NOt knowing whether ever I shall speak to you more from this place, being willing to leave a word in season, I shall recommend to you what in answer to prayer I have received of the Lord for the directing me in my course in this gloomy dark day; being well assured that as many of us as walk by this Rule, and sail by this Compass (however we may be scattered by the tempestuous storms we meet with here in the Sea of this World) shall shortly arrive at, and meet in our desired Port, the Haven of eternal Rest and Happiness: What therefore the Lord hath said to me, and that with a strong hand, that say I unto you in the Name of the Lord; Wait on the Lord, and keep his Way.

The scope of this Psalm, is to direct the people of God, and to encourage them to keep on in the course of godliness at such times, as when the wic­ked prosper, flourish, and grow great, and the Godly fro afflicted, troubled, persecuted, and oppressed: [Page 2] And there are two general parts of the Psalm in­termixtly spoken unto throughout. The one is for Direction; the other for Encouragement. The Text appertains to the former part.

And the sum of the Directions may be reduced unto two Heads.

First, That they take heed of such inward Com­motions and perturbations of spirit, as through the remainder of corruption they are subject unto; and by the temptations of Satan, and the provoca­tions of wicked men, they will be put upon through this occasion: More particularly he fore­warns them to take heed of Envy, vers. 1. & 7. and of Anger, vers. 8. And what need there is at such a time to watch against the exorbitant workings of these Passions, none that observe their own hearts, can well be ignorant; such being the unworthy, insolent, and provoking Carriage of the wicked toward the poor People of God, as is able, as we may say, to move a Saint. Hence that of Psal. 73.23. But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipt; for I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wick­ed. Attend therefore to the counsel of the Holy Ghost. Fret not thy self because of evil-doers, nei­ther be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. Fret not thy self because of him that prospereth in his way, because of the man that bringeth wicked devices to pass: Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Fret not thy-selfe in any wise to doe evil.

Secondly, That they so carry themselves to­wards the Lord in keeping on in their way of fol­lowing him, as becomes those that firmly be­lieve, and stedfastly hope in him for his Salva­tion.

There are many particular directions to this purpose, vers. 3. Trust in the Lord, and do good. Vers. 4. Delight thy self also in the Lord. Vers. 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord. Vers. 7. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Vers. 27. Depart from evil, and do good; and here in the Text, Wait on the Lord and keep his way.

These words contain Advice and Counsel for the people of God, and 'tis considerable, either with respect to the troubles and temptations of the people of God in general; or with respect to that particular that is immediately touched on before the Text, vers. 33. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. Upon this somthing is spoken by way of encouragement to the righteous, vers. 33. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judg­ed. Though he may let him fall into the hands of the VVicked, he will not leave him there; though the VVicked may fit in judgment on him, and pass sentence against him, yet the Lord will not con­demn him; yea, when he is judged he is chasten­ed of the Lord, that he should not be condemned with the VVorld. Thus for the encouragement of the Righteous.

[Page 4]2. There is somthing by way of direction in the words read: Wait on the Lord, and keep his Way.

From the words, considered under this double reference, we have this profitable point of Do­ctrine.

However it go with the truly Godly here in this World, more especially when the wicked watch the Righteous to do them a mischief, it is their best way to wait on the Lord, and keep his Way.

I shall not spend time to shew you who are truly Godly, and who are VVicked. It is said of the Godly man, vers. 31. The Law of God is in his heart. Such then as from the Law of God in their hearts have respect to all his Command­ments, walking in all the Statutes, and Ordinan­ces of God blameless, Luke 1.6. such are truly godly: And such as from the Dominion of sin in them, are evil Doers, workers of iniquity, walk­ing according to the Lusts of the Flesh, and of the mind, according to the course of this World, of the Prince of the Power of the Air, &c. they are wicked.

In the handling of this Point, according to my wonted method, I shall speak first to what is sup­posed, and then to what is expresly laid down.

Here are two things supposed in this point; the one more General, the other more Particular.

First, In General; 'Tis supposed, that the con­dition of the truly Godly may be full of Troubles, Afflictions and Distresses in this VVorld; for [Page 5] when 'tis said, However it go with the truly Godly; the meaning is, how evilly, how badly soever, though they be never so much troubled, afflicted, and distressed; wherein 'tis supposed that it may go very ill, that the truly Godly may be full of troubles, sufferings, and distresses: this is not on­ly plainly held forth in Scripture, in such Texts as these, Psal. 34.19. John 16.33. Acts 14.22. but so sadly experienced in all Ages, that we need not spend time in the clearing of it.

Secondly, More Particularly; It is supposed, That 'tis the manner and guise of the Wicked, to watch the Righteous to mischief them: so vers. 32, and vers. 12. The Wicked plotteth against the just; (or as the Margent, practiseth) i. e. his wit, and skill, his labour and Judgment is employed against him: And vers. 14. The wicked have drawn their Sword, and bent their Bow, to cast down the poor and the needy, and to slay such as be of upright con­versation. So Psal. 64.2. the Psalmist prayes, Hide me from the secret Counsel of the Wicked; from the Insurrection of the Workers of Iniquity; who whet their tongues like a Sword, and bend their Bowes to shoot their Arrows, even bitter words, that they may shoot secret in at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. So we read in that Isa. 29.20, 21. of those that watch for iniquity, that make a man an offendour for a word, that lay a snare for him that reproveth in the Gate, and that turn aside the Just for a thing of nought. Thus it [Page 6] hath been ever since the beginning. So wicked Cain watcheth righteous Abel to kill him, Gen. 4.8. And Cain talked with Abel his Brother; and it came to passe that when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his Brother Abel, and slew him: And thus have Cain's brood done all down along (for he was of the wicked one, 1 John 3.12.) So hath Esau watched righteous Jacob, Gen. 27.41, 42. comforting himself, that he should have shortly a time to do him the mischief that he intended him. So Saul watcheth righteous David, 1 Sam. 19.11. Saul sent Messengers to Davids house, to watch him, and slay him in the Morning: And so did others, his wicked adver­saries, watch him, as you have him complaining, Psal. 38.12. They that seek after my life, lay Snares for me; and they that seek my hurt, speak mischievous things, and imagine deceit all the day long: And Psal. 140.5. The proud have laid a Snare for me, and Cords; they have spread a Net by the way side; they have set Grins for me. So did Jeremiah's Familiars, as he calls them, Jer. 20.10. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side: Report say they, and we will report it: All my Familiars (or as in the Margent, every man of my peace) watched for my halting; saying, perad­venture he will be enticed, & we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge of him: While they pretended friendship and peace, they inten­ded nothi [...] but mischief, even the taking of their [Page 7] revenge on him. So the Presidents and the Prin­ces, watched righteous Daniel to mischief him, Dan. 6.4. where first they seek to find occasion against him, concerning the Kingdom; they would gladly have sound any occasion against him, to have accused him of Disloyalty, Sedition, Treason, Re­bellion, or at least Falshood and Unfaithfulness; but here they could find no fault, his very ene­mies being Judges, Vers. 5. In the next place, therefore they plot, to find occasion against him from the Law of his God; and therefore enticing the King to make a Law against the Law of Dani­els God, they quickly catch him. So you may see the Scribes and Pharisees watched the Lord Jesus, that Just One, Luke 6.7. And the Scribes and Pharisees watched Him, whether He would heal on the Sabbath Day, that they might find an accusation against Him. It seems they had a Law against doing good on the Sabbath Day: So, Luke 20.19, 20. And the chief Priests, and the Scribes, sought to lay hands on Him, and they feared the people; for they perceived that he had spoken this Parable against them; and they watched Him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver Him to the Power and Autho­rity of the Governour: They endeavour to trap­pan Him, that they might give him over to the secular Power. Time would fail to shew how they watched the Apostles, & the Saints, all down [Page 8] along throughout all ages: Neither need we search the records of former ages, in this matter, for evidence, our own times affording pregnant proof, more than enough in this thing; and as it hath been, and now is, so it will be to the end of this wicked world, the guise and manner of the wicked, thus to watch the Righteous to do him a mischief.

1. For that there is the same principle of ha­tred, and enmity, in the Wicked against the Righteous now, as ever, yea, and ever will to the worlds end: That enmity that we read of in Gen. 3.15. is a lasting enmity, as long as there are a­ny of the Seed of the Serpent in the world, it will work; It is an enmity in nature, Prov. 29.27. He that is upright in the way, is an abomination to the Wicked; and the wicked must cease to be wicked, ere this will cease to be. As there are some Creatures that have an enmity in nature, as the Wolf, and the Sheep, so that enmity is pro­pagated to all of the kind that partake of that na­ture: So is the Enmity that the Children of the Wicked one have against the Children of God; As therefore the Wolf need not to be taught to watch to devour the Sheep, it being natu­ral to him: So the Wicked need not be taught to do the Saints a mischief, having a prin­ciple within them inclining, and instructing them thereunto.

2. There is the same necessary ground and oc­casion [Page 9] of their hatred of them: Though there be no just ground of the wickeds hatred of the righ­teous (hence David speaks of their hating him without a cause, Psal. 69.4. that is, without just cause on his part) yet there is a necessary ground of their hatred, and that continueth now as here­tofore, and will continue as long as there are any truly Godly; and what that is, you may see in that, Psal. 38.20. They also that render evil for good, are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. The true ground and reason of their being adversaries unto David, was this, Because he followed that which they hated.

Thus our Saviour shewing his Disciples how they should be hated of the World, acquaints them with the true cause and ground of the Worlds hatred, John 15.19. If you were of the World, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the World, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the World hateth you. And that this is the proper ground of the Worlds hatred, is most manifest, for that the same person, whom the world loved while he was of the world; when called out of the world into the Kingdom of Christ, then is he hated of those that before loved him; as in Paul. And if a person that professeth himself the Disciple of Christ, and is hated of the world, shall forsake the assembly of Saints, and turn back from the way of righteousnesse, and run into the same excesse of riot with the prophane [Page 10] world, none more worlds darling than he. So that it is Godliness, Holiness, and true Religion, that is the true ground of the worlds hatred. So 1. John 3.12. Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and slew his brother: and wherefore slew he him? be­cause his own works were evil, and his brothers righteous. This was the true cause of his hatred; and while that the cause remaineth, while godly Men continue to walk in the wayes of Godli­nesse, the wicked will continue to hate them.

3. The Devil, whose Children these wicked ones are, 1 John 3.8, 10. is still as malicious, and industrious as ever, to put them upon this. We read of Satan in that, 1 Pet. 5.8. that he goeth up and down like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour; and as far as the Lord permits him, he acts wicked men in whom he ruleth, Eph. 2.2. to do what mischief they can to the Godly; yea, and in the last times he is so far from abat­ing his rage, as that we read, his wrath groweth the hotter, because he knoweth he hath but a short time, Rev. 12.12.

While therefore the principle of enmity, which is in the wicked against the Saints, remaineth, and while the ground of their hatred continues, and Satan is as industriously stirring them up as ever, nought else can be expected, but that they watch the righteous to do them a mischief.

But now, wher shall the righteous do? shall he render evil for evil, and watch the wicked that [Page 11] he may mischieve them? God forbid; what shall he forsake his righteousnesse, and leave off to be godly? no, in no wise. But if ye would know, O ye Saints and righteous Ones, what to do in this case, I am sent of God at this time to instruct you, That it will be your best way to wait on she Lord, and keep his way.

And so I come to what is expresly asserted in the point, That however it go with the truly Godly here in this World, more especially when the Wic­ked watcheth the righteous to mischieve them, 'tis their best way to wait on the Lord, and keepe his way.

Here I shall speak by way of Explication, in shewing, 1. What it is to wait on the Lord. 2. What it is to keep his way.

First, To wait on the Lord, is taken more larg­ly, or more strictly.

1. More largly. And so it is the same with serv­ing the Lord, attending and following the Lord, and takes in the whole duty of the Saints; wait­ing on the Lord as a Souldier on his Captain, or as a Servant on his Master: Psal. 123.2. Behold! as the eyes of the Servants look to the hands of their Masters, and as the eyes of a Maiden unto the hand of her Mistris; so our eyes wait on the Lord our God. So in that, Hos. 12.6. Turn thou to thy God, and keep Mercy and Judgement, and wait on thy God continually.

2. More strictly, And so it intends a patient ex­pecting [Page 12] the Lords Salvation. 'Tis the continued exercise of Faith and Hope; it is Faith and Hope eekt out: So here Vers. 7. Rest on the Lord; wait patiently. So Psal. 130. when he cries out of the depths, as he sayes Vers. 1. then Vers. 5. I Wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait; and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning, I say, more than they that watch for the morning. We have both these together in that, Lam. 3.25, 26. The Lord is good to them that wait for him; to the soul that seeketh him. There it is taken as largly as seeking after God: but it follows, It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord: there it is taken for the continued exercise of hope; for a patient expectation of the Lord's Salvation.

Secondly, What it is to keep the Way of the Lord: here mind, The way of the Lord may be understood, of that way wherein he walketh to­wards his People, which is aptly stil'd, the way of his Providence; or, of that way wherein he requires his People to walk towards him, and is properly stiled, the way of his Precepts.

1. There is the Way of Gods Providence, in which he walketh towards us: of which, that Psal. 18.30. speaketh; As for God, his Way is perfect. So Psal. 25.10. All the Paths or Wayes of the Lord, are Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant, and Testimonies.

Now, if it be thus taken here, Then to keepe his Way, is diligently to attend his Hand, and to observe his Carriage, and ordering, in all that be­falls his People, more especially in all that trou­ble that comes on them: For whatever trouble comes upon the People of God, and whoever be the instruments of inflicting, the Lord hath his way in it, Mic. 6.9. ordering it, as to the kind, as to the measure, as to the season, as to the continuance, as to the ends and fruits.

Now, to observe the Lord's Hand, and to at­tend his Way, in ordering his Providences, and our troubles, this is to keep his Way. So Isa. 26.8. In the way of thy Judgements we have waited for thee: as if he had said, We have waited on the Lord, and kept his Way.

2. There is the way of God's Precepts; in which he commandeth his People to walk: And thus is this phrase most commonly taken. So 2 Kings 21.22. where 'tis said of Amon, He forsook the Lord God of his Fathers, and walked not in the Way of the Lord; i.e. not in the Way of his Commandements. Thus David spake of the way of his Precepts, in Psal. 119.27. Make me understand the way of thy Precepts: And if it be taken thus, then to keep the Way of the Lord, is to walk in his Statutes, and to observe his Commandments to do them. So Gen. 18.19. The Lord testifies of Abraham; I know him, that he will command his Children and his houshold after him, and they shall keep the Way [Page 14] of the Lord, to do Justice and Judgement. So in Job 23.11, 12. My feet have held his steps, his way have I kept and not declined: neither have I gone back from the Commandments of his lips: So to walk in his Wayes, and to keep his Com­mandments, are the same, Deut. 26.17. and Psal. 119.1, 2.

So that the sum of all, is, However it be with the truly Godly, more especially when the wick­ed do watch them to do them a mischief, their best way is, to attend on the Lord, to follow him, to walk on in the ways of his Commandements; so eying the hand of the Lord in all that befalls them, as they that patiently expect, and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. Thus for ex­plication.

I now come to the Demonstration, which shall be dispatcht by clearing, That it is the honestest, the wisest, the safest, the most comfortable, and most honourable Way.

First, This is the most innocent, just and ho­nest Way; yea truly, this is the only good, honest, and right Way.

I am to shew what is the best for a Godly man, to whom no way is good, but what is just and ho­nest. There are indeed other ways which a man may take when he is in trouble through the wick­eds watching him to do him a mischief, where­by to escape the mischief intended him; but they are not just and honest. I shall instance in these.

[Page 15]1. By sinful complying with the wicked in their ungodly ways, thereby to abate the edge of their wrath: This was the way Peter took, when in the High Priests Hall, he not only denyes his Master-but backs his denyal with an Oath; yea, being among a cursing crew, that should seem would not believe him else, he falls a cursing and swearing that he knew not the man, Mat. 26.74.

2. By sinful shifting or shuffling, through Lyes or deceitful Equivocations, to avoid the mischief intended: This was the way that Abraham took to escape the mischief, that he thought at one time the Men of Gerar might do to him, Gen. 20. and that the Egyptians might do to him at another time for his wives sake; wherein, though Abra­ham did not tell a down-right untruth, as he ex­cuseth the matter to Abimilech, yet he did sin­fully shuffle in making use of a deceitful Equivo­cation for his safety.

3. By angrily and revengfully rendring Evil for Evil, thereby thinking to pay the wicked in his own Coyn, and to avenge a mans own quarrel. This was the course that David was about to take against Nabal, had he not been prevented by A­bigaeles wisdom, 1 Sam. 25.33.

4. By basely deserting the Place that the Lord hath put a man in, and requires him to abide in. This was that which Shemaiah would have out Nehemiah upon but he refused to hearken to him, in Neh. 6.10.11. not but that a man may forsake [Page 16] his place, not only of habitation, but also o [...] publick station and employment, in some cases when that the Lord calls him off; but this is no base deserting; Base deserting is, when out of cowardliness and base fear, a man withdraws him­self from his place, in which, and at that time, when the Lord requires him to abide, that he may provide for his own safety: This was the way Moses would have taken, when the Lord was send­ing him to deliver his People, had the Lord left him to himself, as you may see at last in the 3d. and 4th Chapters of the Book of Exodu [...]

5. By rebelliously and traiterously stepping out of the place that God hath set a man in. This was that way they tempted David unto, in 1 Sam. 24.4. and which Abishai would have taken, had not David hindered him, 1 Sam. 26.9. Now none of these ways are just and honest, being all of them contrary to the Command, and a depar­ting from God to the Creature, as I shall clear particularly.

First, That sinfully to comply with the wick­ed to abate the edge of their wrath, is contrary to the Command, is clear from these Scriptures, Eph. 5.7. Be ye not therefore partakers with them; that is, with the Wicked, with the Children of disobedience: Now one way of partaking with them, is, by sinful compliance: hence vers. 11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works o darkness; have you no hand, do not you bear a part [Page 17] be not drawn in to comply in these things: To this purpose is that, Rom. 12.2. Be not conformed to this World. Nonconformity to this World, is a Christians duty.

Secondly, That sinfully to shift and shuffle through Lyes and deceitful Equivocations to pro­vide for ones safety, is contrary to the Command of God, clear is that, Gen. 20.9. where Abimi­lech reproving Abraham for his practice, tells him, Thou hast done things to me that ought not to be done.

Thirdly, That to render evil for evil, and to a­venge our selves, is against the Command of God; clear is that, Prov. 20.21. Say not thou, I will re­compence evil, but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee. 1 Thess. 5.15. See that none render evil for evil to any man. Rom. 12.17. Recompence to no man evil for evil: and 19. Dearly beloved avenge not your selves.

Fourthly, That basely to desert the place that God hath put a man in, is against the Com­mand of God; clear is that, 1 Cor. 7.24. Bre­thren, let every one wherein he is called, therein abide with God; and as in the condition where­in, so in the place whereunto, till God remove him.

Fifthly, That rebelliously to step out of a mans place, is against the Command of God, is clear from, Eccles. 10.4. If the spirit of thy Ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifi­eth [Page 18] great offences. Subjects are here directed how to carry themselves when that the spirit of the Ruler rises up against them; the counsel that the Spirit here gives, is, That they keep their place, not in a way of rebellious opposition, but in way of yielding subjection; leave not thy place as a subject, contain thy self within the bounds of thine own calling and condition, bridling all dis­loyal passions, and forbearing all unlawful at­tempts, to ward off the wrath of the Ruler; he speaketh not against a prudent withdrawing from a storm, as David from Saul, Elias from Ahab, and Christ from Herod, but against a disloyal and rebellious defection; as Israel to their Tents, 1 Kings 12.16. So that whatever the provocations be that the Rulers give, Subjects must submit themselves, by yielding active obedience in all things which they command according to God, and by patiently enduring what they inflict on us, though for righteousness sake; keeping our selves in the some humble, obedient, and loyal temper, whatever provocations we meet with to the contrary.

And that in all these wayes there is a departing from God to the Creature, arising from a distrust of his All-sufficiency to provide for us in his way, and from a conceit of our own wisdom to provide better for our safety, is most manifest; therefore these ways being contrary to the Command of God, and in [...]urious to his All-sufficiency, are not [Page 19] just and honest; but to wait on the Lord, and to keep his way, this is the good, the right, and the honest Way. See 1 Sam. 12.23, where he tels them, that he will shew them the good and the right way; and what that is, he acquaints them in the next verse, Only fear the Lord, and serve him in Truth, with all your heart, which is to the same purpose, with wait on the Lord, and keep his way; that is, the honest, and good Way, in which the Lord commandeth his People to walk, 2 Chron. 6.27. His Commandments being holy, just, and good, Rom. 7.12. The way of his Commandments must needs be good, just, and honest; yea, and his Commandments being the Rule; the goodness of a way lyes in its conformity thereunto; and this is the way that is agreeable to the Command of God, as in the Text.

2. This is the wisest Way: When a man hath many wise, subtile, and powerful enemies watch­ing to mischieve him, he had need behave him­self wisely. Hence when our Saviour sends forth his Disciples as Sheep among Wolves, Mat. 10.16. he sayes to them, Be wise as Serpents, and in­nocent as Doves, he adviseth them to look to the wisest, as well as the honestest way. Now howe­ver carnal men do think some one of the fore­mentioned wayes to be the wisest, yet it will be apparent, that to wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, is the wisest course; by these two ar­guments.

First, It is the way which the truest and high­est VVisdom, the VVisdom of God, doth direct unto; So here in the Text. So in that Psal. 27.14. he complains of his enemies, and of false witnesses that were risen up against him, that did breath out cruelty, vers. 12. and then by the spi­rit he commends to himself and others, suitable advice in such a case; vers. 14. Wait on the Lord. So Exod. 14.13. there Pharaoh and all his Hosts are at the heels of the poor Israelites, & he counts of nothing but of destroying them, Exod. 15.9. and they for their parts knew not how to escape: Now sayes Moses to them, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the Salvation of the Lord. So that whatever distress the People of God are in, this is the way the VVisdom of God directs unto; for what the Word of God in the Scripture directs to, that the Wisdom of God directs, as is clear from that, Luke 11.49.

2. This is the way that the wisest men have taken. David was a wise man; we read of him in 1 Sam. 18.30. that David behaved himselfe more wisely than all the Servants of Saul, so that his name was much set by: Now this was the way that he took, as you have him speaking in that, Ps. 18.21. I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God; for all thy Judgments were before me; and I did not put away his Statutes from me, &c. So Psal. 119.110. The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I erred not from thy Precepts.

Daniel was a wise man; hence that Proverb, Ezek. 28.3. Wiser than Daniel; and he took this course when that his Enemies had laid a snare for him to take away his life; yet (Dan. 6.10.) he declined not from the way of the Lord, but waited on the Lord, and kept his way, as aforetime; as you may there read.

Yea, Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, he took this course, as you may read, Luke 13. where when certain of the Pharisees came, saying to him, Get thee out, and depart hence, for Herod will kill thee, vers. 31. He answered vers. 32. Go ye and tell that Fox, Behold, I cast out Devils, and do cures to day and to morrow; that is, I will do the work of my Father; I will follow what he hath sent me about, and keep his Way, whatever be­comes of me. Thus you see it is the wisest way.

3. This is the safest way; when a man is beset with the wicked that seek to mischieve him, 'tis a time to look after the safest way; now to wait on the Lord, and to keep his Way, is the safest course a man can take: Pro. 10.9. He that walks up­rightly, walks surely. And 28. 18. Whoso walketh uprightly, shall be saved. I know carnal wisdom thinks otherwise, and mocks at this: But I am speaking to the People of God, who are capable of receiving and understanding what I shall offer, and to them this will appear to be the safest way, by these two Particulars.

First, This is the readiest way for the People [Page 22] of God to escape that mischief which the wicked devise, and intend against them, Prov, 18.10. The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower; the Righteous fly to it, and are safe: But how do they fly to this strong hold, but upon the wings of Faith and Hope, whereby they wait on the Lord? and being fled for refuge to this strong hold, they are sale, and continue safe by abiding there, which is by keeping the Way of the Lord: Hence that, Prov. 16.7. When a mans wayes please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Now for those whose wayes please him, who wait on him, and keep his way, he ma­keth even their enemies to be at peace with them, these several wayes.

1. Sometimes by changing their hearts, and by making them even of Enemies, to become Friends. So we find he changed the heart of Ahasuerus, that whereas his enmity was so enfla­med by the mis-information of Haman, as that he had signed the Decree for the utter destroying of the People of God; yet afterwards he grants un­to the Jews to gather themselves together, and stand for their lives, to destroy, slay, and cause to perish all the power of the people of the Pro­vince that should assault, both little ones, and wo­men, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. So he changed the heart of Nebuchadnezzar, with respect to the three Worthies, whom in the heat of his fury be commanded to be cast into the [Page 23] fiery Furnace, heated seven times hotter than aforetime; yet afterwards his heart is so turned towards them, as that he greatly promotes them in the Province of Babylon; as you may read Dan. 3. So the Lord changed the heart of Paul, who of a persecuting Saul, became a preaching Paul, Gal. 1.23. abounding in love to Christ and his Members, as he did before in rage and cru­elty against them.

2. By restraining sometimes their envy and fury; so that though their hearts continue as full of bitterness, malice and revenge, as formerly, yet he bindeth up their hands, so as that they can­not execute the mischief they intend against his People. So Psal. 76.5. The stout-hearted are spoiled, or disarmed; they have slept their sleep, and none of the men of might have found their hands. All which expressions tend to shew the restraint that is laid upon them; and by whom, you may see, vers. 6. At thy Rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the Chariots and the Horses are cast in­to a dead sleep: Hence that, vers. 10. Surely the wrath of men shall praise thee; that is, as much of it as he suffers for to break forth; for the remaind­er of wrath wilt thou restrain. We have a no­table example of this in Laban, Gen. 31. who is not only rebuked by the Lord in his not pursuit after Jacob, with a charge not to hurt him, but is over-ruled to tell Jacob how the God of his Fa­ther spake to him, as you may read, vers. 29. [Page 24] whatever be the fury and rage of the enemy, he can say unto it, Thus far shalt thou go, and no far­ther, as Job 38.11.

3. He maketh their enemies to be at peace with them, sometimes by enclining them to use his People well, and to treat them peaceably, after that they have them in their power and un­der their hand, Jer. 15.11. The Lord said, Ve­rily it shall be well with thy remnant: verily, I will cause the enemy to treat thee well, in time of evil, and in the time of affliction. So we read, Psal. 106.46. He made them to be pityed of all them that carryed them away captives.

4. Alwayes by over-ruling what they do a­gainst them, so as that it shall not hurt them. So Isa. 54.17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. But of whom is this spoken? it follows there, This is the heritage of the Ser­vants of the Lord: It may prosper to put them to smart, but not to hurt them: As the Lord pro­mised Paul, Acts 18.10. I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. So he promi­seth all his, in that Isa. 41.10. So that the readi­est way to escape the mischief that our enemies design against us, is, to wait on the Lord, and to keep his way, whatever carnal wisdom thinks, or suggests to the contrary: It is true, this is the way to be hated, and to have many enemies, who from their malice and rage, will devise and design much mischief against us: but Rom. 8.31. If [Page 25] God be for us, who shall be against us? that is, it matters not who they are that are against us. This then is the safest way; hence Prov. 1.31. Who so hearkeneth unto me, shall dwell safely.

I know this seems a Paradox to the men of the World, and they think some other wayes to be more safe.

First, Some think that sinful compliance is a safer way; but their errour will be manifest to a­ny that duly consider,

1. That hereby they do more encourage the wicked World against them, whilst they partly comply, but will not run into the same excess of riot with them. So Lots compliance with the wick­ed Sodomites in offering them his Daughters, did but encourage them the more against him, Gen. 19.9. And they said, Stand back; which words may either refer unto Lot, and then they hold forth how they were enraged by his motion; or to one another, as contending who should fall foul on him first: and this agreeth with the following words; And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a Judge: Now will we deal worse with thee, than with them, and they pressed sore upon the man: so far were they from being appealed by his sinful compliance, as that they grew the more furious against him.

2. Hereby you provoke the Lord to withdraw the Covert of his Protection from you; while you wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, you have [Page 26] the promise of his Protection, 2 Chron. 15.2. but if by sinful compliance with the wicked, you forsake him, he will forsake you; you forfeit his protection: Had not Jehosaphat's compliance with Ahab like to have cost him his life? 2 Chron. 18. and hear what the Prophet sayes to him, 2 Chron. 19.2. Shouldst thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath come upon thee from the Lord: And through the wrath of the Lord that is upon men for their sinful compliance, those very evils are brought upon them some­times, which they think to escape: As notable is that instance which Mr. Fox gives account of, on Richard Denton, in Queen Mary's dayes; who by his sinful compliance with the wicked World, in disowning the truth of the Gospel, thought to escape burning, and was afterwards burnt in his own house: according to that of our Savi­our, He that will save his life shall lose it, Mat. 16.25.

Secondly, Others think that to avenge them­selves in paying the wicked in their own Coyn, doing mischief unto them, is the safest way; but their errour will be manifest from that of our Sa­viour, Mat. 26.52. Put up again thy Sword into its place; for all they that take the Sword, shall perish by the Sword: This way in which they think to provide for their safety, is in the judgement of our Saviour, the ready way to their ruine.

Thirdly, Others think by Shuffling, Lying, & E­quivocating, [Page 27] to provide better for their safety, then by keeping the Way of the Lord; but howe­ver, some present security sometimes hath been obtained by such wayes, yet in the end they are most pernicious and destructive for us; Prov. 19.5. He that speaketh Lyes, shall not escape: and vers. 9. He that speaketh Lyes shall perish. And for such as comfort themselves, as they, Isa. 28.25. We have made Lyes our refuge, and under Falshood have we hid our selves: Mind what the Lord saith to them, vers. 17. Judgement will I also lay to the Line, and Righteousness to the Plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of Lyes; and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place; and your Covenant with Death shall be dissanulled, and your agreement with Hell shall not stand; when the o­verflowing scourge shall passe through, then shall you be trodden down by it: and then where is your safety? they think to secure themselves from the wrath of man; but they mind not how to be se­cured from the wrath of God.

4ly, Others think by basely deserting their pla­ces, to provide better for their safety, than by fol­lowing the Lord, and keeping his Way. But the ha­zards David was in when he took this course, 1 Sam. 27. may convince these men of their mistakē, especially if they consider that he that leaves the place God hath set him in, out of base fear, is sure to carry his fear with him where-ever he go, if not (in the place he promised himself greatest secu­rity) [Page 28] to meet with the evil he feared: As the Lord threatens them in that, Jer. 42.17. Then it shall come to passe, that the Sword which ye fear­ed, shall overtake you there in the Land of Egypt; and the Famine whereof you were affraid, shall fol­low close after you in Egypt, and there ye shall dye.

Fifthly, Others think it a safer way rebelliously to step out of their places, for the overturning the power of those that are in Authority over them, because they grant power to the wicked to oppress and mischief them: But had Zimri peace that slew his Master? the experience of all Ages testifies how ill they provide for their safety, at the long-run, who take this course: Let that in­stance suffice which we have in 2 Chron. 25.3.

So that whatever men may think, there is no such way to escape the mischief intended against us by the wicked, as to wait on the Lord, & keep his Way.

2. It will yet further appear to be the safest way, for that it is the ready way to have good by all their troubles, by all that the wicked do against them: Wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, then no matter though the wicked watch against you to do you a mischief; for they shall not only prove abortive in all the mischievous designs they are big with, as Job 5.12. but according to his pro­mise, all shall work together for good, Rom. 8.28. for he that hath promised, is infinite in Power, Wisdome, Goodness, and Faithfulness, to over­rule all the devices and designs of his and your [Page 29] Enemies, so as to make those things that are in their own nature against you, to work together for your good: As you know what Joseph says, in that Gen. 50.20. As for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Thus doth God over-rule the malice and revenge of men for good to his people; but they must then wait on the Lord, and keep his Way; as you may see Psal. 81.8, &c. For all the Paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant and his Testimonies. When the wicked smite and oppress the people of God, they are the Lords Rod, Isa. 10.5. wherewith he chastiseth his peo­ple: And that of the Apostle holds in this, as well as in other chastisements, Heb. 12.10. He for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holinesse; as also what follows in v. 11. Now no chastisement for the present seemeth joyous, but grievous; never­theless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of Righteousness to them which are exercised thereby, so as that they wait on God in the Way of his Judg­ments, and keep the Way of his Commandments. Thus I have cleared it to be the safest Way.

3. This is the most honourable Way; though it were a safe way, yet if it be not an honourable way, it is not the best Way. That proved a safe way that David took, in 1 Sam. 27.1, 2, 3. but it was a dishonourable way; and however, under the power of temptations he concludes it best, [Page 30] yet afterward he finds, by woful experience, his mistake. It was a safe way that they advised Ne­hemiah to, in Nehem. 6.10. but because it was dishonourable, he would not take it; vers. 11. And he said, Should such a man as I fly? and who is there, being as I am, would go into the Temple to save his life? I will not go in: He would not so dishonour his place. To run hazards in an ho­nourable way, hath always been more eligible to Spirits truly noble, then sneekingly to provide for safety in a base dishonourable way. Now the way that is before you, is the most honourable way, as will appear in these following Particulars.

First, 'Tis the way of true valour and courage. When the wicked watcheth to mischieve you, when the wicked, even your Enemies and Foes come upon you to eat up your flesh, as Psal. 27.2. then to wait on the Lord, to stand your ground, to follow the Lord, to keep his way, This is an argument of a brave and gallant Spirit. Was it not a proof of a heroick and brave Spirit in Paul, when he says to them, Acts 21.13. What mean you to weep, and to break my heart? for I am ready, not to be bound only, but to dye at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. When men are bold and daring in a wicked way, and will resolutely keep on, whatever difficulties or opposition they meet with, this is not true valour, but a mad hardiness, and desperate stoutness of spirit: But when men are couragious and undaunted in following the [Page 31] Lord, stedfastly keeping and walking on in his Way, maugre all opposition that Satan and wicked Men make against them, this is true valour and gallantry of Spirit. Such brave and heroick Spirits were they, mentioned, Heb. 11.35, 36, 37. who have this honourable Testimonial of the Lord, ver. 38. of whom the World was not worthy: Persons, whereof every one was more worth than a world, or too excellent to abide in the world, being wor­thy of better and greater honour than the world could give them.

2. 'Tis the way by which you shall most victo­riously triumph over all your enemies: Wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, and you shall go on conquering and to conquer, over Sin, Satan, the World, and Antichrist, over all your enemies; Through God you shall do valiantly, for he it is that shall tread down all your enemies, Psal. 108.13. For this is the victory that overcometh the world, even your Faith, 1 John 5.4. Through Faith, whereby we wait on God, and keep his way, we shall overcome the world, that is, Satan and all his wicked crew, with all the instruments of mischief they make use of against us. Hence that, Rom. 8.37. In all these things we are more than Conquerours, through him that loved us. And this honour have all they, that wait on the Lord, and keep his way.

3. 'Tis the way by which you shall bring most honour to God, to the Lord Jesus Christ the Cap­tain [Page 32] of your Salvation. That the People of God are imployed in service whereby God is honour­ed, that reflects honour upon them; and the more God is honoured, the more honour have they that serve him. The Queen of Sheba counted Solomon's servants happy, who waited continually upon him, 1 Kings 10.8. how much more ho­nourable is it to wait on the Lord, in that a great­er than Solomon is here? Now wait on the Lord, and keep his way; herein you will greatly honour the Lord. As they that dissert and forsake the Lord and his wayes, when it comes to any hard service, do greatly dishonour him; as if there were not enough to be had to make amends for all their hardships they endure; So they that fol­low the Lord, and keep his way, through sharp oppositions and sufferings, they greatly honour him in the world. To cleave to the Lord, and follow him, when all the world are about our ears for his sake; to keep his Way, when that his way is every where spoken against; to continue faith­ful in his Service, when nothing but bonds and persecutions attend us for it; this commends his Service, and tendeth much to the honour of his Name and Wayes.

4. This is the ready way to true Honour; As the wise man hath it in that, Prov. 27.18. He that waiteth on his master, shall be honoured: So wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, and you shall he honoured, and that with true Honour, even that [Page 33] honour that is of God. In that John 5.44. our Saviour distinguisheth between that Honour that is of men, and that Honour that is of God; and that is the true Honour that is of God: For as they say, Honor est in honorante, non in honorato, in him that honoureth; and then that is true and highest honour that is from the onely true God, that high and onely One. Now this honour have all they that waiting on the Lord, and keeping his Way, do honour him: 1 Sam. 2.30. Him that honoureth me, I will honour: and sayes our Saviour, John 12.26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be: and what honour that is, you may gather from that Col. 3.4. And it further follows, If any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Thus it appears to be the most honourable way.

5. Lastly, This is the most comfortable way. It must be granted, 'tis a way that is attended with sufferings, tribulations and distresses, 2 Tim. 3.12. and yet it is the most comfortable way, as will appear; In that,

1. It is the ready way to have peace, inward peace, the best peace in the midst of all the trouble the world can bring upon you; In that, John 16.33. The Lord Jesus saith to his Disci­ples, that in the world they should have tribulation, but in him they should have peace. And to wait on the Lord, and keep his Way, is the ready way to attain this Peace, as appears from Isa. 26.3. [Page 34] Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. That which is rendred perfect peace, is [Peace, Peace] in the Original, the reduplication, according to the Idiome of the Hebrew, denoting the excel­lency, perfection, abundance, and duration of Peace. But to whom is this promise made? saith the Text, to him whose mind is stayed on the Lord, and trusteth in him; and in vers. 2. to the righteous Nation which keepeth the Truth: which, according to the point in hand, may be exprest, to them that wait on the Lord, and keep his Way. So Psal. 119.165. Great Peace have they that love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them.

2. 'Tis the ready way to have the Holy Ghost, who is stiled the Comforter, to abide with us. What more comfortable way, than that wherein we may be sure to have the Comforter to be with us, to abide and continue with us? Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, so shall the Comforter abide with you for ever. Expresse is that of our Lord to this purpose, John 14.15, 16. If you love me, keep my Commandements; and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comfort­er, that he may abide with you for ever. So vers. 23. If any man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode with him. So that this is the way to have Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to come to us, and abide with us.

[Page 35]3. The Comforts which are to be had in this way, are true, solid, substantial and abiding Com­forts, such as fill the soul with inward joy and mirth, under the sorest outward trouble, so as that they can sing in prison, and leap in the flames. Notable is that expression of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 3.4. I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations in following the Lord. He tells us in the next verse, that his flesh had no rest, that he was troubled on every side, and yet ex­ceeding joyful: yea, he tells us in another place, 2 Cor. 1.5. that as his afflictions did abound for Christ, so his consolations did abound by him.

4. This is the way to arrive speedily where the wicked shall trouble you no more; where there shall be no more sorrow nor weeping, but where you shall have perfect rest and peace, ful­ness of joy and comfort for evermore. That of the Lord Jesus to his Disciples, Luke 22.28, 29. is plain for this, Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations, and I appoint you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me: with John 10.27, 28. My Sheep hear my voyce, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall, any man pluck them out of my hand. As Caleb and Joshua waited on the Lord and kept his way, following him fully, and so entred Cana­an, and had a peaceable and comfortable possessi­on there, Josh. 14.14. so they that wait on the [Page 36] Lord and keep his Way, shall have abundant en­trance into that heavenly Canaan, 2 Pet. 1.11. where there is fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore, Psal. 16.11. And thus it appears to be the most comfortable way. To conclude: this we say, All is well that ends well. Now, Psal. 37.37. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.

Thus then we have cleared, That however it go with the People of God here in this world, more especially when the wicked watch them to doe them a mischief, 'tis their best way to wait on the Lord, and keep his way; for that it is the honestest, the wisest, the safest, and the most honourable and most comfortable way. And though I doubt not but enough hath been spoken to perswade and prevail with those that have an understanding to discern, and a heart to perceive what hath been set before them: Yet I question not, but carnal reason hath many things to object, and such as may prevail with carnal hearts to disbelieve all that hath been spoken, so far at least as to prefer the wayes of carnal wisdom, before this Way of the Lord: But I rest satisfied with that answer of our Saviour, Matth. 13.11. It is given to you to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but unto them it is not given.

Thus you have the Doctrinal part of the point: I proceed to the Application: and we shall make use of this,

[Page 37]1. To admonish and forewarn all the followers of Christ, that have own'd, engag'd, and walk'd in the way of the Lord, to take heed that they be not stumbled, moved, and turned out of the way of the Lord. The Apostle in Heb. 12.13. adviseth them to make straight paths for their feet, lest that which is lame should be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed.

There is some lameness remaining with the Best; with some more, with some less; but with all some: It lies therefore in all to take heed lest they be turned out of the way: Hence that of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 10.12. Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall: and let him that thinketh he is stablished and setled in the way of the Lord, take heed lest he be offended and turn­ed out of the way: O that a holy Jealousie in this thing may possesse and fill all your hearts.

More particularly, I would forewarn you to take heed, lest you be offended, through some things, and by some persons, in this day of temp­tation.

1. Take heed lest you be offended at the Crosse: Our Saviour in the Parable of the Sower, Mat. 13. tells us of some, who though they hear and receive the Word for a season with joy, yet when Tribulation or Persecution ariseth for the Word, by and by they are offended. How is this fulfilled in our dayes! how many are there, who while the Way of the Lord was the Way to prefer­ment, [Page 38] did professe and walk in it; who now that it is opposed and every-where spoken against, do decline and forsake it? Be you admonished to take heed, lest the stumbling-block of others suf­ferings, especially of faithfull Ministers, do turn you out of the way: The Apostle laboureth much in removing this stumbling-block, as you may see, 2 Cor. 1. Phil. 1. 1 Thess. 3.3. Therefore I do the more earnestly forewarn you of this; and take heed lest what sufferings come on you for the Gospel sake, do turn you out of the way: you are no Disciples for Christ, unlesse you take up your Crosse and follow him, Luke 14.27.

2. Take heed lest you be offended by the falls and Apostacies of hypocritical professors: This is that Satan and his instruments will lay before you to turn you out of the way of the Lord; our Saviour doth therefore forewarn of this, Mat. 24. so likewise his Apostles, 1 Tim. 4.1. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. and 1 John 2.19.

3. Take heed that you be not stumbled by the scorn, contempt, and reproach that is cast on the way of the Lord, and those that walk in it. This is that Satan and his instruments will lay before you; That the way of the Lord and his followers are every where under reproach and contempt: for as they said to Paul, so hath the false Church said to those that teach the way of the Lord truly, Acts 28.22. For as concerning this Sect we know that every where it is spoken against; the Original is, [Page 39] Heresie: the way of the Lord is commonly thus branded in the world; and they that walk in it are counted a company of Sectaries and Hereticks. But this should stumble us no more than it did Paul, who there (ver. 23.) boldly teacheth this way, and (Act. 24.14.) freely professeth it. But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call Heresie, so worship I the God of my Fa­thers.

4. Take heed you be not offended at the pro­sperity of the wicked, especially when he bring­eth wicked devices to pass: This was that had almost turn'd the Psalmist out of the way, Psal. 73.2, 3. As for me my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipt; for I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. To see those that despise, hate, and persecute the VVay of the Lord, and those that walk in it, to prosper and flourish; while those that love it, own it, and walk in it, are in an afflicted and suffering condition; this not only overturns formal Professors, but ma­ny a time puts sincere Believers to a stand. Hence that advice in Psal. 37.7. Fret not thy self because of him who prospereth, because of the man who bring­eth wicked devices to pass: And as ver. 8. Fret not thy self in any wise to do evil.

2. Take heed of such persons, as by whom, if you be not the more watchful, you may be so offen­ded, as to be turned out of the way. More par­ticularly,

[Page 40]1. Take heed of your selves. This is that our Saviour calls for, in that, Mat. 16.24. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself. Our greatest danger is from our selves, while we have within a deceiver and a traytor, who is still conspi­ring to turn us out of the way. Take heed there­fore of your own selves, consult not with flesh and blood, Gal. 1.16.

2. Beware of Satan. This is that which the Apostle suggests, 2 Cor. 3. I fear by any means least as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtil­ty, so your minds should be corrupted from the sim­plicity that is in Christ. And out of the like fear concerning you, I beseech you beware of Satan; and the rather, for that, as the Apostle saith, vers. 14. Satan is transformed into an Angel of light.

3. Beware of false Teachers. This is the advice of our Saviour, in Math. 7.15. Beware of false Prophets, which come unto you in sheeps cloathing, &c. And though I cannot say, I know, with the Apostle in Act. 20.29. yet I am greatly afraid, that after my departing shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock; and that of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them.

4. Beware of worldly Friends, such as will coun­sel you to spare your selves, such as savour not the things of God, but those that be of men. This our Saviour calls for in that of Luke 14.26. Answer them as Christ answered Peter, Mat. 16.22, 23.

The proper use of this Point, with respect to the people of God, is, To exhort and perswade them, to wait on the Lord, and keep his way, how­ever it be, whoever they are that watch and plot against them, however they may prosper in bring­ing wicked devices to pass; however, they may prevail in oppressing the poor Saints, yet this is the exhortation that I have received from the Lord for you, Wait on the Lord, and keep his Way. There are two branches of the Exhortation, I shall speak to both of them distinctly.

And because the latter of them is the main, and the former a help thereto in bad times; I shall invert the order of the Text, and speak to what is here, the latter in the first place, and to the other as time will give leave.

1. However it go, Saints, though the wicked watch to do you a mischief, yet keep you the Way of the Lord, diligently observing the way of his Commandments, the way of your duty to walk therein. Forasmuch as it hath been the design of my preaching all-along, to expound the Way of God to you, and to instruct you in the Way of the Lord; And I am now directing my Speech to the Saints of God, who know, own, and profess the Way of the Lord. I shall not spend much time (while I have so little left) in recounting to you what I have taught you concerning the way of the Lord, only in general, that Way of Truth and Righteousness, the Way of Faith and Holi­ness [Page 42] which I have taught you from the VVord, is intended. You know the way of Gospel-Doctrin, Gospel-Fellowship, Gospel-VVorship, Gospel-Discipline, and Gospel-Conversation, which I have preached, and you have received. And here Beloved, I call God to witness, in whose Name I have preached to you, that I have preached the VVay of the Lord sincerely and faithfully, as I have received of the Lord by the teaching of his Spirit through the VVord; I therefore beseech and entreat you, out of that hearty love I bear to you, and that affectionate care I have for you, that as you tender the Glory of God, your own Peace here, and eternal Happiness hereafter, and the spi­ritual and eternal Good of others, that you will remember how you have heard, and received, and keep the VVay of the Lord.

In the prosecuting of this, I shall speak to these two things.

First, Open this duty in a few particulars.

Secondly, Give you some Directions to help you herein.

For the first of these, take it in these particulars.

1. Be exhorted to keep the VVay of the Lord in your memories: So Rev. 3.3. Remember there­fore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast. I am speaking to those that have received the knowledge of the VVay of the Lord, that they retain what they have learned, and that they main­tain an actual remembrance of it: and the rather [Page 43] take heed to this, every one of you, with the greater diligence, for that you are like to be de­prived of the help of your Remembrancers, viz. the faithful Ministers of Christ, 1 Tim. 4.6. you have had their help a long while, in putting you, from Sabbath to Sabbath, in remembrance; but this is taking from you: as the Apostle in another case, Heb. 2.1. Therefore ye ought to give the more ear­nest heed to the things ye have heard, least at any time ye should let them slip.

2. Keep the VVay of the Lord in your Judg­ments and Consciences: I am speaking to those whose Judgments are enlightned, and Conscien­ces renewed, to approve of the VVay of the Lord: As therefore the Apostle said unto them, 2 Pet. 3.17. Ye therefore, Beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware, least ye also be led away with the errour of the wicked, and fall from your own sted­fastness. So say I, seeing ye know the VVay of the Lord, and approve of it, beware, lest being led away with the errour of the wicked, and your own Judgments being thereby corrupted, and your Consciences defiled, you fall from your own stedfastnesse: And I the rather press this, for that as the Apostle hath it, 2 Cor. 11.3. I fear lest by any means, as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

3. Keep the VVay of the Lord in your Pro­fession: I am speaking unto those, who, as Rom. [Page 44] 10.10. with the heart, believe unto righteousness; and with the mouth, make confession unto salvation: And you have the Exhortation in the words of the Apostle, Heb. 10.23. Let us hold fast the profes­sion of the Faith, without wavering: Be not asha­med of your Profession; as our Saviour speaks, Mark 8.38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my Words, in this adulterous and sinful Generation, of him also shall the Son of man be asha­med, when he cometh in the Glory of his Father, with his holy Angels; with Mat. 10.32, 33. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven: But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven.

4. Keep the VVay of the Lord in your hearts and affections, loving, rejoycing, and delighting in the VVay of the Lord: The keeping of it in your Memories, Judgments and Profession, will be but in vain, unless you keep it in your hearts. Lay up and hide the VVord of God in your hearts; let the desire and delight of your Soul be in the VVay of the Lord, with the Psal. 119.111. Thy Testimonies have I taken for mine heritage for ever; for they are the rejoycing of my heart: 'Tis the Character of the Godly man, Psal. 1.1, 2. He delighteth in the Law of the Lord; and in his Law doth he meditate day and night.

5. Keep the Way of the Lord in your lives and [Page 45] conversations; walking therein conscientiously; observing the Commandments of God to do ac­cordingly: I am speaking to those who have cho­sen the way of the Lord to walk in; and they may read what the Lord saith in that, Deut. 5.32. You shall observe to do as the Lord your God hath commanded you: You shall not turn aside to the right hand, or to the left: you shall walk in all the Wayes that the Lord your God hath commanded you: And to as many as walk according to this Rule, peace shall be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Having thus opened this Duty, take these few Directions among the many that might be given.

1. Let the Spirit of Christ be your guide and principle: I am speaking unto such as have the Spirit of Christ: Now if you consult that, Ezek. 36.27. you shall find that the Lord promiseth his People, that he will put his Spirit within them: and to what purpose? viz. both to encline, enable, and guide them to walk in his Statutes, and to ob­serve his Commandments to do them. There is no entring into the VVay of the Lord, but by the Spirit, Joh. 3.3. we all naturally being gone astray, wander from the way of the Lord, and 'tis the Spirit only that can, and doth reduce men into this way; and the best being but lame, and having not only a principle of halting in, but declining from it, there is no walking in this VVay, but by the [Page 46] assistance and guidance of the Spirit. Let there­fore the Spirit of God be your guide; it is pro­mised, that he shall lead you into all Truth, John 16.13. Let the Spirit be your principle: walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5.16. then you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh; but shall keep the Way of the Lord.

2. Make the Word of God your Rule. I have heretofore, from that John 6.39. and 1 Tim. 3.15. and several other places, cleared to you, that it is given of God for this end, to be the Rule both for Faith and Practice. Keep there­fore unto this, and by no means depart from this, if you would keep the VVay of the Lord. Here you have the Lord revealing his Way, and that clearly and plainly, so that the most simple, that apply themselves to it, may understand it: the Scriptures are a perfect and a constant Rule: Therefore, as in that Isa. 8.20. To the Law and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, 'tis because there is no Light in them. There are some that make the Light within, their Rule, and that in opposition to the VVord: but the Light in such is Darkness; for if they speak not according to this VVord (if it be but diverse from, though not directly opposite unto it) then there is no light in them. Indeed the Light with­in, that is, Conscience enlightned, is a Rule; but it is Regula Regulata, a Ruled Rule: There is Regula Regulans, and Regula Regulata, A Ruling [Page 47] Rule, and a Ruled Rule: The former is a Rule to the latter, by which it is to be tryed and ap­proved: The Word of God is a ruling Rule; and Conscience is a ruled Rule, which is to be obeyed, as far as it speaks according to the Word, and no further. If therefore you would keep the Way of the Lord, do not despise Conscience; do not neglect the Light within; but make it not thy Rule: make the VVord of God thy Rule; admit not of any thing that is belonging to the VVay of the Lord, that is not grounded upon, or not warranted by his Word. If you would keep the Way of the Lord, hold fast to what is written, stick to the Word.

That saying of Austin is famous;

Sive de Christo, sive de Ecclesia, sive de quacun­que alia re non dico si nos sed si Angelus de caelo vo­bis annunciaverit praeterquam quod in Scripturis accipistes, Anathema sit: Not to say, If we, but if an Angel from Heaven shall preach any thing of Christ, or of the Church, or of any other thing be­sides what ye have received in the Scriptures, let him be accursed: Like to that, Gal. 1.8, 9. The Word is the heavenly compass whereby we may be directed to steer our course aright to the Haven of happiness: Keep you to the Word, while one says, this is the way, and another that: Try all things by the Rule of the Word, and make that your Rule to walk by. Hence, when Paul was taking his leave of the Church at Ephesus, in that [Page 48] Acts 20. In his Farewel-Sermon, that after his departure, they might keep the Way of the Lord: you may read, what he commends to them, vers. 32. And now Brethren, I commend you to God, and the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an Inheritance among those that are sanctified: He recommends the Word of God to them. So, Beloved, now that I may no more speak to you from this place, for the teaching of you the right and the good Way, I recommend to you the Word of the Lord; which will be a Light to your feet, and a Lanthorn to your Paths, to guide you in the Way of the Lord, till you attain the end of your Faith, the Salvation of your Souls. What knowledge I have of the Way of the Lord, what I have taught you of the VVay of the Lord, I have been taught by the Spirit of the Lord, through the VVord: and though you want the great help of a plain, power­ful, and faithful Ministry, for the future, yet let not those that are sincere, in desiring to walk in the VVay of the Lord, be discouraged by those who would make them believe, that the VVord is hard to be understood: for that, as it is more from malignity in us, than difficulty in the Scrip­tures, that the most do not understand them; so they are easie to be understood by them that sin­cerely endeavour: it being not only most plain and clear in teaching the Way of the Lord, but also appointed to enlighten the eyes, and make [Page 49] wise the simple, Psal. 19.7, 8. Yea, the entrance of it giveth Light: it giveth understanding to the simple, Psal. 119.130. And how weak and sim­ple soever any of the Saints may be in worldly matters, and in the VVorlds account, yet of them all is that spoken, 1 John 2.27. But the Anoint­ing which ye have received of Him, abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lye; and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. Though they corrupt and pervert this Text, that make use of it to the disanulling of all Ministerial teaching; for if John had meant so, to what purpose did he write this Epistle? yet when God depriveth us of this help, this Scripture affords support and comfort to the Saints, that by the Spirit in them, they shall be enabled to understand what he teacheth in the Word, so as to abide in the Lord and in his Way, as they have been taught.

Having then the Spirit for your principle and guide, let the VVord be your Rule, and you shall keep the VVay of the Lord; according to that promise, Isa. 35.8. The way faring-men, though fools, shall not err therein.

3. Let the example of Christ be your pattern, that you may keep the Way of the Lord; set this copy alwayes before you. He alwayes kept the Way of the Lord: as he came down from Heaven to do the VVill of his Father, John 6.38. so he [Page 50] did alwayes those things that did please him, John 8.29. He never departed in the least from the VVay of the Lord: He knew no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. If then you would keep the VVay of the Lord, learn of him, follow him, walk even as he walked: Indeed in the things that are proper to Christ, as God, or as Media­tor, therein he is not to be imitated by us; but in the things that he did, or suffered as man, he left us an example or pattern, that we should follow his steps, 2 Pet. 2.21. Hence that exhortation of his, Mat. 11.29. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. That then you may be directed as well as encouraged to keep the VVay of the Lord; look to Jesus, and walk as you have him for an example. Indeed the Apostle exhorts to walk, as you have Him for an example, Phil. 3.17. But knowing that he could give them but an im­perfect copy, he exhorts in that, 1 Cor. 11.1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ: It may be of good use to us, to mind the Examples of the Apostles and faithful Ministers of the Go­spel, that have walkt on in the VVay of the Lord before us: But forasmuch as there is none of them, even Peter himself, but went awry more or less: Therefore make the example of Christ your pat­tern. Time will not permit to prosecute this at large: I shall only offer some few particulars from the example of Christ to you, such as may be most seasonable to further you in keeping the VVay of the Lord.

[Page 51]1. It was the work and business of the Lord Jesus Christ to do the VVill of his Father, to do what pleased him. As he came down from Hea­ven to do his Fathers VVill, as you before heard from John 6.68. so he made it his work and bu­siness. To this purpose is that, Luke 2.49. How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business? with that John 4.34. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the Will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. If then you will keep the VVay of the Lord herein, be ye followers of Christ; let it be your work and busi­ness to do the VVill of the Lord, and to walk in all well-pleasing before him: Let the Exhortati­on be in the words of the Apostle, 1 Thes. 4.1. Furthermore, then we beseech you Brethren, and ex­hort you, That as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2. It was the practice of the Lord Jesus Christ, to look on all the sufferings that came upon him, as coming from the hand of his Father in accom­plishment of his Word, and therefore quietly to submit to them. To this purpose is it that he tells Pilate in John 19.11. Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above; He looks beyond Pilate to him that was above. So John 18.11. The Cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? He over looks the instruments, and looks on his sufferings, as a [Page 52] cup put into his hand by his Father: And as he observed the hand of his Father in the sufferings that came upon him, so he takes notice that they are in accomplishment of Scripture, Mat. 26.53, 54. Thinkest thou that I could not now pray to my Father; and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of Angels? but how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? and he takes notice that the Scriprure had foretold that thus it must be, and that he must suffer, and enter into glory, as he clears it in that of Luke 24.25, 26. Therefore though he prayed, if it be pos­sible, as Mathew hath it; and, if thou be willing, let this Cup pass from me, as Luke hath it; yet he quietly submits to his Fathers VVill, with a, Not my will, but thine be done. And as Mat. 26.42. If this cup may not pass away, except I drink it, let thy will be done. Thus you see how by looking to the Fathers hand, he willingly submits to what sufferings came upon him. That you may keep the Way of the Lord in the midst of all the suffer­ings you are like to meet with, herein following the Lord Jesus Christ, eying the hand of your gra­cious Father in all the sufferings that come upon you, of what nature soever, and by whomsoever inflicted; and whatever may be the ends of those by whom you suffer, yet that they are all ordered by him in accomplishment of his VVord. Do ye not believe this? I know that ye do believe it by Faith; therefore improve it for the quieting of [Page 53] your hearts in all your sufferings. This is that the Apostle presseth the Saints unto in the 12th of the Hebrews, where he taketh for granted, that all kind of sufferings, (more especially such as come upon us by the contradiction of sinners) are fa­therly corrections from the Lord, and so in ac­complishment of the VVord of God, according unto that, Psal. 89.30, 31. and therefore hum­bly to be submitted to: so Heb. 12.9, 10. Fur­thermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spi­rits, and live? for they verily for a few dayes cha­stened us after their own pleasure; but he for our pro­fit, that we may be partakers of his Holiness. Seeing therefore whatsoever befalls you in the Way of the Lord, is by your Father's ordering in accom­plishment of his VVord for your profit, that ye may be partakers of his Holiness: submit your selves to him, eye your Fathers hand and end, and be quiet.

3. It was the practice of Jesus Christ in his state of humiliation, to give unto Civil Magistrates and Rulers what was their due, yea to forgo some­what of his Civil Right rather than to offend them: For giving unto Civil Magistrates their due, notable is that of Mat. 22.21. Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto God the things that are God's. And as he taught them, so he practised himself; for he was not of those [Page 54] who say and do not, but his practice was alwayes conformable to his Doctrine: VVhen therefore they that received Tribute-money at Capernaum, came and demanded of him; he will rather recede from his Civil Liberty than offend them, Mat. 17.25, 26, 27. Now go ye and do likewise. If ye will keep the VVay of the Lord, give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, be subject unto the King and all that are in Authority: Let the ex­hortation be that, 1 Pet. 2.13. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake. VVhat is here meant by Ordinance of man, is clear from what follows, whether to the King as supream, or unto Governors, &c. Be ye therefore subject, Saints, not only for wrath, but for Con­science sake, for the Lord's sake; and as Rom. 13.7. Render to every one their due; Tribute to whom Tribute, Custom to whom Custom is due, &c. Such subjection to Magistrates as thwarteth not our o­bedience unto God, lies within the Way of the Lord: Yeeld therefore active obedience unto the King, as far as Conscience towards God will give leave: Fear God and honour the King, 1 Pet. 2.17. Give all that honour to the King that is consistent with the true Fear of God. Let nothing but Con­science towards God hinder you at any time from yeelding active obedience to all the King's Laws.

And here Beloved, I shall take occasion to open my heart sincerely to you. You know what [Page 55] is required of me if I will continue a publick Minister in this Kingdom: I hope no sober persons can think me such a humerous perverse Phanatick as to throw away my Maintenance, much lesse my Ministerial Capacity (which is much more dear to me than Livelihood, yea than Life) out of a proud humor and vain-glorious fancy. In brief therefore, as I shall answer it before the great God the searcher of all hearts, and the righteous Judge, did not Conscience towards God forbid me, I would willingly and readily do all that the Act requires. But seeing I cannot declare an un­feigned Assent and Consent, as the Law requires: As from the fear of my God I dare not; so from the love you generally have to me, I know you would not have me dissemble with God and men. I do therefore humbly choose to submit to the Penalty, rather than by a hypocritical conformity (for such it must be in me, if any) to dishonour my God, wound my own Conscience, and dissem­ble with men; knowing assuredly that my God hath no need of my sin; And if he have any work for me in the publick Ministry, he will encline the King's heart to grant Liberty and Encourage­ment therein to me, with the rest of those who de­sire to be faithful in preaching of the Gospel; which that the Lord will grant, I promise my self the help of all your prayers, who have been sa­voured with any spiritual blessings through my Ministry.

[Page 56]4. It was the practice of Jesus Christ to be so far from making resistance by the sword to keep himself from suffering, that he refused such help as was offered him that way: So Mat. 26.52. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword, shall perish by the sword, [...]; 'tis not all that use, but all that take the sword without a law­ful call. So John 18.11. Put up thy sword into thy sheath: the Cup which my Father will have me to drink, shall I not drink it? If you would keep the Way of the Lord herein, follow Christ so, as not to resist those that are in Authority, however unjustly you may suffer from them: for, 1 Pet. 2.19. This is thank-worthy, if a man for Consci­ence-sake toward God endure grief, suffering wrong­fully.

5. It was the practice of Jesus Christ to be so far from avenging himself, as to render good for evil, to forgive his enemies, to seek their good and welfare. So in Luke 23.34. Then said Je­sus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Thus follow Christ, according to that he teach­eth in Mat. 5.34. Love your enemies; Blesse them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. And what the Apostle exhorteth in Rom. 12.19, 20. Dearly beloved, avenge not your selves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is [Page 57] written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink, &c.

6. The Lord Jesus Christ had great compassi­on for poor wandering sinners, Mat. 9.36. Great love for his Saints, John 13.1. with tender pity towards them in all their sorrows and afflictions, Isa. 63.9. Herein also be ye followers of Christ, according to that, Col. 3.12, 13. Put on therefore as the Elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mer­cies, kindness, humblenesse of mind, meeknesse, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another; if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

7. The Lord Jesus counted not his life dear, when that he was called to give it up in bearing witnesse to the Truth; as you have it in that John 18.37. he bears witnesse to the Truth when cal­led to it, with the hazard of his life.

Herein follow Jesus Christ, in bearing Witness to the Truth of God, though with the hazard of your lives, as Paul doth in that, Acts 20.24. Whatever mischief be threatned by wicked men, yet deny not, be not ashamed of the Words, Truths, and Wayes of Christ; for 'tis the Word of the true and faithful Witness, which we have Mark 8.36. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and my words, in this adulterous and sinful Generation, of him also shall the Son of man be asha­med, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with [Page 58] the holy Angels. And, Oh how sad, if this be thy portion! for if in that day Christ shall be asha­med of thee, Wo be to thee for ever, thou shalt be wretched and miserable to all Eternity. But be faithful, couragious, and constant, in confessing him, and his Wayes and Truths; for he hath said, Mat. 10.32. Whosoever therefore shall con­fesse me before men, him will I confesse before my Father that is in Heaven: And, Oh how com­fortable, if this be thy Portion! for if Jesus Christ confesse thee at that day, Peace be to thee for ever, thou shalt be blessed and happy to all Eter­nity: Though therefore thy confessing of him, be attended not only with Reproaches, and Revi­lings, but with Fines, Bonds, Imprisonment, yea Death it self; yet herein follow him, in bearing witness to the Truth, when called unto it, what­ever hazard you run by it; yea though it come to the drinking of the Cup that he drank of, and to the sealing of your Testimony with your blood; knowing that if ye suffer with him, you shall also reign together with him. Thus if you follow the Lord, walking in his steps, in these and other Par­ticulars, wherein he hath given us an example, you shall be sure to keep the Way of the Lord. And this shall suffice for the third branch of the Dire­ction.

4. Let the Glory of God be your End, if that you would keep the way of the Lord. If you have sincerely entred the Way of the Lord, then [Page 59] the Glory of the Lord is your last End; and if you would keep on steadily in this way, look to the Glory of God as your main End. Though it be possible for a man that hath the Glory of God for his End, to step out of the Way of the Lord; yet it is impossible for a man to keep the Way of the Lord, unless this be his utmost End: Yea though it be possible for one that is right in his End, to err in this or that particular, so as to stray from the Way of the Lord, in some lesser matters that shall not prejudice his Salvation; yet it is impos­sible that such a one should so mistake about the Substantials of this Way, as to turn aside, and to walk totally and finally in the Way that leadeth to destruction, and eternal perdition: Though the purity of the End, will not make amends for the viciousness of the means; yet where a man is right in his End, much Errour as to the means shall be forgiven him; yea and to have the Glo­ry of God for your End, in all your natural and civil Actions, is the way to sanctifie them, and to inscribe Holiness to the Lord on them. Thus may the meanest actions of your particular Callings become Religious, if they be done as to the Lord in obedience to his Command, and with respect to his Glory: Therefore as the Apostle hath it, 1 Cor. 10.32. Whether you eat or drink, or what­ever ye do, do all to the Glory of God: Make this your scope, and it will be of special use to guide you when the way is doubtful, being indeed pro­pounded [Page 60] by the Apostle for that end: As a man that is travelling on Salisbury Plain towards the City; he comes somtimes where there is no bea­ten paths, and somtimes where two or three ways meet; now to keep his eye on the City, is the ready course to keep him in the right way: So if a man were to draw a streight Line to such a Point, and hath not a Rule to draw by, his readi­est way is to keep his eye upon the Point. So when your way is doubtful, and you know not which way to take, take that which is most for the Glory of God: where you see not your Rule, keep your eye on the Glory of God, and it will be of choice use to keep you streight in the Way of the Lord. And so much for the first branch of the Exhor­tation.

2. Be exhorted to wait on the Lord, for with­out this you will not long keep the VVay of the Lord; there are such troubles, distresses and tri­bulations that attend the Way of the Lord, that as the Apostle hath it, Heb. 10.36. Ye have need of Patience, that after ye have done the will of God, you may inherit the Promise. So say I, you have need of waiting, that you may keep the Way of the Lord, and continue therein to the end.

Wherein the Nature of this Duty lies, and what Encouragements there are to it in the worst of times, I have lately shewn you, when I preached on that, Lam. 3.26. It is good that a man hope, [Page 61] and wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord. Whence I observed, That however it go with the people of God, it is good, it is best for them to hope, and wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord. I shall therefore only recommend this Duty to you, as the work of this dark Day, and conclude with that of our Saviour, Luke 12.35, &c. And let your Loyns be girded about, and your Lights burning, and ye your selves like to men that wait for their Lord when he will return from the Wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those Ser­vants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Yea, Keep the Way of the Lord, and wait on him: For, as vers. 42, 43. Who then is that faithful and wise Steward, whom his Lord shall make Ruler over his Houshold, to give them their Portion of meat in due season. Blessed is that Servant, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.