have no occasion [...] speak reproachfully; 1 Tim. 5. 10, 13. [...] Who can find a vertuous woman; for her price is far above Rubies. A gracious wo­man retaineth honour, and guideth her af­faires with discretion, Prov. 31. 10. Prov. [...], 16. Prov. 12. 4.

Object. But my husband is an unbelie­ver, what shall I do?

Answ. If so then, what I have said before lyeth upon thee with an ingage­ment so much the stronger. For first, [...]y husband being in this condition, he [...]ll be watchful to take thy slips and in­ [...]mities, to throw them as dirt in the [...]e of God and thy Saviour, 2. He [Page 70] will be apt to make the worst of [...] one of thy words, carriages and gestur [...] 3. And all this doth tend to the po [...]sing his heart with more hardness, p [...]dice, and opposition to his own salv [...]on. Wherefore, as Peter saith, ye w [...] be in subjection to your own husbands; [...] if any obey not the word, they may also w [...]out the word be won by the conversati [...] the wives, while they behold your c [...] conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. 3 [...] 2. Thy husbands salvation or dam [...]tion lyeth much in thy deportment [...] behaviour before him: wherefore if th [...] be in thee any fear of God, or love thy husband, seek, by a carriage full [...] meekness, modesty, holiness, and a hu [...]ble behaviour before him, to win him the love of his own salvation; and thus doing, how knowest thou, O wom [...] but thou shalt save thy husband, 1 Cor. [...] 16.

Object. But my husband is not only unbeliever, but one very froward, peev [...] and teasty, yea, so froward, &c. that I k [...] not how to speak to him, or behave my [...] before him.

[Page 71] Answ. Indeed there are some wives [...] great slavory by reason of their ungod­ [...]y husbands; and as such should be pit­ [...]ed and prayed for, so they should be [...]o much the more watchful and circum­ [...]pect in all their wayes.

1. Therefore be thou very faithful [...]o him in all the things of this life.

2. Bare with patience his unruly and [...]nconverted behaviour: thou art alive; [...]e is dead: thou art principled with Grace; he with Sin. Now then, see­ [...]ng Grace is stronger than Sin, and Ver­ [...]e than Vice, be not overcome with [...]is vileness, but overcome that with thy [...]ertues, Rom. 12. 21. 'Tis a shame for [...]ose that are gracious, to be as lavishing [...] their words, &c. as those that are [...]raceless. They that are slow to wrath, [...]re of great understanding: but they that [...]re hasty in spirit, exalt folly, Prov. 14. [...]9.

3. Thy wisdom therefore, if at any [...]e thou hast a desire to speak to thy [...]sband for his conviction concerning [...]y thing either good or evil, it is to [Page 72] observe convenient times and seasons.

There is a time to keep silence, and a [...] to speak, Eccles. 3. 7.

Now for the right timing thy inten [...]ons.

Consider first his disposition, and ta [...] him when he is farthest off of those fil [...] passions that are thy affliction. Abig [...] would not speak a word to her chur [...] husband tell his wine was gone fo [...] him, and he in a sober temper, 1 Sa [...] 25. 36, 37. The want of this observ [...]on, is the cause why so much is spok [...] and so little effected.

2. Take him at those times when [...] hath his heart taken with thee, and wh [...] he sheweth tokens of love and deli [...] in thee. Thus did Esther with the Ki [...] her husband, and prevailed, Est. 5. 3, [...] and 7. 1, 2.

3. Observe when convictions seize [...] his conscience, and then follow the [...] with sound and grave sayings of the Scri [...]tures. Somewhat like to this dealt M [...]noah's wife with her husband, Judg. 1 [...] 22, 23. Yet then,

[Page 73] 1. Let thy words be few.

2. And none of them savouring of a lording it over him, but speak thou still as to thy head and lord, by way of intrea­ty and beseeching.

3. And that in such a spirit of simpa­thy & bowels of affection after his good, that the manner of thy speech and be­haviour in speaking, may be to him an argument that thou speakest in love, as being sensible of his misery, and inflam­ed in thy soul with desire after his con­version.

4. And follow thy words and behavi­ours with Prayers to God for his soul.

5. Still keeping thy self in a holy, chaste and modest behaviour before him.

Object. But my husband is a sot, a fool, and one that hath not wit enough to follow his outward imployment in the world.

Answ. First, though all this be true, yet thou must know he is, thy head, thy lord, and thy husband.

2. Therefore thou must take heed of desiring to usurp authority over him, he [Page 74] was not made for thee; that is, for thee to have dominion over him, but to be thy husband, and to rule over thee, 1 Tim. 2▪ 12. 1 Cor. 1. 3, 8.

3. Wherefore, though in truth thou mayest have more discretion than he, ye [...] thou oughtest to know, that thou wit [...] all that is thine, is to be used as under th [...] husband, even every thing, Ephes. 5. 24.

Take heed therefore, that what thou dost, goes not in thy name, but his; not to thy exaltation, but his; carrying all things so, by thy dexterity and prudence that not one of thy husbands weaknesses be discovered to others by thee. A ver­tuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that causeth shame, is as rottennes [...] to his bones. For then, as the Wise ma [...] saith, She will do him good, and not evil, [...] the dayes of her life, Prov. 12. 4. Prov. 31. 14.

4. Therefore act, and do still, as be­ing under the power and authority of th [...] husband.

Now touching thy carriage to thy Chi [...]dren and Servants.

[Page 75] Thou art a Parent and a Mistris, and so thou oughtest to demean thy self.

And besides, seeing the believing wo­man is a figure of the Church, she ought, as the Church, to nourish and instruct her Children and Servants, as the Church, that she may answer in that particular also: and truly, the wife being alwayes at home, she hath great advantage that way; wherefore do it, and the Lord pro­sper your proceeding.

Of Children to Parents.

There lyeth also a Duty upon Children to their Parents, which they are bound both by the Law of God, and nature, conscientiously to observe. Children, obey your Parents in the Lord; for this is right. And again, Children, obey your Parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord; Ephes. 6. 1. Col. 3. 20.

There are these general things in which Children should shew forth that honor that is due to their Parents from them.

First, They should alwayes count them [Page 76] better than themselves. I observe a vile spirit among some Children; and that is, they are apt to look over their Parents, and to have slighting & scornful thoughts of them; this is worse than heathenish: such a one hath got just the heart of a Dog or Beast, that will bite those that begot them, and her that brought them forth.

But my Father, &c. is now poor, and I am rich, and it will be a disparagement, or at least an hindrance to me, to show that respect to him as otherwise I might.

I tell thee thou arguest like an Atheist, and a Beast; and standest in this, full flat against the Son of God. Read Mark, 7. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Must a gift, and a little of the glory of the Butterfly, make thee that thou shalt [...]ot do for, and honour to thy Father and Mother? A wise man maketh a glad Fa­ [...]her; but a foolish son despiseth his Mother, Prov. 15. 20. Though thy Parents be ne­ [...]er so low, and thou thy self never so [...]igh, yet he is thy Father, and she thy Mother, and they must be in thy eye i [...] [Page 77] great esteem. The eye that mocketh at his Father, and that despiseth to obey his mother, the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagles shall eat it, Prov. 30. 17.

Secondly, Thou oughtest to shew thy honour to thy Parents, by a willingness to help them with such necessaries and accommodations which they need. If any have Nephews or Children, let them learn to shew pitty at home, and to requite their parents, saith Paul, for that is good and acceptable before God, 1 Tim. 5. 4.

And this rule Joseph observed to his poor Father, though he himself was next the King in Egypt, Gen. 47. 12. Gen. 41. 39, 40, 41, 42, 43.

But mark; Let them requite their Pa­rents.

There are three things, for which, as long as thou livest, thou wilt be a debter to thy Parents.

1. For thy Being in this World: they are they, from whom immediately under God thou didst receive it.

2. For their care to preserve thee when thou wast helpless, and couldst neither [Page 78] care for, nor regard thy self.

3. For the pains they have taken with thee to bring thee up. Until thou hast Children of thy own, thou wilt not be sensible of the pains, watchings, fears, sorrow and affliction, that they have gone under to bring thee up; and when thou knowest it, thou wilt not easily yeeld, that thou hast recompenced them for their favour to thee: How often have they sustained thy hunger, cloathed thy nakedness? what care have they taken that thou mightest have wherewith to live and do well when they were dead and gone; they possibly have spared it from their own belly & back for thee, and have also impoverished themselves that thou mightest live like a man. All these things ought duly, and like a man, to be considered by thee, and care ought to be taken on thy part to requite them; the Scripture saith so; Reason saith so; and there be none but Dogs and Beasts deny it. It is the duty of Parents to lay up for their Children; and the duty of Children to requite their Parents.

[Page 79] Thirdly, Therefore shew by all hum­ble and son-like carriage, that thou dost to this day, with thy heart, remember the love of thy Parents.

Thus much for obedience to Parents in general.

Again, if thy Parents be godly, and thou wicked (as thou art if thou hast not a second work or birth from God upon thee) then thou art to consider, that thou art more strongly ingaged to re­spect and honour thy Parents, not now only as a father in the flesh, but as godly Parents: thy Father and Mother is now made of God thy teachers and instruct­ers in the Way of righteousness: Wher­fore to alude to that of Solomon, O Son hearken to the law of thy Father, and for­sake not the law of thy Mother; bind them continually upon thy heart, and ty them about thy neck, Prov. 6. 20, 21.

Now to provoke thee here to consider,

First, That this hath been the practice alwayes of those that are, and have been obedient Children; yea, of Christ him­self to Joseph and Mary, though he him­self [Page 80] was God blessed for ever, Luke, 2. 51.

Secondly, Thou hast also the severe Judgements of God upon those that have been disobedient to awe thee. As 1. Ishmael, for but mocking at one good car­riage of his Father and Mother, was both thrust out of his Fathers Inheritance, and the Kingdom of Heaven, and that with God's approbation, Gen. 21. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Gal. 4. 30.

2. Hophni and P [...]hinehas, for refusing the good counsel of their Father, provo­ked the great God to be their enemy. They hearkened not to the voice of their Fa­ther, because the Lord would slay them, 1 Sam. 2. 23, 24, 25.

3. Absolom was hanged, as I may say by God himself, for rebelling against his Fa­ther, 2 Sam. 18. 9.

Besides, little dost thou know how heart-aking a consideration it is to thy Parents, when they do but suppose thou mayest be damned: how many prayers, sighs & tears are there wrung from their hearts upon this account?

[Page 81] Every miscarriage of thine goeth to their heart, for fear God should take an occasion thereat to shut thee up in hard­ness for ever.

How did Abraham groan for Ishmael? O, saith he to God, That Ishmael might live before thee, Gen. 17. 18.

How was Is [...]ac and Rebekah grieved for the miscarriage of Esau, Gen. 26. 34, 35.

And how bitterly did David mourn for his Son, who died in his wickedness, 2 Sam. 18. 32, 33.

Lastly, And can any imagin, but that all these carriages of thy godly Parents, will be to thee the increase of thy tor­ments in Hell, if thou die in thy sins, not­withstanding?

Again, if thy Parents and thou also be godly, how happy a thing is this? how shouldst thou rejoyce that the same Faith should dwell both in thy Parents and thee? thy conversion, possibly, is the fruits of thy Parents groans and prayers for thy soul, and they cannot chose but rejoyce; do thou rejoyce with them.

[Page 82] 'Tis true, in the Salvation of a natural Son which is mentioned in the Parable; This my Son was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found; and they began to be merry, Luke 15. 24.

Let therefore the consideration of this, that thy Parents have Grace aswell as thee, ingage thy heart so much the more to honour, reverence, and obey them.

Thou art better able now to consider the pains and care that thy friends have been at, both for thy body and soul; wher­fore strive to requite them: Thou hast strength to answer in some measure the Command; wherefore do not neglect it.

It is a double Sin in a gracious Son not to remember the Commandment, yea, the first Commandment, with promise, Ephes. 6. 1, 2.

Take heed of giving thy sweet Parents one snappish word, or one unseemly car­riage. Love them because they are thy Parents; because they are godly; and because thou must be in Glory with them.

[Page 83] Again, if thou be godly, and thy Pa­rents wicked, as often it sadly falls out:

Then, first, let thy bowels yearn to­wards them; 'tis thy parents that are go­ing to Hell.

Secondly, As I said before to the wife touching her unbelieving husband, so now I say to thee, Take heed of a parrat­ing tongue; speak to them wisely, meek­ly, and humbly; do for them faithfully without repining; and bear with all child-like modesty, their reproaches, their railing, and evil speaking. Watch fit opportunities to lay their condition before them. O! how happy a thing would it be, if God should use a Child to beget his Father to the Faith? Then indeed might the Father say, With the fruit of my own bowels hath God converted my soul. The Lord, if it be his will, convert our poor Parents, that they, with us, may be the Children of God.

Concerning Servants.

Servants also, they have a work to do [Page 84] for God, in their place and station among men.

The Apostles assert Masters under a threefold consideration.

  • 1. The believing Master.
  • 2. The unbelieving Master.
  • 3. The froward Master.

For all which, Servants are furnished with counsel and advice in the Word, for the demeaning of themselves under each of them.

But before I speak in particular to any of these, I will in general shew you the duty of Servants.

First, Thou art to look upon thy self as thou art; that is, as a Servant, not a Child, nor a Wife, thou art inferior to these; wherefore count thy self under them, and be content with that station. For three things the Earth is disquieted▪ and for four which it cannot bear: one is a Servant when he reigneth, Prov. 30. 21, 22.

It is out of thy place, either to talk or do, as one that reigneth.

Secondly, Consider, that thou being a Servant, what is under thy hand, is not [Page 85] thy own, but thy Masters: Now, because it is not thy own, thou oughtest not to dispose of it; but because it is thy Ma­sters, thou oughtest to be faithful. Thus it was with Joseph, Gen. 39. 7, 8, 9. but if thou do otherwise, know that thou shalt receive of God for the wrong that thou doest; and there is with God no respect of persons, Col. 3. 25. Wherefore,

Thirdly, Touching thy work and im­ployment, thou art to do it as unto the Lord, and not for man; and indeed then servants do their business as becomes them, when they do all in obedience to the Lord, as knowing, that the place in which they now are, it is the place where Christ hath put them, and in which he expecteth they should be faithful.

Servants, saith Paul, be obedient to them that are your Masters—with fear & trem­bling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as the Servants of Christ, doing the Will of God from the heart, Ephes. 6. 5, 6.

Observe a little the Word of God to Servants.

[Page 86] 1. Servants must be obedient. [...]

2. Not with that obedience that [...] serve man only: servants must have the [...] eye on the Lord in the work they do [...] their Masters.

3. That their work in their service [...] the Will and Ordinance of God.

From which I conclude, that thy wo [...] in thy place and station, as thou art a ser [...]vant, is as really God's Ordinance, an [...] as acceptable to Him, in its kind, as [...] Preaching, or any other work for God and that thou art as sure to receive a re [...]ward for thy labour, as he that hangs, [...] is burnt for the Gospel. Wherefore sai [...] the Apostle to servants, Whatsoever [...] do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not [...] men, knowing that of the Lord you shall re [...]ceive the reward of inheritance; for ye serv [...] the Lord Christ, Col. 3. 22, 23, 24.

And now touching the three sorts [...] Masters mentioned before.

First, For the believing Master; Sai [...] Paul, They that have believing Master [...] let them not despise them because they [...] brethren, but rather do them service bec [...] [Page 87] they are faithful and beloved, and parta­kers (with the Servants) of the heaven­ [...] Benefits, 1 Tim. 6. 2. (Servants, if they have not a care of their hearts, will be so much in the consideration of the relation that is betwixt their Masters and they, as brethren, that they will for­get the relation that is between them as Masters and Servants: now, though they [...]ought to remember the one, yet let them take heed of forgetting the other: Know thy place as a Servant, while thou consider­est that thy Master and thee are Brethren, and do thy work for him faithfully, humbly, and with meekness, because he is a Master faithful and beloved, and partaker of the heavenly Benefit.) If any man teach other­wise, saith the Apostle Paul, and consent not to wholsome Words, even the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questi­ons, and strife of words, whereof cometh en­vy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, per­verse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the Truth, supposing that gain [Page 88] is godliness; from such withdraw thy sel [...] 1. Tim. 6. 3, 4, 5.

Secondly, For the unbelieving Maste [...] (for of them Paul speaks in the first ver [...] of this 6. of Timothy) Let as many ser­vants, saith he, as be under the yoak, cou [...] their own Masters worthy of all honour, th [...] the Word of God & his Doctrine be not blas­phemed.

Servants living with unbelieving Ma­sters, are greatly ingaged to be bot [...] watchful, faithful, and trusty. Ingaged▪ I say, 1. From the consideration of th [...] condition of their Master; for, he bein [...] unbelieving, will have an evil eye upo [...] thee, and upon thy doings, and so much the more because thou professest: as i [...] the case of Saul and David, 1. Sam. 18▪ 8, 9, &c.

2. Thou art ingaged because of th [...] profession thou makest of the Word [...] God; for by thy profession, thou dost [...] both God and his Word before thy M [...]ster, and he hath no other wit but to blas [...]phem them, if thou behave thy self un [...]worthily. Wherefore Paul bids Tit [...] [Page 89] Exhort Servants to be obedient to their own Masters, and to please them well in all things, [...]ut answering again (not giving par [...]at­ [...]ng answers, or such as are cross or pro­ [...]oking) not purloining, but shewing all good [...]delity, that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour, in all things, Tit. 2. 9, 10.

That Servant, who in an unbelievers [...]amily, doth his work before God, as God's Ordinance, he shall adorn the Doctrine of God, if not save his Master [...]y so doing; but if he doth otherwise, [...]e shall both stumble the Unbeliever, dishonour God, offend the Faithful, and [...]ting guilt upon his own Soul.

Thirdly, For the froward Master; [...]hough I distinguish him from the unbe­ [...]iever, yet it is not because he may not be such, but because every unbeliever [...]oth not properly go under that name. [...]ow with this froward and peevish fel­ [...]ow, thou art to serve as faithfully for [...]he time thou standest bound, as with [...]e most pleasant and rational Master in [...]e world. Servants, saith Peter, be sub­ [...]t to your Masters, with all fear, not only [Page 90] to the good and gentle, but also to the [...] ­ward, 1 Pet. 2. 18. And if thy peev [...] Master will still be froward, either [...] of spite to thy Religion, or because he [...] without reason concerning thy labo [...] (thou to the utmost of thy power labou [...]ing faithfully) God then reckoneth the [...] a sufferer for well doing, as truly, as [...] thou wast called upon the stage of th [...] world before men, for the matters of th [...] Faith. Wherefore Peter adds this [...] couragement to Servants, to the exho [...]tation he gave them before, This is tha [...] worthy, saith he, if a man for Conscien [...] toward God endureth grief, suffering wro [...] ­fully; for what glory is it, if when ye be bu [...] feted for your faults you take it patiently▪ but if when you do well, and suffer for it, [...] take it patiently, this is acceptable wit [...] God, 1 Pet. 2. 19, 20.

Wherefore be comforted concerni [...] thy condition, with considering, that G [...] looks upon thee, as on Jacob in the fa [...]ly of Laban; & will right all thy wrong and recompence thee for thy faith [...] wise, and godly Behaviour, before, [...] [Page 91] the service of thy froward Master.

Wherefore be patient, I say, and abound [...] thy faithfulness in thy place and cal­ [...]g, till God make a way for thy escape [...]om this place; and when thou mayest [...] made free, use it rather, 1 Cor. 7. 21.

Of Neighbours each to other.

Having thus in few words shewed you [...]at is duty under your several Relati­ [...]s, I shall now at last speak, in a word [...] two, touching Good Neighbourhood, and [...]en draw towards a conclusion.

Touching Neighbourhood, there are [...]ese things to be considered, and pra­ [...]ised, if thou wilt be found in the pra­ [...]ical part of Good Neighbourhood.

First, Thou must be of a good & sound [...]onversation in thy own family, place and [...]tion, shewing to all, the power that the Gospel and the things of another World [...]th in thy heart, that ye may be blame­ [...] and harmless, the Sons of God, without [...]uke in the midst of a crooked and perverse [...]tion, among whom ye shine as lights in [...] World, Phil. 2. 15, 16.

[Page 92] Secondly, As persons must be of [...] behaviour at home, that will be go [...] neighbours, so they must be full of co [...] ­tesie and charity to them that have [...] about them, Luke, 10. 36, 37.

Right good Neighbourhood, is [...] men readily to communicate, as of the spirituals, so of their temporalities, [...] food, raiment, and help to those that ha [...] need, to be giving to the poor as th [...] seest them go by thee, or to enquire a [...] ­ther their condition, and according [...] thy capacity to send unto them, Job 3 [...] ▪ 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Thirdly, Thou must be alwayes hum­ble and meek among them, as also Gra [...] and Gracious, not light and frothy, [...] by thy words and carriage, ministri [...] Grace to the hearers, Ephes. 4. 29.

Thus also Job honoured God amo [...] his Neighbours, Job 30. 6, 7, 8, 9, 1 [...] ▪ 11.

Fourthly, Thy wisdom will be, right [...] to discountenance sin, and to repro [...] thy neighbour for the same, Levit. 1 [...] ▪ 17. denying thy self in some things, [...] [Page 93] [...] preventing an injury to thy Neigh­ [...]ur, that thou mayest please him for his [...]ification, Rom. 15. 2.

Fifthly, If thou wouldst be a good neigh­ [...]r, take heed of thy tongue upon two [...]counts.

[...]1. That thou with it give no offensive [...]guage to thy Neighbour, to the pro­ [...]king of him to anger: bear much, put [...]wrongs, and say little: It is an honor [...] a man to cease from strife: but every [...] will be medling, Prov. 20. 3. And a­ [...]in, He loveth transgression that loveth [...]ife, Prov. 17. 19.

And as thou shouldst take heed that [...]ou be not be original of contention [...] anger, so also take heed that thou be [...] an instrument to beget it, between [...]ties, by a tale-bearing and gossopping­ [...]it: He that passeth by, and medleth with [...] belonging not to him, is like one that [...]th a Dog by the eares. As coals are to [...]ning coals, and wood to fire; so is a con­ [...]ious man to kindle strife, Prov. 26. 17,

I do observe two things very odious in [Page 94] many Professors; the one is a [...] strong and stiff-necked spirit, that [...] have its own way: and the other i [...] great deal of tatling and talk about [...] ­ligion, but a very little, if any thing [...] those Christian deeds that carry in [...] the cross of a Christian in the doing [...] of, and profit to my Neighbours.

1. When I say a head-strong, and [...] necked spirit, I mean they are for pl [...] ­sing themselves, and their own fanc [...] in things of no weight, though their [...] doing, be as the very slaughter-knif [...] the weak Conscience of a Brother [...] Neighbour. Now this is base: a Ch [...] ­stian in all such things, as intrench [...] the matters of Faith and Worship, sho [...] be full of Self-denyal, and seek to ple [...] others rather than themselves; giv [...] none offence to the Jew, nor to the Greek▪ to the Church of God; not seeking their [...] profit, but the profit of many, that they [...] be saved, 1 Cor. 10. 32, 33.

And the second is as bad, to wit, [...] Professors are great pratlers, and ta [...] ­ers, and disputers, but do little of [...] [Page 95] [...]hing that bespeaketh Love to the Poor, [...]r Self-denyal in outward things. Some people think Religion is made up of words; a very wide mistake: Words without deeds is but a half-faced Religi­ [...]n: Pure Religion, and undefilled before God, and the Father, is this, to visit the fa­ [...]herless and widows in their affliction, and to keep thy self unspotted from the World, [...]am. 1. 27. Again, If a Brother or a Si­ [...]er be destitute of daily food, and one of you [...]ay unto them, depart in peace, be warmed [...]nd filled (which are very fine words) yet [...]f you give them not those things that are ne­ [...]essary to the body, what doth it profit? Jam. [...]2. 15, 16.

Now then, before I go any further, I will hear take an occasion to touch a lit­tle upon those sins that are so rife in many Professors in this day; and they [...]re Covetousness, Pride, and Uncleanness; [...] would speak a word to them in this place the rather, because they are they which spoile both Christian Brother- [...]ood, and civil Neighbourhood, in too [...]reat a measure.

[Page 96] First for Covetousness.

1. Covetousness, it is all one wi [...] Desire; he that desires, covets, wh [...] ­ther the thing he desires be evil [...] good. Wherefore that which is cal­led coveting in Exod. 20. 17. is called desire in Deut. 5. 21. As the Apostle also saith, I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7. 7. that is, I had not known lust to be a sin, unless the Law had forbid it. Wher­fore, though lawful desires are good▪ 1 Cor. 12. 31. and to be commended yet Covetousness, as commonly understood▪ is to be fled from, and abhorred, as of the Devil.

2 Covetousness or evil desire, it is the first mover, and giveth to every sin it [...] call, as I may say, both to move, and act: as was said before, the Apostle had not known sin, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not desire, or covet: for [...] where there is no desire to sin, there ap­pears no sin.

3. Therefore Covetousness carrieth in it every sin (we speak of sins against th [...] [Page 97] second Table) even as a Serpent carri­ [...]eth her young ones in her belly. This the Scripture affirms, where it saith, Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, [...]nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that [...] is thy Neighbours, Exod. 20. 17. Cove­tousness will meddle with any thing.

Now there are in my mind at present, these eight notes of covetousness, which hinder Good Works, and a Christian Con­versation among men, wherever they are harboured.

First, When men, to whom God hath given a comfortable livelyhood, are yet not content therewith: This is against the Apostle, where he saith, Let your con­uersation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor for­sake thee, Heb. 13. 5.

Secondly, It is covetousness in the Sel­ler, that puts him to say of his traffick, it is better than it is, that he may heighten the price of it: and covetousness in the Buyer, that prompts him to say worse of [Page 98] a thing, than he thinks in his Conscience it is, and that for an abatement of a rea­sonable price.

This is that which the Apostle forbids, under the name of defraud, 1 Cor. 6. 7, 8. and that which Solomon condemns, Prov. 20. 14.

Thirdly, It is thorow covetousness, that men think much of that which goeth be­side their own mouth, though possibly, it goeth to those that have more need than themselves, and also that better de­serve it than they.

Fourthly, It argueth covetousness when men will deprive themselves, and those under them, of the priviledges of the Gospel, for more of this world, and is condemned by Christ, Luk. 14. 18, 19, 20.

Fifthly, It argueth covetousness, when men that have it, can go by, or hear of the poor, and shut up their bowels and compassions from them, 1 John 3. 17.

Sixthly, Also when men are convin­ced it is their duty to communicate to such and such that have need, yet they defer it, and if not quite forget it [Page 99] yet linger away the time, as being loth to distribute to the necessities of those in want. This is forbidden by the holy Ghost; Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Now, it is due from thee to the poor by the Command­ment of God; if they want, and thou hast it, Say not then to thy Neighbour, Go, and come again to morrow, and I will give, when thou hast it by thee, Prov. 3. 27, 28.

Seventhly, It argueth a greedy mind also, when after men have cast in their minds at the first what to give, they then from that will be pinching, and cliping, and taking away; whereas the holy Ghost saith, Every one, as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, nor of necessity; for God loveth a chearful giver, 2 Cor. 9. 7.

Lastly, It argueth a filthy greedy heart also, when a man, after he hath done a­ny good, then in his heart to repent, and secretly wish that he had not so done, or at least, that he had not done so much▪ this is to be weary of well-doing (I spe [...] [Page 100] now of communicating) and carrieth in it two evils. First, It spoileth the work done; And secondly, It (if enter­tained) spoileth the heart for doing any more so. The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the Churle said to be bountiful; for the liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand, Isa. 32. 6, 8.

Now then, to diswade all from this poisonous Sin, observe that above all sins, in the New Testament, this is cal­led Idolatry, Ephes. 5. 5. Col. 3. 5. And therefore God's People should be so far from being taken with it, that they should be much afraid of the naming of it one among another, lest it should, as adul­trous thoughts, infect the heart by the talking of it, Ephes. 5. 3.

Quest. But why is Covetousness called Idolatry?

Answ. 1. Because it ingageth the very heart of a man in it, to mind earth­ly things: it gets our love which should be set on God, and sets it upon poor emp­ty creatures: it puts our affections out [Page 101] of Heaven, where they should be, and sets them on Earth, where they should not be, Ezek. 33. 31. Phil. 3. 18, 19. Col. 3. 1, 2, 3.

Thus it changeth the object on which the heart should be set, and setteth it on that on which it should not: it makes a man forfake God, The Fountain of living water, and causeth him to hew to himself cisterns, broken cisterns, which can hold no water, Jer. 2. 11, 12, 13. For,

2. It rejecteth the care, government, and providence of God towards us, and causeth us to make of our own care and industry, a god; to whom, instead of God, we fly continually, both for the keeping that we have, and for getting more.

This was Israels Idolatry of old, and the original of all her idolatrous pra­ctices, Hos. 2. 5. For their Mother hath played the Harlot (that is, committed idolatry) she that conceived them, hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go af­ter my lovers that gave me my bread, and my waters, my wool, and my flax, my oyl, and my drink.

[Page 102] 3. It disalloweth of God's way of dis­posing his Creatures, and would have them ordered and disposed of otherwise then his heavenly Wisdom seeth meet: and hence ariseth all those discontents about God's dealing with us. Covetous­ness, never yet said, It is the lord, let him do what he pleaseth; but is ever objecting, like God, against every thing that goeth against it; and it is that which, like a god, draweth away the heart and soul from the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ: And he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions, Mat. 19. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Now then, that which engageth the heart, that rejecteth the providence of God, and that is for ordering and dispo­sing of things contrary to God; and for breaking with God upon these terms, is Idolatry: and all these do Covetousness. The wicked boasteth of his hearts desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord ab­horreth, Psal. 10. 3.

Now the way to remedy this disease, it is to learn the lesson which Paul had got [Page 103] by heart; to wit, In whatsoever state you are, therewith to be content, Phil. 4. 11, 12, 13.

I come in the second place to speak a word of Pride, and loftiness of heart and life.

Of Pride.

1. Pride in general, it is, That which causeth a man to think of man, and his things, above what is written, 1 Cor. 4. 6.

2. It hath its seat in the heart among these inormities, Fornications, Adulte­ries, Lasciviousness, Murders, Deceit, &c. Mark 7. 21, 22, 23. and sheweth it self in these following particulars.

First, When you slight this or that per­son, though gracious; that is, look over them, and shun them for their poverty in this world, and chuse rather to have converse with others, that possibly are less gracious, because of their greatness in this World.

This the Apostle James writes against, Jam. 2. 1, 2, 3. under the name of parti­ality; for indeed the fruits of a puffed-up heart, is to deal in this manner with Christians, 1 Cor. 4. 6, 7.

[Page 104] Now this branch of Pride floweth from ignorance of the vanity of the creature, and of the worth of a gracious heart: Wherefore get more of the knowledge of these two, and this sprig will be nipt in the head, and you will learn to condescend to men of low degree, Rom. 12. 16.

Secondly, It argueth pride of heart, when men will not deny themselves in things that they may, for the good and profit of their Neighbours. And it argueth now, that pride is got so much up into self-love, and self-pleasing, that they little care who they grieve or offend, so they may have their way, Obad. 12. 13, 14, 15.

Thirdly, It argueth pride of heart, when sober reproofs for sin, and unbeseeming▪ carriages, will not down with thee, but that rather thou snuffest, and givest way to thy spirit to be peevish, and to retain prejudice against those that thus reprove thee. Saith the Prophet, hear ye, and give ear, be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken; that is, hear the reproofs of God for your sins, and break them off by repentance: [Page 105] But if ye will not hear, my soul shall weep in secret for your Pride, &c. Jer. 13. 15, 16, 17. So also in Hosea, They will not frame their doing to turn unto their God; for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them; they have not known the Lord; and the pride of Israel doth testifie to his face, &c. Hos. 5. 4, 5.

This argueth great senslesness of God, and a heart greatly out of frame.

Fourthly, It argueth Pride also, when a reproof or admonition will not down aswell from the poorest Saint, as from the greatest Doctor; and it argueth a glory­ing in men, 1 Cor. 3. 21. and that they would, that their faith should stand in their wisdom, and not in the Power of God, that is, of naked Truth, 1 Cor. 2. 5.

Fifthly, It argueth pride of heart, when a man that hath this or that in his heart to do, in reference to God, but yet will slight a sober asking counsel and directi­on of God in this matter. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance▪ will not seek after God, saith David, Psal. 10. 4.

Sixthly, It argueth pride of heart, when [Page 106] persons are tickled with the thoughts of their own praise, and that secretly lust af­ter it; that think of themselves and o­thers above what is written; which those do, who do not acknowledge that man in his best estate is altogether vanity: But such kind of people have forgot the Ex­hortation; Be not high minded, but fear, Rom. 11. 20. And also, that there is a knowledge that puffeth up, and edifieth nei­ther themselves nor others, 1 Cor. 8. 1, 2.

Wherefore, to such the Apostle saith, Be not desirous of vain glory, but in holiness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves, Phil. 2. 3. Gal. 5. 26.

Pride also there is in the outward car­riage, behaviour and Gesture, which is odious for Christians to be tainted with; and this pride is discovered by mincing words, a made carriage, and an affect­ing the toyes and baubles that Satan and every light-headed fool bringeth into the world. As God speaketh of the Daugh­ters of Zion, They walk with stretched-out necks, wanton eyes, mincing as they go, and making a tinckling with their feet, Isa. 3. [Page 107] 16. A very unhansome carriage for a peo­ple that profess Godliness, and that use to come before God to confess their sins, and to bemove themselves for what they have done: How can a sence of thy own baseness of the vileness of thy heart, and of the holiness of God, stand with such a carriage? dost thou see the vileness of thy heart, the fruit of sin? and art thou afflicted with that disagreement that is between God and thy heart, that layest the reins on the neck of thy lusts, and let­est them run whither they will? Be not deceived; Pride ariseth from ignorance of these things, 1 Tim. 6. 3, 4. A sense of my vileness, of what I have deserved, and of what continually in my heart op­poseth God, cannot stand with a foolish, light and wanton carriage: thou wilt then see, there is other things to mind than to imitate the Butter-fly: alas, all these kind of things, are but a painting the Devil, and a setting a carnal gloss up­on a Castle of his; thou art but making gay the spider; is thy heart ever the soun­der for thy fine gate, thy mincing words, [Page 108] and thy lofty looks? nay, doth not this argue, that thy heart is a rotten▪ canke­red, and besotted heart? Oh! that God would but let thee see a little of thy own inside, as thou hast others to behold thy outside: thou painted Sepulchre; thou whited Wall, will these things be found vertues in the day of God? or, is this the way that thou takest to mortifie sin? A high look, a proud heart, and the plow­ing of the wicked, is sin, Prov. 21. 4. Pride is the ring-leader of the seven abominations that the Wise man nameth, Prov. 6. 16, 17. and is that above all, that causeth to fall into the condemnation of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3. 6.

Of Adultery or Uncleanness.

Now I come in the last place to touch a word or two of Adultery, and then to draw towards a conclusion.

Adultery, it hath its place in the heart among the rest of those filthinesses, I mentioned before Mark 7. 21, 22. of which sin I observe two things.

[Page 109] First, That almost, in every place where the Apostle layeth down a cata­logue of wickednesses, he layeth down A­dultery, Fornication, and Uncleanness in the front; as that in Mark 7. 21. Rom. 1. 29. 1 Cor. 6. 9. Gal. 5. 19. Ephes. 5. 3 1 Thes. 4. 3, 4, 5. Heb. 12. 16. Jam. 2. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 11. 2 Pet. 2. 10.

From this I gather, that the Sin of Un­cleanness is a very predominant and ma­ster Sin, easie to overtake the sinner, as being one of the first that is ready to of­fer it self at all occasions, to break the Law of God.

Secondly, I observe, that this sin is committed unawares to many, even so soon as a man hath but looked upon a woman. I say unto you, saith Christ, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust, or de­sire after her, he hath already committed Adultery with her in his heart, Mat. 5. 28.

This sin of uncleanness, I say, is a ve­ry taking sin, it is natural above all sins to mankind; and as it is most natural, so it wanteth not tempting occasions, having objects for to look on in every corner: [Page 110] wherefore there is need of a double and trible watchfulness in the soul against it. It is better here to make a covenant with our eyes, like Job, (Job 31. 1.) than to let them wander to God's dishonour, and our own discomfort.

There are these three things which discover a man or woman too much in­clining to the uncleanness of their own heart.

The first is a wanton eye, or an eye that doth secretly effect it self with such objects as are tickling of the heart with the thoughts of immodesty and unclean­ness. Isaiah calls this a wanton eye; and Peter, an eye full of adultery, that cannot cease from sin, 2 Pet. 2. 14. Isa. 3. 16. This is that also which Christ calleth, an evil eye; and John, the lust of the flesh, and of the eyes, and doth defile those who are not very watchful over their own hearts, Mark 7. 22. 1 John 2. 16.

This wanton eye, is that which the most holy Saints should take heed of, because it is apt to seize upon them also. When Paul bids Timothy beseech the younger [Page 111] women to walk as becomes the Gospel, [...]e bids him do it with all Purity: as who should say, take heed that while thou in­structest them to holiness, thou thy self be not corrupted with the lust of thy eye, 1 Tim. 5. 1, 2.

Oh! how many souls in the day of God, will curse the day that ever they gave way to a wanton eye!

2. The second thing that discovereth one much inclining to the lusts of un­cleanness, it is wanton and immodest talk; such as that brazen-faced Whore, in the seventh of the Proverbs, had; or such as they in Peter, who allured, through the lust if the flesh, through much wantonness, those who were clean escaped from them, who live in error, 2 Pet. 2. 18. Out of the abun­ [...]ance of the heart the mouth speaketh: wherefore if we be Saints, let us take heed, as of our eye, so of our tongue, and let not the lust of uncleanness, or of a­dultery, be once named among us, na­med among us as becometh Saints, Ephes. 5. 3. Mark: let it not be once named. This implies, that the lusts [Page 112] of uncleanness are devilishly taking; [...] will both take the heart with eyes [...] tongue; Let it not be once named amo [...] you, &c.

Thirdly, Another thing that bespea [...] a man or a woman inclining to wanton­ness & uncleanness, it is an adornin [...] themselves in light and wanton Appar [...] The attire of an Harlot is too frequentl [...] in our day, the attire of Professors; [...] vile thing, and argueth much wanton­ness and vileness of affections. If those that give way to a wanton eye, wanton words, and immodest apparel, be no [...] Whores, &c. in their hearts, I know n [...] what to say. Doth a wanton eye argue shamfacedness? doth wanton talk argue chastity? and doth immodest apparel with stretched-out necks, naked breasts a made speech, and mincing gates, &c. argue mortification of lusts?

If any say that these things may ar­gue pride aswell as carnal lusts. We [...] but why are they proud? is it not [...] trick up the body? And why do they [...] pride trick up the body, if it be no [...] [Page 113] [...] provoke both themselves and others [...] lusts: God knoweth their hearts with­out their outsides; and we know their hearts by their outsides.

My Friends, I am hear treating of Good Works, and perswading you to fly those things that are henderances to them: wherefore bear with my plain­ness when I speak against Sin; I would strike it through with every word, because else it will strike us through with many sorrows, 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10.

I do not treat of Good Works, as if the doing of them would save us (for we are justified by his Grace according to the hope of Eternal Life) yet our sins and evil works will lay us obnoxious to the Judgements both of God and man. He that walketh not uprightly, according to the truth of the Gospel, is like to have his peace assaulted often, both by the De­vil, the Law, Death and Hell; yea, and [...] like to have God hide his face from him also, for the iniquity of his covetous­ness, Isa. 57. 17.

How can he that carrieth himself base­ly [Page 114] in the sight of men, think he yet we [...] behaveth himself in the sight of God and if so dim a light as is in man, [...] justly count thee as a transgressor, [...] shall thy sins be hid from Him, whose ey [...] lids try the Children of men? Psal. 11. [...].

'Tis true, Faith without works justi­fies us before God: yet that Faith th [...] is alone, will be found to leave us sinne [...] in the sight both of God and man, Rom [...] 28. & 4. 5. Jam. 2. 18. And though th [...] addest nothing to that which saveth th [...] by what thou canst do, yet thy righteous­ness may profit the Son of man, [...] also saith the Text; but if thou shalt [...] so careless as to say, what care I for bei [...] righteous to profit others; I tell thee that the love of God is not in thee, J [...] 35. 18. 1 Joh 3. 17. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2, 3.

Walk therefore in Gods wayes, and [...] them, for this is your wisdom and y [...] understanding in the sight of the N [...] ­ons, which shal hear of all these statut [...] and say, This great Nation is a wise [...] understanding People, Deut. 4. 6.

The Third Observation.

Every Believer should not only take [...]ed that their works be good, and so for [...] present do them, but should careful­ [...] study to maintain them; that is, to [...]ep in a continual exercise of them.

It is an easier matter to begin to do [...]od, than it is to continue therein: and [...] reason is, there is not so much of [...] Christians cross in the beginning of a [...]ork, as there is in a continual, hearty, [...]nscientious practice thereof. There­ [...]e Christians have need, as to be pres­ [...] to do good, so to continue the work; [...]an by nature, is rather a hearer than a [...]er, Athenian like, continually list­ing after some new thing; seeing ma­ [...]y things, but observing nothing, Acts, [...] 20, Isa. 42. 20. It is observable, that [...]er Christ had divided his hearers into [...]u parts, he condemned three of them [...] fruitless hearers, Luke, 8. 5, 6, 7, 8. [...]h! it is hard continuing believing, con­ [...]nuing loving, continuing resisting all [Page 116] that opposeth: we are subject to be we [...] ­ry of well-doing, Gal. 6. 9. to pluck o [...] right eyes, to cut of right hands [...] right feet, is no pleasant thing to fle [...] and blood; and yet none but these sh [...] have the Promise of Life, because no [...] but these will be found to have the effe­ctual work of God's Grace in their soul [...] If ye continue in my Word, then are you [...] Disciples [indeed] Mat. 18. 8, 9. & 24. [...] John 8. 31. And hence it is that you [...] so many ifs in the Scripture about me [...] happiness; as if you be Sons, then He [...] and if you continue in the Faith; and we hold the beginning of our confiden [...] stedfast to the end, Rom. 8. 17. Col. 1. 2 [...] Heb. 3. 14. not that their continuing the way of God is the cause of the [...] being right, but the work being right ca [...] ­seth the continuance therein: As [...] saith in another place, They went out [...] us, because they were not of us; for had [...] been of us, [no doubt] saith he, they [...] have continued with us, 1 John 2. 19.

But I say, where the work of God [...] deed is savingly begun, even there [Page 117] [...], corruption, and the body of death [...]oppose it: Therefore should Christi­ [...]s take heed, and look that against these [...]posites, they maintain a continual [...]urse of Good Works among men.

Besides, as there is that in our own [...]wels that opposeth goodness, so there is [...] Tempter, the wicked one, both to [...]imate these lusts, and to joyn with [...]em in every assault against every ap­ [...]rance of God in our souls. And hence [...]is that he is called the Devil, the Ene­ [...], the Destroyer, and him that seeks con­ [...]nually to devour us, 1 Pet. 5. 8.

I need say no more but this, He that [...]ill walk like a Christian indeed, as he [...]all find it is requisit, that he continue [...] Good Works; so his continuing there­ [...], will be opposed: if therefore he will [...]ntinue therein, he must make it his [...]finess, to study how to oppose those [...]at oppose such a life, that he may con­ [...]nue therein.

Now then to help in this, here fitly [...]mes in the last Observation; to wit, [...] That the best way both to provoke our [Page 118] selves and others to Good Works, it [...] be often affirming to others, The Doc [...] of Justification by Grace, and to believ [...] our selves. This is a faithful Saying [...] these things I will that thou affirm const [...]ly, that those which have believed in [...] might be careful to maintain Good Work [...]

I told you before, that Good Works [...] flow from Faith: and now I tell [...] that the best way to be fruitful in th [...] is to be much in the exercise of the [...]ctrine of Justification by Grace; and [...] both agree: for as Faith animate [...] Good Works, so the Doctrine of Grace [...]mates Faith: Wherefore, the way t [...] rich in Good Works, it is to be ric [...] Faith; and the way to be rich in Fa [...] is to be conscientiously affirming the [...]ctrine of Grace to others, and believing [...] our selves.

First, To be constantly affirming i [...] others. Thus Paul tells Timothy, th [...] he put the Brethren in mind of the Tr [...] of the Gospel, he himself should not [...]ly be a good Minister of Christ, but sh [...] be nourished up in the words of Faith [...] of good Doctrine, 1 Tim. 4. 6.

[Page 119] It is the Ordinance of God, that Chri­ [...]ans should be often asserting the things [...] God each to others; and that by their [...] doing, they should edifie one ano­ [...]r, Heb. 10. 24, 25. 1 Thes. 5. 11.

The Doctrine of the Gospel is like the [...], and the small Rain, that distilleth [...]n the tender grass, wherewith it doth [...]rish, and is kept green, Deut. 32. 1 [...] Christians are like the several flowers [...] Garden, that have upon each of them [...] Dew of Heaven, which being sha­ [...] with the Wind, they let fall their [...] at each others roots, whereby they [...] joyntly nourished, and become nou­ [...]ers of one another.

For Christians to commune savorily of [...]'s matters one with another, it is as [...]hey opened to each others Nostrils [...]es of perfume. Saith Paul to the [...]rch at Rome, I long to see you, that I [...] impart unto you some spiritual Gift, to [...]nd you may be established; that is, that [...] be comforted together with you, by the [...]al Faith both of you and me, Rom 1. [...]2.

[Page 120] Christians should be often affirm [...] the Doctrine of Grace, and Justification [...] it, one to another.

Secondly, As they should be thus do [...]ing, so they should live in the power of i [...] themselves; they should by Faith suc [...] and drink in this Doctrine, as the goo [...] ground receiveth the Rain; which bein [...] done, forthwith there is proclaimed G [...] Works. Paul to the Colossians saith th [...] We give thanks to God, and the Father our Lord Jesus Christ, praying alwayes f [...] you, since we heard of your Faith in the L [...] Jesus, and love to all the Saints: [...] the hope which is laid up in Heaven for y [...] whereof ye heard before in the Word of [...] Truth of the Gospel, which is come un [...] you, as it is also in all the World, and brin [...]eth forth fruit as it doth also in you. [...] how long ago? Why, since the day ye h [...] it, saith he, and knew the Grace of God Truth, Col. 1. 3, 4, 5, 6.

Aples and Flowers are not made the Gardner, but are an effect of [...] planting and watering: plant in the [...]ner good Doctrine, and let it be wa [...]d [Page 121] with the Word of Grace; and as the effect of that, there is the fruits of Holiness, and the end everlasting Life, Rom. 6. 22.

Good Doctrine is the Doctrine of the Gospel, which sheweth to men that God cloatheth them with the * Righteousness of his Son, freely, and maketh him with [...]ll his benefits over to them; by which free gift the sinner is made righteous be­ [...]ore God; and because he is so, there­ [...]ore there is infused a principle of Grace * [...]nto the heart, whereby it is both quick­ [...]ed, and bringeth forth fruit * Rom. 3. [...]1, 22, 23, 24, 25. 1 Cor. 1. 30. 2 Cor. 5. [...]1. * John 1. 16.

Now then, seeing Good Works do flow [...]om Faith, and seeing Faith is nourished [...] an affirming of the Doctrine of the [...]ospel, &c. take here these few Consi­ [...]rations from the Doctrine of the Gos­ [...]l, for the support of thy Faith, that [...]ou mayest be indeed fruitful and rich [...] Good Works.

First, The whole Bible was given for [...] very end, that thou shouldst both [Page 122] believe this Doctrine, and live in th [...] comfort and sweetness of it: For wha [...] soever things was written afore-time, w [...] written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 15. 4. John 20. 31.

Secondly, That therefore every Pro­mise in the Bible is thine, to strengthen, quicken, and incourage thy heart in be­lieving.

Thirdly, Consider that there is no­thing that thou dost, can so please God as believing: The Lord takes pleasure in tho [...] that fear him, in them that hope in his me [...] ­cy, Psal. 147. 11.

They please him, because they imbrac [...] his Righteousness, &c.

Fourthly, Consider that all the with drawings of God from thee, are not f [...] the weakening, but for the tryal of th [...] faith; and also, that what-ever he su [...] ­fereth Satan, or thy own heart, to do, [...] is not to weaken Faith, Job 23. 8, 9, [...] 1 Pet. 1. 7.

Fifthly, Consider, that believing [...] that which will keep in thy view [...] [Page 123] things of Heaven, and Glory; and that [...]t which the Devil wil be discouraged, sin weakned, and thy heart quickned and sweetned, Heb. 11. 27. Jam. 4. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 9. Ephes. 6. 16. Rom. 15. 13.

Lastly, By believing, the Love of God is kept with warmth upon the heart, and that this will provoke thee continually to bless God for Christ, for Grace, for Faith, Hope, and for all these things, either in God, or thee, that doth accompany Sal­vation, 2 Cor. 2. 14. Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3, 4.

The Doctrine of the forgiveness of sins received by Faith, will make nota­ble work in the heart of a sinner, to bring forth Good Works.

But secondly, For as much as there is body of Death and Sin in every one that hath the Grace of God in this world; and because this body of death will be even opposing that which is good, as the [...]postle saith, Rom. 7. 21. therefore take these few particulars further, for the sup­po [...]sing that which will hinder a fruitful life.

[...] Keep a continual wa [...]th over the [Page 124] wretchedness of thy own heart (not to be discouraged at the sight of thy vile­ness) but to prevent its wickedness; for that will labour either to hinder thee from doing Good Works, or else will hin­der thee in the doing thereof; for evil is present with thee for both these pu [...] ­poses; take heed, then, that thou do not [...] ­sten to that at any time, but deny, though with much strugling, the workings of [...] to the contrary.

2. Let this be continually before thy heart, that God's eye is upon thee, and seeth every secret turning of thy heart▪ either to or from him: All things are [...] ­ked and bare before the eyes of Him w [...] whom we have to do, Heb. 4. 13.

3. If thou deny to do that good whic [...] thou oughtest, with what thy God [...] given thee; then consider, that though [...] [...] love thy soul, yet he can chastise; [...] thy [...]inward man with such troubles, [...] thy life shall be restless and comfort [...] 2dly. And can also so blow upon thy [...] ward man, that all thou gettest, sh [...] put in a Bag with holes, Psal. 89. 31, [...] 33. Hag. 1. 6.

[Page 125] And set the case he should license but one Theef among thy Substance, or one spark of Fire among thy Barns, how quick­ly might that be spent ill, and against thy will, which thou shouldst have spent to God's glory, and with thy will? and I tell thee further, that if thou want a heart to do good when thou hast about thee, thou mayest want comfort in such things thy self from others, when thine is taken from thee. See Judg. 1. 6, 7.

4. Consider that a life full of Good Works, is the only way, on thy part, to answer the Mercy of God extended to thee; God hath had mercy on thee, and hath saved thee from all thy distresses; God hath not stuck to give thee his Son, his Spirit, and the Kingdom of Heaven: saith Paul, I beseech you therefore by the Mercies of God, that you present your bo­dies a living Sacrifice to God, holy, accepta­ble, which is your reasonable service, Rom. 12. 1. See Mat. 18. 32, 33.

5. Consider that this is the way to con­vince all men, that the Power of God's things hath taken hold of thy heart (I [Page 126] speak to them that hold the head) and say what thou wilt, if thy faith be not accompanied with a holy Life, thou shalt be judged a withered branch, a wording professor, salt without savour, and as lifeless as a sounding Brass, and a tinck­ling Cymbal, Joh. 15. Mat. 5. 13. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2. For, say they, shew us your faith by your works, for we cannot see your hearts, Jam. 2. 18.

But I say on the contrary, if thou walk as becomes thee who art saved by Grace, then thou wilt witness in every mans Conscience, that thou art a good Tree; now thou leavest guilt on the heart of the wicked, 1 Sam. 24. 16, 17. now thou takest off occasion from them that desire occasion, and now thou art clear from the blood of all men, 2 Cor. 11. 12. Acts 20. 26, 31, 32, 33, 34.

This is the Man also that provoketh others to Good Works: The ear that hear­eth such a man, shall bless him; and the eye that seeth him, shall bear witness to him.

Surely, saith David, he shall never [...] moved: The Righteous shall be had in eve [...] [Page 127] lasting remembrance, Heb. 10. 24. Job 29. 11. Psal. 112. 6.

6. Again, the heart that is fullest of Good Works, hath in it least room for Sa­tans temptations; and this is the mean­ing of Peter, where he saith, Be sober, be vigilant; that is, be busying thy self in Faith and Holiness, for the Devil, your adversary, goeth about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5. 8. He that walketh uprightly, walketh safely; and they that add to Faith, Vertue; to Vertue, Knowledge; to Knowledge, Tempe­rance; to Temperance, Brotherly-kindness; and to [...]hese Charity, and that abounds therein, he shall neither be barren nor unfruitful; he shall never fall, but so an entrance shall be ministred to him abun­dantly, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. 1. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Prov. 10. 9.

7. The Man who is fullest of Good Works, he is fittest to live, and fittest to die: I am now (at any time) ready to be offered up, saith fruitful Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 6. Whereas he that is barren, he is nei­ther [Page 128] fit to live, nor fit to dye: to dye, he himself is convinced he is not fit; and to live, God himself saith he is not fit; Cut him down, why doth he cumber the ground? Luke 13. 7.

Lastly, Consider, to provoke thee to Good Works, thou shalt have of God, when thou comest to Glory, a reward for every thing thou dost for him on Earth. Little do the People of God consider, how rich­ly God will reward, what from a right principle, and to a right end, is done for Him here; not a bit of bread to the poor, nor a draught of water to the meanest of them that belong to Christ, or the loss of a hair of your head, shall in that day go without its reward, Luke 14. 13, 14. Mat. 10. 42.

For this light affliction (and so all other pieces of self-denyal) which is but for a mo­ment, worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

I tell thee Christian, be but rich in Good Works, and thou shalt have more then Salvation; thy Salvation thou hast free­ly by Grace through Christ, without [Page 129] works, Ephes. 2. 8, 9, 10. but now being justified and saved, and as the fruits hereof, reviewed by the holy Ghost; after this, I say, thou shalt be rewarded for every work that proves good; For God is not unrighteous to forget your works and la­bour of love, which you have shewed to his Name, in that you have ministred to his Saints, and do minister, Heb. 6. 10. 1 Cor. 3. 14.

Moses counted the reward that he was to have, for a short suffering with the Peo­ple of God, of greater worth, than the Treasures of Egypt, the smiles of the King, or the honour of his Kingdom, Heb. 11. 25, 26, 27.

In a word,The fruit­less Professor must meet with disap­pointments. Let the dis­appointments that do and shall most surely befal the fruitless Professors, pro­voke thee to look with all diligence to thy standing.

For First, Such a one is but deceived and disappointed touching the Work of Grace he supposeth to be in his heart, he thinks he is a Christian, and hath Grace, [Page 130] as Faith, Hope, and the like, in his soul, yet no fruits of these things manifest themselves in him; indeed his tongue is tipt with a talk and tattle of Religion; poor man, poor empty man! faith with­out works is dead; thy hope shall be as the giving up of the Ghost; thy gifts with which thy soul is possessed, are but such as are common to Reprobates; thou art therfore disappointed, God reputeth thee still but wicked, though thou comest and goest to the place of the Holy, Jam. 2. 19, 20. Job 11. 20. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2, 3.

Secondly, Therefore all thy joy and comfort must needs fall short of saving comfort, and so leave thee in the su [...] notwithstanding; thy joy is the joy [...] the * Pharisees, and thy gladness as th [...] of * Herod; and the longest time it can last, it is but a Scripture * moment * Joh. 5. 33. * Mark 6. 20. * Job 20. 5. Alas, in all thy gladness and content with thy Reli­gion, thou art but like the Boy that plays with Brass instead of Gold; and with Counters instead of that which will go for currant Coin: Thus, if a man think [Page 131] himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth or disappoints himself, Gal. 6. 3.

Thirdly, This is not all, but look thou certainly for an eternal disappointment in the Day of God, for it must be; thy lamp will out at the first sound the trump of God shall make in thine ears; thou canst not hold up at the appearance of the Son of God in his Glory; His very looks will be to thy profession, as a strong wind is to a blinking candle, and thou shalt be left only to smoak.

Oh the alteration that will befall a foolish virgin! she thought she was happy, and that she should have re­ceived happiness with those that were right at the heart; but behold the con­trary, her lamp is going out, she is now to seek for saving Grace, when the time of Grace is over; her Heaven she thought of▪ is proved a Hell, and her God is proved a Devil; God hath cast her out of his presence, and claps the door up­on her; she pleads her profession, and the like, and she hath for her answer [Page 132] repulses from Heaven: So are the pat [...] of all that forget God, and the Hypocrit [...] hope shall perish; whose hope shal be cut off, and whose trust shall be the Spiders web; though he lean upon his house, it shall not stand, he shall hold it fast, but it shall not indure, Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Luke 13. 25, 26, 27, 28. Job 8. 13, 14, 15.

Take heed therefore; thy Soul, Hea­ven and Eternity, lies at stake; yea, they turn either to thee or from thee upon the hinge of thy Faith; if it be right, all is thine; if wrong, then all is lost, however thy hopes and expe­ctations are to the contrary; For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision avail­eth any thing, nor Uncircumcision, but Faith which worketh by Love: Let no man therefore deceive you with vain words, for because of these things, cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of unbelief: For the Earth that drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth Herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God; but that which beareth Briars and Thornes, is [Page 133] [rejected] and is nigh unto cursing, whose [...]nd is to be burned, Gal. 5. 6. Ephes. 5. 3, 4, 5, 6. Heb. 6. 7, 8.

Objection.

But what shall I do, who am so cold, sloth­ful and heartless, that I cannot find any heart to do any work for God in this World; indeed time was when his Dew rested all [...]ight upon my branches, and when I could with desire, with earnest desire, be doing and working for God; but alas now 'tis [...]therwise.

Answer.

If this be true, thy case is sad, thou art to be pittied, the Lord pitty thee; [...]nd for thy recovery out of this condi­ [...]ion, I would give thee no other coun­sel than was given to Ephesus, when she [...]ad lost her first Love; Remember, [...]aith Christ, from whence thou art fallen, [...]nd repent, and do thy first Works, &c. Rev. 2.5.

Mark: Thy first Works, is, to enter in­to a serious considering and remem­brance from whence thou art fallen: [Page 130] [...] [Page 131] [...] [Page 132] [...] [Page 133] [...] [Page 134] remember that thou hast left thy God, the stay of thy Soul, and Him without whom there is no stay, comfort, or strength, for thee to either do or suffer any thing in this World: Without me, saith He, you can do nothing, John 15. 5. A sad condition; the remembrance of this, for certain, is the first step to the recovering a back-sliding heart; for the right remembrance of this doth bring to mind, what loss that sou [...] hath sustained that is in this condi­tion, how it hath lost its former visits, smiles and consolations of God: whe [...] thy Conscience was suppled with the Blood of thy Saviour; when every step thou tookest, was, as it were, in Honey and Butter, and when thy heart could meditate terrour with comfort, Job 29▪ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Isa. 33. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18▪ Instead of which, thou feelest darkness hardness of heart, and the thoughts o [...] God are terrible to thee, Psal. 77. 3▪ now God never visits thee, or if h [...] doth, it is but as a wayfaring-man, th [...] tarryeth but for a night, Jer. 14, 8, 9.

[Page 135] This also brings to mind, how the case [...] altered with thee, touching thy con­fidence in God for thy future happiness, [...]ow uncertain thou now art of thy hopes for Heaven, how much this life doth [...]ang in doubt before thee, Deut. 28. 65, 66.

2. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent.] These are words well put together; for a solid con­sidering of what I have lost in my de­clining, will provoke in my heart a sor­row and godly heaviness, whereby I shall be forced to bemoan my condition, and say, I will go and return to my first Husband, for then it was better with me than now, Hos. 2. 7.

And beleive it, the reason of God's standing off from giving thee comforta­ble communion with himself, it is, that thou mightest first see the difference be­tween sticking close to God, and forsa­king of him; and next, that thou mightest indeed acknowledge thy offence, and seek his face, Hos. 5. 15. he taketh no pleasure in thy forlorn condition; he [Page 136] had rather thou shouldst have Him in thy bosome, only he will have it i [...] his own Way: He looketh down upon men, and if any say, I have sinned and perverted that which is right, and i [...] profiteth me not, then he will deliver his soul from going down into the Pit, and his life shall see the Light, Job 33. 27, 28.

3. Remember from whence thou art fal­len, and repent, and do thy first Works.] As there should be a remembring and a repenting, so there should be a hear­ty doing our first Works; a believing as before; a laying hold of the things of Heaven and Glory, as at the first; for now is God returned to thee as before, Zech. 1. 16. and though thou mayest, through the loss of thy locks, with Samp­son, be weak at the first, yet in short time thy hair will grow again; that is, thy former experience will in short space be as long, large and strong as in the former times; indeed at the first thou wilt find all the wheels of thy soul ru­sty, and all the strings of thy heart out [Page 137] [...] tune; as also, when thou first be­ginnest to stir, the dust and filth of thy [...]art will, like smoak, trouble thee [...]m that clear beholding the Grace of thy God, and his Love to thy Soul; [...]t yet wait, and go on, and though you findest thy self as unable to do [...]y thing as thou formerly couldst, [...]t I say, up and be doing, and the [...]ord will be with thee, for he hath [...]t despised the day of thy small things, [...] Chron. 22. 16. Zech. 4. 10.

I know thou wilt be afflicted with a thousand temptations to drive thee to despair, that thy Faith may be faint, &c. [...]t against all them set thou the Word [...] God, the Promise of Grace, the blood of Christ, and the Examples of God's Goodness to the great Back­ [...]ders, that are for thy encouragement [...]corded in the Scriptures of Truth; [...]d remember, that turning to God [...]er back-sliding, is the greatest piece [...] service thou canst do for him, and [...] greatest honour thou canst bring to [...] Blood of Christ; and know fur­ther, [Page 138] that God, to shew his willing re [...]ception of so unworthy a creature, saith There shall be joy in Heaven at thy Co [...]version to him again, Luke 15. 7, 10.

To Conclude.

If thou yet, notwistanding wh [...] hath been said, dost remain a Bac [...]slider.

First, Then remember that tho [...] must die; and remember also, th [...] when the Terrours of God, [...] Death, and a Backslidden hear [...] meet together, there will be s [...] work in that Soul; this is the m [...] who hangeth tilting over the mou [...] of Hell, while Death is cutting t [...] thred of his life.

Secondly, Remember, that thou [...] God doth sometimes, yea, ofte [...] receive Backsliders, yet it is n [...] alwayes so: Some draw back [...] [Page 139] [...]erdition, for because they have [...]ung up God, and would none of [...]im, he in Justice flings up them [...]nd their Souls for ever, Prov. 1. 24, [...]5, 26, 27, 28.

I have observed, that sometimes God, as it were in revenge for in­ [...]ry done him, doth snatch away [...]oules in the very nick of their [...]acksliding; as he served Lot's [...]ife when he turned her into a Pil­ [...]r of Salt, even while she was [...]oking over her shoulder to So­ [...]om, Gen. 19. 26. an example that [...]very Backslider should remember [...]ith astonishment, Luke 17. 32.

Thus have I in few words, writ­ [...]en to you (before I die) a word [...] provoke you to Faith and Holi­ [...]ess, because I desire that you may [...]ave the Life that is laid up for [Page 140] all them that believe in the Lord Jesus, and love one anothe [...] when I am deceased; though ther [...] I shall rest from my labours, an [...] be in Paradise, as through Grac [...] I comfortably believe, yet it is no [...] there, but here, I must do yo [...] good; wherefore I not knowin [...] the shortness of my life, nor th [...] hinderance that hereafter I ma [...] have of serving my God and you [...] I have taken this opportunity t [...] present these few lines unto you fo [...] your edification.

Farewel.

From my place of Confineme [...] in Bedford, this 17th the 4th Month, 1663.
THE END.

Prison-Meditations, Directed to the Heart of SUFFERING SAINTS And REIGNING SINNERS:

By JOHN BUNYAN, a Prisoner.
[...] FRiends, I salute you in the Lord,
and wish you may abound, [...]
faith and love, that you may ward
your selves from Satans wound.
[...] Friends write to me, that I would hold
my Head above the Flood.
[...]nd I do wish you also bold
in holding fast the good.
[...] I am (indeed) in Prison (now)
in Body, but my Mind
[...] free to study Christ, and how
unto me he is kind.
4.
For though men keep my outward man
within their locks and bars;
Yet by the Faith of Christ I can
mount higher than the [...].
5.
Their Fetters cannot Spirits tame,
nor tie up God from me:
My Faith and Hope they cannot lame,
above them I shall be.
6.
I here am very much refresht,
to think when I was out,
I preached Life, and Peace, and Rest,
to Sinners round about.
7.
My business then, was souls to save,
by preaching Grace and Faith,
Of which the comfort now I have,
and have it shall till death.
8.
They were no Fables that I taught
devil'd by cunning men,
But God's own Word, by which were caught,
some sinners how and then.
9.
Whose souls by it were made to see
the evil of their sin;
And need of Christ to make them free
from death, which they were in▪
10.
And now those very hearts, that then
were foes unto the Lord,
Embrace his Christ and Truth, like men
conquered by his Word.
11.
I hear them sigh, and groan, and cry,
for grace to God above:
They loath their sin, and to it die
tis holiness they love.
12.
This was the work I was about
when hands on me they laid
'Twas this from which they pluck'd me out
and vilely to me said,
13.
You Heretick, Deceiver, come
to Prison you must go,
You Preach abroad, and keep not home,
you are the Churches foe.
14.
But having peace within my soul,
and truth on every side,
I could with comfort them controul,
and at their charge deride.
15.
Wherefore to prison they me sent,
where to this day I lie;
And can with very much content
for my profession die.
16.
The prison very sweet to me
hath been, since I came here,
And so would also hanging be,
if God will there appear.
17.
Here dwells good Conscience, also Peace
here be my garments white,
Here, though in Bonds, I have Release
from Guilt, which else would bi [...]e.
18.
When they do talk of Banishment,
of Death, or such like Things,
Then to me God sends hearts content,
that like a Fountain springs.
19.
Alas, they little think what peace
they help me to, for by
Their rage my comforts do encrease;
bless God therefore do I.
20.
If they do give me gall to drink,
then God doth sweetning cast,
So much thereto, that they can't think
how bravely it doth taste.
21.
For as the Devil sets before
me heaviness and grief,
So God sets Christ and Grace much more,
whereby I take relief.
22.
Though they say then, that we are fools,
because we here do lie;
I answer, Goals are Christ his Schools,
in them we learn to die.
23.
'Tis not the baseness of this state
doth hide us from God's face,
He frequently, both soon and late
doth visit us with grace.
24.
Here comes the Angels, here come Saints,
here comes the Spirit of God
To comfort us in our restraints
under the wickeds Rod
25.
God sometime visits Prisons more
than Lordly Palaces.
He often knocketh at our door,
when he their houses miss.
26.
The truth and life of heav'nly things,
lists up our hearts on high,
And carries us on Eagles wings,
beyond carnality.
27.
It takes away those clogs that hold
the hearts of other men,
And makes us lively strong and bold
thus to oppose their sin.
28.
By which means God doth frusturate,
that which our foes expect;
Namely our turning the Postate,
like those of Judas sect.
29.
Here comes to our rememberance,
the troubles good men had;
Of old, and for our furtherance,
their joys, when they were sad.
30.
To them that here for evil lie,
the place is comfortless,
But not to me, because that I,
lie here for righteousness.
31.
The Truth and I, were both here cast
together, and we do
Lie arm in arm, and so hold fast,
each other; This is true.
32.
This Goal to us, is as a Hill,
from whence we plainly see
Beyond this World; and take our fill,
of things that lasting be.
33.
From hence we see the emptiness,
of all this World contains;
And here we feel the blessedness,
that for us yet remains.
34.
Here we can see how all men play
their parts, as on a Stage:
How good men suffer for God's way,
and bad men at them rage.
35.
Here we can see, who holds that ground,
which they in Scripture find;
Here we see also, who turns round,
like Weathercocks with' Wind.
36.
We can also from hence behold
how seeming Friends appear
But Hypocrites, as we are told
in Scripture every where.
37.
When we did walk at liberty,
we were deceiv'd by them,
Who we, from hence, do clearly see
are vile deceitful men.
38.
These Policitians that profest
for base and worldly ends,
Do now appear to us at best
but Machivilian friends.
39.
Though men do say, we do disgrace
our selves by lying here,
Among the Rogues, yet Christ our face
from all such filth will clear.
40.
We know there's neither flout nor frown
that we now for him bear
But will add to our heavenly Crown,
when he comes in the air.
41.
When he our righteousness forth brings
bright shining as the day,
And wipeth off those slandrous things,
that scorners on us lay.
42.
We sell our earthly happiness
for heavenly house and home;
We leave this world because 'tis less,
and worse than that to come.
43.
We change our drossie Dust for Gold,
from Death to Life we fly:
We let go Shadows, and take hold
of Immortality.
44.
We trade for that which lasting is,
and nothing for it give;
But that which is already his;
by whom we breath and live.
45.
That liberty we lose for him,
sickness might take away:
Our goods might also, for our sin,
by Fire or Theeves decay.
46.
Again, we see what Glory tis,
freely to bear our Cross
For him, who for us took up his,
when he our Servant was.
47.
I am most free, that men should see
a hole cut through mine ear;
If others will ascertain me,
they'l hang a Jewel there.
48.
Just thus it is, we suffer here
for him a little pain.
Who, when he doth again appear,
will with him let us raign.
49.
If all must either die for sin,
a death that's natural;
Or else for Christ, 'tis best with him,
who for the last doth fall.
50.
Who now dare say, we throw away
our goods or liberty,
When God's most holy Word doth say,
we gain thus much thereby.
51.
Hark yet again, you carnal men,
and hear what I shall say,
In your own dialect, and then
I'l you no longer stay.
52.
You talk sometimes of valour much,
and count such bravely man'd,
That will not stick to have a tu [...]ch
with any in the land.
53.
If these be worth commending, then,
that vainly shew their might;
How dare you blame those holy men
that in God's quarrel fight?
54.
Though you dare crack a cowards crown,
or quarrel for a pin;
You dare not on the wicked frown,
nor speak against their sin.
55.
For all your spirits are so stout,
for matters that are vain:
Yet sin besets you round about,
you are in Satan's chain.
56.
You dare not for the truth engage,
you quake at prisonment;
You dare not make the Tree your stage
for Christ that King potent.
57.
Know then true valour there doth dwell,
where men engage for God.
Against the Devil, Death and Hell,
and bear the wickeds rod,
58.
These be the men that God doth count
of high and noble mind;
These be the men that do surmount
what you in nature find.
59.
First, they do conquer their own hearts,
all worldly fears, and then,
Also the Devils firy darts,
and persecuting men.
60.
They conquer when they thus do fall.
they kill when they do die:
They overcome then most of all,
and get the victory.
61.
The worldling understands not this,
'tis clear out of his sight:
Therefore he counts this world his bliss,
and doth our glory slight.
62.
The Lubber knows not how to spring
the nimble Footmans stage;
Neither can Owls, or Jack-daws sing,
if they were in the Cage.
63
The Swine doth not the Pearls regard,
but them doth slight for Graines,
Though the wise Merchant labours hard
for them with greatest paines.
64
Consider man, what I have said,
and judge of things aright;
When all mens Cards are fully plaid,
whose will abide the light?
65
Will those, who have us hither cast?
or they who do us scorn?
Or those who do our houses wast?
or us, who this have born?
66.
And let us count those things the best,
that best will prove at last;
And count such men the only blest,
that do such things hold fast.
67.
And what though they, us dear do cost,
yet let us buy them so;
We shall not count our labour lost,
when we see others woe.
68.
And let Saints be no longer blam'd,
by Carnal Policy;
But let the wicked be asham'd,
of their Malignity.
FINIS.

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