Christ's famous titles, and A believers golden-chain, handled in divers sermons. : Together with his Cabinet of jewels, or A glimpse of Sion's glory. : As also Christ's voice to London. : The great day of God's wrath. : The necessity of watching and praying. : With a small treatise of death. / By Will. Dyer, Preacher of the Gospel. ; [Three lines from Ephesians]

Christ's famous titles, and A believers golden-chain, handled in divers sermons. : Together with his Cabinet of jewels, or A glimpse of Sion's glory. : As also Christ's voice to London. : The great day of God's wrath. : The necessity of watching and praying. : With a small treatise of death. / By Will. Dyer, Preacher of the Gospel. ; [Three lines from Ephesians]

Table of contents

Title page

The Epistle DEDICATORY. 〈◊〉 all my loving Friends, into whose hands these shall 〈◊〉, Greeting.

To the CHRISTIAN READER.

THE Desire of all Nations.

The King of Kings The Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is inf••ite•• and superlatively lovely.

Mighty God. Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

The Everlasting Father. Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

Prince of Peace. Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

The Elect Precious. Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

Wonderful. Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

A Believers Golden Chain.

A Cabinet of Jewels, OR A Glimpse of Sion's Glory. Written by William Dy•r, late Preacher of the Gospel at Christian and Son 〈◊〉, in the County of 〈◊〉.

Follow the Lamb.

CHRIST'S Voice to LONDON: AND The Great Day of God's Wrath. Being the substance of two Sermons, Preached in the City in the time of the sad Visitation: Together with the Necessity of Watching and Praying. With a small Treatise of Death. By William Dyer, a Servant of Jesus Christ.

THE Great Day of his Wrath.

Watch and Pray.

Considerations of DEATH: Containing some few Reasons why men fear it, and opposite Reasons, by way of Answer, why they should not fear it.

S••• further Grounds whereon a poor sinner may expect M•r••, through the Merits of Jesus Christ.

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CHRIST'S Famous Titles, AND A Believers Golden-Chain, Handled In divers SERMONS. Together with His CABINET of JEWELS, OR A Glimpse of SION's Glory. AS ALSO Christ's Voice to LONDON. The Great Day of God's Wrath. The Necessity of Watching and Praying. WITH A small Treatise of DEATH.

By Will. Dyer, Preacher of the Gospel.

EPHES. iii. Vers. viii.

Ʋnto me who am less than the least of all Saints, is this Grace given, that I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ.

Boston, N. E. Printed by B. Green, & J. Allen, for Nicholas Buttelph at his Shop. 1704.

The Epistle DEDICATORY. [...] all my loving Friends, into whose hands these shall [...], Greeting.

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[...] Friends.

WH [...] I Love dearly, Remember daily, Long for greatly, Pray for [...]nestly, & Praise God heartily; to whom I could write with my purest Blood, and do send these Lines [...] my very inward Bowels.

Though I cannot say I [...] so transported with Affection and Zeal, as [...], to wish my self accursed f [...]om Christ for th [...] sakes, yet I am perswaded. I could be contented with Jonah to be [...]st [...]to the Sea. for the pacifying for Gods [...] for you, that I may be free from the [...] of all men. I may be free from the strength, and by the Power of God to deal plainly, and I h [...]pe s [...]ly with all men, not val [...]ing the sm [...]es, nor fearing the frowns of wicked men, a is lette [...] to lose the smiles of men, than it is to [...] the souls of men, though there be many that [...]e enemies to me, yet I am enemy to [...] ad [...]er of no mans person, but a lover of every m [...]ns soul, he that loved me when I was [...] enemy commandeth me to love my enemies. D [...] [...]stians cleave to the Lord, and follow [...] Lord fu [...]ly; neglect no duty tho' you k [...]ow there is danger in doing; fear God and [...] more than men & suffering; let your souls [...] up with Christ, bear off from the world, bear [...]own your Corruptions, and bear forth your Testimony; respect all, reject none of Gods Commandments, take patiently & thankfully the hardest dealings of God.

The heaviest Afflictions on Earth, are but light in comparison of Christs sufferings, or the punishment of the Wicked in Hell. When [Page]Gods People are humble enough, & the Wicked hath enough, and the Lords appointed time come, then expect deliverance to the Godly, and not before. You should not envy the patience of God towards your enemies, for it is nothing in comparison of what love he she weth to you; be you diligent at your work, and leave God at his work; you need not fear success, the Lord would soon turn from his wrath, if men were turned from their wickednesses: look narrowly to your hearts, tongues & ways. I never trusted God, but I found him faithful; nor mine own heart, but I found it false: Take heed, Friends, that you be not always wooing Christ, and yet never be married to him; therefore never leave till you have put the great question out of question.

Look upon Christ, first without you, & then search for Christ within you: he that will clearly see with the Eye of Faith, must shut the bye of Reason, it is the Will of God that Saints should rejoyce more in what Christ hath done for them, than in what they have done for Christ. Oh lay up, & lay out for Christ, make hast, & do your work, & God will make haste, & give you wages.

Dear Sirs, I beseech you with beseeching, consider well of these things, for these are precious truths, weighty truths, and necessary truths. I shall add no more, but promise you my Prayers, and reque [...] [...]our Prayers for me, and for a blessing upon this; that it may bring glory to God, and good to you, which is all that is aimed at by him, who is,

Your Souls Servant, William Dyer.

To the CHRISTIAN READER.

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Courteous Reader,

IT is the great unhappiness of our Age, that the greatest part of men busie themselves most in that which concerns them least; look into the World, amongst rich end poor, high and low, young and old, and see whether it appear not by the wh [...]le scope of [...]heir Conversations, that they set more by s [...]mething else than Christ and Salvation so they may have but some of the Earth in their Hands, they ca [...]e for nothing of Heaven in their Hearts, though Gold can no more fill their Hearts than Grace their Purses.

Most Men are like the silly Woman, that when her H [...]rse was on fire, so minded the saving of her G [...]ds, that she left her Child ro [...]sting in the flames: at last being put in remembrance of it she cries out, Oh my Child, my Child! Oh how many men are there, that drop into Perdition meerly for a little Wealth!

There are many that are temporally Miserable, that are eternally Happy; and there are many that are temporally Happy, that shall be eternally Miserable. Oh there is a great vanity in all worldly Excellencies; the Earth is big in Hopes, but little in our Hands; it cannot satisfie the Senses of Men, much less can it satisfie the Souls of Men.

Dear Christians, according to my Talent received, I have endeavoured to set forth the Riches, the Loveliness, the Preciousness and Excellencies [Page]that are in Christ, to draw the Heart after Him, and to be sick of Love for Him: Oh Jesus Christ is a Fountain of Life, Light, Love, Grace, Glory, Comfort, Joy, Goodness, Sweetness, always full and flowing, yea, ever-flowing. Paul was so much taken with Christ, that he was ever in his Thoughts, always near his Heart, & upon his Tongue; he names him six or seven times in one Chapter, 1 Cor. 1. Oh that our Hearts and Thoughts were thus busted about Christ, and taken up with Christ, and those treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge that are in Him.

The Design of this Piece is not the Ostentation of the Author, but the Edification of the Reader; tho' the Author be contemptible, yet the Matter is comfortable. I hope none will blow out such a Candle upon Earth, by the light of which, themselves may see the Way to Heaven; If God had given in more of himse [...]f to me, I should have given more out to thee; but God leeks not for what he gives not; If God may have glory, and the Church edification by these labours of mine, I shall have my end. Now the good Lord bring thy heart more and more in love with Christ, who is altogether lovely, that shortly thou mayest enjoy endless felicity in his bosome.

This shall be his Prayer for thee, that is,

Thy Servant in Christ, William Dyer.

THE Desire of all Nations.

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Cant. 5. verse 16.

He is altogether Lovely.

OUT of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah comes bitter and sweeter Honey, than out of Sampson's Lion: That is the sweetest Honey which we suck out of Christ's Hive: for the face of none is so comely in a Saints eye, as the face of Christ; and the voice of none is so pleasant in a Saints ear, as the voice of Christ. O Christian! the God whom tho [...] servest is so excellent, that no good can be added to him; and so infinite, that no good can be diminish'd in him: He makes happy, and yet is not the less happy; He shews mercy to the full, and yet remains full of mercy▪ O come eat and drink abundantly! O Beloved! there is no fear of excess here, though one drop of Christ be sweet, yet the deeper the sweeter.

The Wine that Christ draws, is the best Wine that a Christian drinks. This whole Book of Canticles is bespangled with the praises of Jesus Christ. The subject matter of this [Page]Book i [...] Declaration of the mutual intercourse of Love and Affection between Christ and his Church, what spiritual entertainment is given on both sides, with the sweet content they have in each others beauty. Here you may see the King in his glory, the Spouse in her beauty; here you may see Christ giving her sweet Promises, adorning her with sundry Excellencies, communicating his Love, and commending her Graces. Here you may also see the Church even ravish'd with the consideration, and contemplation of Christ's Love and Beauty; his Beauty is taking, his Love is ravishing, his Voice is pleasing, his Goodness is drawing, his Manifestations are inti [...]ing, he is the beloved Son, and the Son of Love, he is nothing but Love to those who are his Love. But I shall no longer detain you with a Crumb at the Door, but carry you to the Chapter out of which my Text is taken, and so lead you to the Cabinet where the Jewel lieth.

Brethren and Beloved, you have a glorious description of Jesus Christ in this Chapter, and that from Verse 10. to Ver. 16. where the Spouse is setting forth the Riches, the Dignity, the Excellency, the Beauty, the Majesty, the Glory, the Preciousness, and Loveliness of Jesus Christ; He is white and ruddy, the chi [...]f [...]st among ten thousand: His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy and black as a Raven, his eyes are as the eyes of Dove, by the Rivers of waters, washed with Milk, and fitly set, his cheeks are as a Tree of Spices, as sweet Flowers, his lips like Li [...]ies, dropping sweet-smelling Myrrhe, his hands are as Gold-rings set forth with Beril, his belly is as bright [...] very.[Page]over-laid with Saphires, his legs are as Pillar [...] of Marble set upon sockets of fine Gold, his countenance is as Lebanon, excellen [...] as the Cedars. And thus she sets forth her Beloved; and at last winds up all with this [...]are Expression, He is altogether lovely.

The Text is a sacred Cabinet, which contains in it.

1. The Jewel Chri [...], in this word, He.

2. The price of this Jewel, Altogether lovely.

The Observation or Doctrine is this: That Jesus Christ is [...]finitely and superlatively lovely: He is the most amazing and delightful Object: The very Name of Jesus Christ is a precious Oyntment poured forth. 'Tis said that the Letters of his Name were found engraven upon Ignatius his heart: Jesus Christ is in every Believers he [...]rt, and nothing can do better there; for He is altogether lovely. That Jesus Christ is thus transcendently lovely, will appear four manner of ways.

1. By Titles.

2. By Types.

3. By Resemblances.

4. By Demonstrations.

I shall speak only to the first of these: Our Lord Jesus hath seven famous and lovely Titles which are as so many Jewels of his Crown.

1. The D [...]sire [...] all Nation.

2. King of Kings.

3. The Migh [...]y God.

4. The Ever [...]asting Father.

5. The Prince of P [...]ce.

6. The Elect Precious.

7. Wonderful.

We will begin wi [...]h the first of these famous Titles, to wit, T [...]e D [...]sire of all Nations. This Title you have in the second of Hagga [...] and the seventh verse, And the Desire of all Nations sha [...]l [...]. But you will say, How is Christ the Desire of all Nations? Do not all [Page]the Nations abhor him, and say, we will not have this man to rule over us? The Kings of the earth set themselves, and the Rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his Anointed, Psal. 2. verse 2. Here you see the Kings of the Earth were afraid, lest Christ's Government should un-king them. The Rulers were jealous, lest it should depose them from their Dignities. The People were afraid of it, lest it should compel them to subjection to that Law and Way which their souls abhorr'd. O how long hath the World rebelled against Jesus Christ and his Government! But tell me, have the People gained any thing by resisting Christ, his Gospel and Government, by hating his Servants, and by scorning his holy Ways? Or doth it make the Crowns sit faster on the heads of Kings? I will leave you to judge of this. But, Beloved, for all this, Jesus Christ is the Desire of all Nations. And that I shall shew you in five particulars. Though Jesus Christ be not actively desired by all Nations, yet he is rightly stiled, The Desire of all Nations.

First, Because he is most desireable in himself, and all things that are desireable are in him. Beauty is in Christ, Bounty is in Christ, Riches and Honours are in Christ, Prov. 8.18. Jesus Christ is the Treasure hid in the Gospel, the Pearl of great price, he is the Sun in the Firmament of the Scriptures, whom to know is Everlasting Life; he is a Spring full of the Water of Life, a Hive of Sweetness, a Magazine of Riches, a River of Pleasures, wherein you may bathe your souls to all Eternity. O he is fulness and sweetness, the chiefest among [Page]ten thousand, Cant. 5.10. He is more precious than Rubies, and all the things thou canst desire, are not to be compared to him, Prov. 3.15. Alas, what are all the Crowns and Kingdoms of tho World, all the Thrones and Scepters of Kings, to Christ? I say, What are the Treasures of the East, the Gold of the West, the Spices of the South, and the Pearls of the North, to them? This, or whatsoever thou dost imagine, are not to be compared unto blessed Jesus. Beloved, the Glories and Excellencies of Christ, excel all others; as all Waters meet in the Sea, and as all the Lights meet in the Sun; so all the Perfections and Excellencies of all the Saints and Angels meet in Christ. Nay, Si [...]s. Christ hath not only the Holiness of Angels, the Loveliness of Saints, and the Treasures of Heaven, but also the Fulness of the God-head, and the Riches of the Deity are in him, Col. 1.19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness d [...]ell; fulness of Grace, fulness of Knowledge, fulness of Love, fulness of Glory: He is lovely to the Father, lovely to the Angels, lovely to the Saints, and lovely to the Soul; & therefore he may well be called, The Desire of all Nations, for all desireable things are in him.

Secondly, Jesus Christ is called the Desire of all Nations, because his desires are after all Nations, though he hath no [...]eed of them; he hath thousands of Angels before him, and ten thousand daily ministring unto him; yet such infinite love doth he bear to the Sans of Men, in whom there is [...]o loveliness, that he himself saith, My delight to with the [...]s of mon, Prov. 8.11. [Page]That our Lord Jesus hath a strong desire after the Nations, to convert them, and save the Nations, will appear by three things.

1. By what he did before he came into the World.

2. By what he did when he was in the World.

3. By what he doth now he is out of the World.

1. Our Lord Jesus had a great desire after the poor Nations, before he came into the World, or else he would never have left his Crown, his Royal Court, his Father's Ba [...]m [...], his Glorious Robes, to come into this World to be spit upon by men, and to be murdered by men; nay, he did not only become a laughing stock to Men, but a gazing stock to Angels. Now, Beloved, do you not think that Jesus Christ had a great desire after the Nations good, that he would leave all his glory, and greatness, and pomp, and riches, to come into this World to he poor, to be hungry, to be weary, to be tempted, to be forsaken, to be betrayed, to be sold? But you may perhaps say, that Christ little thought his own Country-men would have shed his blood, and that one of his own Family would betray him. Why, Beloved, do you think he did not know it? yea, he knew it before he came into the World, how he should be used in the World, that the Jews [...]ld Crucifie him, and that Judas would be [...] him, Joh. 6.46. He knew it from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him: Christ knew it before they knew it. Alas, our Lord Jesus knew it before he came from Heaven, what coarse Entertainment he should have upon Earth. Now, Beloved. put all this together, and tell me, had [Page]not Jesus Christ a great desire after us, before he came to us? That he would uncrown himself to crown us, and put off his Robes to put on our Rags, and to come out of Heaven to keep us out of Hell? He fasted forty days, that he might feast us to all Eternity. He came from Heaven to Earth, that he might send us from Earth to Heaven. The Son of God became the Son of Man, that we the Sons of Men might become the Sons of God; and all this he did to save the Nations. 2. He had a strong desire after the Nations when he was in the World. Oh, Christ would fain have saved the Nations, and healed them, & enlightned them, therefore he sends forth his Apostles, Mat. 28.19. and bids them. Go and teach all Nations; the people were in his eye, and upon his heart; and so in Mat. 22 Christ sends forth his servants once, twice, thrice, as if he would take no denial, but they would not come. Nay, Beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ did not only send others to poor souls to beseech them, to entreat them to come in, to repent and to believe in their Saviour, that their souls might be saved, but he went himself and desired them: Nay, that is not all, Beloved, he cried to them, and said, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink, Joh. 7.37. O how earnest was Jesus Christ with poor souls to come to him! Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11.28. So in L [...]k. 14.23, Go to the Highw̄ays, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. Do you see this, Christians [...] What vehement desires Jesus Christ had after the Nation and Souls of men, that he [Page]might for ever make them happy when he was in the World, & he hath the same desire still: How often would Jesus Christ have healed the Jews, that poor Nation, as he himself speaketh in Mat. 23.37. How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a H [...]n gathereth [...]er young ones, and you would not? Nay, when he had done all this, he doth not leave them, but weeps over-them, his eyes were wet, because their eyes were dry. So that it is clear by what Christ did when he was in the World, that he desired much the healing and converting of Nations.

1. In his bearing with them.

2. In his proffers unto them.

3. He hath a great desire after the Nations now he is out of the World, tho' he be gone to Heaven and entred into Glory, and there sitteth at the right-hand of the Father; yet I say, his desire are as much after poor souls as ever.

This [...] appear by two things.

1. In his Forbearance and Long-sufferance. O! how long hath Jesus Christ born with the sinful Nations, and yet he bears with them still, notwithstanding they have broke his Laws, and despised his Gospel, and contemn his Ordinances, and shed his Saints blood, grieved his Spirit, and abused his Mercies: This and thus much they have done, and yet he spareth them that he might be gracious to them, Isa. 30.18. and therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious to you. Therefore will he be exalted, that he may shew mercy. Now, Beloved, do you think that Jesus Christ would take all this at the Nations hands, but that he is unwilling to destroy them, and most willing to save them?

2. His [Page]Love appears not only by his bearing with them, but by his proffers to them. O Beloved, how doth God stand day after day, month after month, and year after year, proffering Himself, his Son, his Mercies, his Love, his Grace and his Glory to poor souls? Many have the Space of Repentance, who have not the Grace of Repentance. Now, my Brethren, by these things you may see that Jesus Christ hath a great desire after the Nations.

3. Jesus Christ is called the Desire of all Nations, because it is he only that can make any Person, or Family, or Nation, truly desirable.

Oh, Beloved, what is the reason that the Lord of Hosts prefers' his people before all the Sons of Men? The Lord prefers his little Remnant before all the World beside; Exod. 19.5. You shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people. The Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour, Proc. 12.26. Tho' his Neighbour be great, rich, honourable, yet if he be more Righteous, he is more excellent than he in Christ's eye. Believers be those Worthies, of whom the world was not worthy, Heb. 11.35. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priest-hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2.9. Believers are not only diligent Christians, but excellent Christians.

Now what is the reason, Beloved, that the Saints are thus excellent above all others? is it for their birth, breeding, or learning, or riches, or greatness, or honour? No, no; it is for none of these: but if you will know the reason, it is because Christ is formed in them, and married to them; they have the new Name, [Page]the new Nature, the new Heart, the new Spirit: Oh this is the reason! If there were any thing besides Christ, that could make any Nation, or Family, or Person truly desirable, it must be either birth, or greatness, or learning, or riches, or beauty, or wisdom, or strength; now all these do not make any one desirable: for if they did, than those that sit upon the Nations would be the most desirable persons under Heaven; because they have the most of these: but for this, see D [...]n. 4▪17. And s [...]tet [...] up over it the ba [...]st of men, Rev. 17.15. The waters which thou s [...]w [...]t, where the w [...]o [...] [...]itt [...]t [...], are peoples, and mul [...]i [...]d [...]s, and [...]ation [...], and [...]o [...]gu [...]s. So that none of these then can do it, but Christ only, Rev. 5.10.

He hath made us unto our God, Kings and Priests; O Christ hath made every Believer as a King to his Father: it is Christ's beauty that makes [...]s beautiful; it is his riches that makes us rich; it is his righteousness that maketh us righteous; he only maketh us truly honourable and desirable; well may Christ be called the Desire of all Nations; it is he that can make a Nation desirable.

4. Jesus Christ is called the Desire of all Nations, because all Nations stand in need of him: nay, not only all Nations, but all Persons, young and old, rich and poor, high and low; he that will be saved, must have a Saviour to save him, or else he can never be saved. the Apostle tells us, Act. 4.12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And Christ saith, Joh. 14.16. I am the [Page]way, and the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the father but by me. So that not only all Nations, but all Persons stand in need of him. You may go to Heaven without health, without wealth, without honours, without pleasures, without friends, without learning; but you can never go to Heaven without Christ. What will you do, if you begin to die Naturally, before you begin to live Spiritually; if the tabernacle of Nature be taken down, before the Temple of Grace be raised up; if your Paradise be laid waste, before the Tree of Life be set in it; if you give up the Ghost, before ever you receive the Holy Ghost; if the Sun of your Life be set within you before the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you; if the Body be fit to be turn'd into the Earth, before the Soul be fit to be taken into Heaven; if the second Birth have no place in you, the second Death shall have a power over you? Tho' the Nations need nothing more than Christ, yet they slight nothing more than Christ. Tell me, how will you live when you die, that are dead whilst you live? O Beloved! is it not sad that the Nations should resist Christ, his Gospel and Goverment as they do? Indeed if men might be their own Judges, then Christ had no Enemies, we are all his Friends. If the Jews might so have been their own Judges, it was not the Son of God whom they crucified, but an Enemy to Caesar. It was not Paul a Saint that they [Page]persecuted, but one that they found to be a pestilent Fellow. S [...] men will say now, they do not persecute the Saints of God, but seditious Fanaticks; but God will shortly take oft the Veil of Hypocrisie from their Faces. O grieve for them that cannot grieve for themselves. And thus you see that all Nations stand in need of Christ, who is the Desire of all. Nations. 5. Our Lord Jesus is called the Desire of all Nations, because when he sets up himself in any one as their Desire, then they run after him, and count nothing too dear for him. So the Church of God, Isa. 26.8, 9. The desire of our soul is to thy name; with my soul have I desired thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early. Oh, when the Desire of all Nations once setteth up himself in the Soul then he becomes the desire of the Soul. When he hath thus endeared himself to their Souls, then they count nothing too de [...]r for him; all shall be at his command, their gold; their silver, their strength, their lives, Rev. 10.11. They loved not their lives unto the death. So that, Beloved, let men be Enemies to Jesus Christ, yet as soon as Christ sets up himself in their Hearts, they will love him, own him, serve him, and suffer for him. Now, Sirs, put all these together, and it will fully prove Christ to be the Desire of all Nations. I shall make but a short use of it, and so conclude. Is it so that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Desire of all Nations, and that all things desirable a [...] [Page]in him? Oh then let me beg of you, Oh [...] me beseech you, for the Lords sake, and your Souls sake, make Christ Jesus the Desire [...] your souls. He is the Desire of all Nations; [...] shall he not be the Desire of your Souls; who will you love, if not the King of Saints? [...] will you long for, if not for the Desire of all Nations? who will you prize, if not the P [...] of Peace? He is the Son of God, the seco [...] Person in the Glorious Trinity, before wh [...] Angels and Archangels, and all the Hos [...] [...] Heaven do bow before him: He is the [...] of Glories, the Crown of Crowns, the Heaven of [...] vens; he is a Light in Darkness, Joy in Sa [...] Riches in Poverty, Life in Death; it is he [...] can resolve all our doubts, secure you in [...] ger, save your souls, and bring you to Gl [...] where all joy is enjoyed: O therefore let all [...] glory of your glory be to give all glory and your se [...] to him. So much for this time.

The King of Kings
The Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is inf [...]ite [...] and superlatively lovely.

Cant. 5.16.

He is altogether lovely.

I Now proceed to the Second Title, w [...] is given to the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is, King of Kings. A [...]stin desired [...]o have [...] three things before he died:

1. Rome in [...] [Page]Glory and Purity.

2. Paul in the Pulpit [...] Preaching.

3. Christ in the Flesh upon Earth C [...]o the Heathen repente [...] himself of thre [...] things:

1. That he ever spent a day idely▪

2. That ever he revealed his secrets to a Woman.

3. That ever he went by Water, when be might have gone by L [...]nd.

T [...]ales gave thanks for three things:

1. That he was in-dued with Reason, and was not a B [...]st.

2. That he was a Man, and not a Woman.

3. That he was a Grecian, and no Bar [...]ari [...]n.

And I, poor I, desire to see three things before I die:

1. Babylon's Ruin.

2. Christ's Reigning.

3. Satan's Binding.

The Angel hath sworn by him that lives for ever, that time shall be no langer, in Rev. 10.6. Who will not believe this sacred Oath? Did be say it? No, he swore it. How, by himself? No, by him that lives for ever. What, that time must be a little? No, it must be no l [...]ger. The time shall be [...]o longer: The Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come, saith the Prophet, in Mal. 3.1. They who keep the word of God's Patience, God will keep them in the hour of Temptation. Well, the second Title of Jesus Christ is, King of Kings. I pray you take notice of it: 'tis now to be handled, in Rev. 19.16. He had a Name written, says the Text, KING of KINGS, and LORD of LORDS. Here is his Title now, King of Kings. Beloved, Jesus Christ is a threefold King.

I. His Enemies King.

II. His Saints King.

III. His Father's King.

The first he Rules over. The second [...]e Rules in. The third he Rules for. I shall begin with the first, and take them in order. [Page] First, Christ is his Enemies King; that is, he is King over his Enemies; Christ is a King above all, and over all; and therefore the Scripture calls him, King of Kings; as you have it [...] Tim. 6.15. Christ is a King above all Kings; for if he were not a king above all Kings, he could not be a King over all Kings. Now that he is a King above all Kings, two Scriptures prove it, in Psa. 98.27. faith God the Father there, I will make my first-born higher than the Kings of the Earth. Now who is the first-born? Why, 'tis Jesus Christ; as he is else-where called the first-born of every Creature. Now, says God, I will make my first-born higher than the Kings of the Earth; higher in Glory, higher in Power, higher in Majesty. So in Rev. 1.5. there Christ is called, The Prince of the Earth. Alas, alas, what are all the mighty men, the great men, the honourable men of the Earth to Jesus Christ? They are but like a little bubble in the W [...] ter; for if all the Nations, in comparison to God, be but as the drop of a bucket, o [...] the dust of the balame, as the Prophet speaks in Isa. 40. O how little then be the great men of the Earth! Nay, Beloved, Christ Jesus is not o [...] ly above the Kings of the Earth, and higher than Kings, but he is higher than the Angels, yea, he is the head of Angles; & therefore all the Angels in Heaven are commanded to worship him. He is the head of all Angels, [...] Col. 2.10. He is the head of all principalities and powers; which includes the Angels. And in Heb. 1.6. Let all the Angels of God worship him. God will have the Angels [Page]worship Christ as well as Men. O Sirs, Christ is a King before whom the Angels v [...]il their faces, and the Kings of the Earth do cast down their Crowns! Again, as he is a King above all Kings, so he is a King over all Kings too: Jesus Christ is an Universal King, he is a King over all Kingdoms, over all Nations, over all Governments, over all Powers, and over all People, Dan. 7.14. There was given to him, says the Text, dominion, and power, and glory, and a Kingdom, that all people, and nations, and languages were to serve him. Now, who was this? in the 13th. ver. 'tis clearly meant of Jesus Christ, all People, all Nations, and Languages, and Kingdoms were to obey him; so that you see Christ is not only King of Saints, but King of Nations too; and therefore you find in Psa. 2.8. 'tis a Text often read, but little observed, Ask of me, says the Father, and I will give the [...] the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmost ports of the earth for thy possession. The very Heathen are given to Christ, and the utmost parts of the Earth for his possession.

And as the Lord Jesus Christ hath all the Kingdoms of the Earth given to him, so likewise he hath all Power given to him; or else what should he do with a Kingdom? In Mat. 18.28. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Oh, Sirs, here is a Text that should revive the hearts of Saints! All power is given to [...]e in heaven and in earth, saith Christ to his Apostles. So that 'tis he that binds Kings in chains, and princes in fetters of iron, as the last Psa [...]m saving one speaks. 'Tis he tha [...] suffers no man to do them wrong, yea, he rep [...]r [...][Page]kings for their sakes, and [...]reaks mighty kings in pieces for the Saints sake, in Psal. 105.14. And therefore 'tis he that over-rules Kings, and overcomes the Kings of the Earth, that makes war with the Saints; in Rev. 17.14. the ten Kings made war with the Lamb, but the Lamb prevailed. And why? Because he was King of kings, and Lord of lords. This is the first, Jesus Christ is his Enemies King; that is, he is a King above their Kings, and over their Kings. Secondly, As Jesus Christ is his L [...]e [...]es King, so he is his Saints King: I will give you two Scriptures to prove it, though I need not, yet I will, because of making things very clear as I go on: in Rev. 15.3. there Jesus Christ is called the Saints King, Thou King of Saints. So also in Mat. 21.5. Tell ye the Daughters of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh. So that by those two Scriptures, you see Jesus Christ is King of Saints. Now, Beloved, I beseech you here to mind me; Jesus Christ, you see, is King of the bad, and of the good; but as for the wicked, he rules over them by his Power and Might, but the Saints he rules in them by his Spirit and Graces. Now to this the Scripture witnesseth, that Jesus Christ rules in the Saints, and is King of the Saints; and therefore it tells us, in Col. 1. Christ in you the hope of glory; and else-where, Know ye not that Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Mark here, Christ must be in you, Christ in you the hope of glory; so in Psa. [...]4. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye [...]fted up ye everlasting do [...]rs, that the King of Glory may come in. Here Christ is called the King of Glory: and the Psalm calls upon men [Page]to open their Hearts, that the King of Glory may come in: so in Rev. 2.20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me. Oh this is Christ's spiritual Kingdom, and here he rules in the hearts of his People: here he rules over their Consciences, over their Wills, over their Affections, over their Judgments and Understandings, and no body hath any thing to do here but Christ; 'tis Christ that rules over the Consciences and Judgments of men, and therefore he's called the King of Saints. 'Tis true, other Kings may bear rule over the Estates of men, but as for the Soul, that only belongs to Christ: and therefore Believers are said to be all glorious within: The King's Daughter, which is the Church, in Psal. 45. the King of Glory rules there, & dwells there; you know God dwells in the highest Heavens, and in the humble hearts: Christ is not only King of Nations, but King of Saints; the one he rules over, the other he rules in. Thirdly, Jesus Christ is his Father's King too; and so his Father calls him, God calls Christ his King, in. Psal. 2.6. I will set my King upon my [...]oly hill of Sion: Well may he be our King, when he is God's King. But you may say, How is Christ his Father's King, because he rules over him, he rules for his Father? There's a twofold Kingdom of God committed to [Page]Jesus Christ; pray mark, Sirs: 1. A Spiritual Kingdom, by which he rules in the Hearts of his People, and so he is King of Saints. 2. A Providential Kingdom, by which he rules the [...]ffairs of the World, and so he is King of Nations. Now, Beloved, the Scripture says, That the Father hath put [...] things into Christ's h [...]ds, Joh. 3. last. And the Apostle tells us, God hath put all things under his feet. The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all Judgment to the Son, and he hath appointed him over his own House: now as Christ hath all, so he doth all, and rules all for his Father, & therefore the Father calls him his Servant, Isa. 41.2. Behold my Servant, and in the other Text, my King, because he ruled for his Father, and doth his Father's Will: so that, Beloved, in these three respects, Christ is a King. Now I shall lay down something wherein the Lord Jesus Christ doth infinitely excel all the Kings of the Earth.

1. Christ Jesus is a King, that in a spiritual sense makes all his Subjects Kings: He hath a Crown of Glory for every Subject. Oh what a glorious King is this! Now that Christ make [...] all his Subjects Kings; se [...] Rev. [...].10. says the Ch [...] there, Who hath [...]de us [...] God, Kings and Priests. Oh Sirs, 'tis better to be a Member of Christ, than the Head of a Nation. Oh how infinitely happy are all Christ's Subjects! They be all Heirs, all Favourites, all Sons, all true Believers are so; the [...]liever is the only happy man. Alas, where [...] there such a King to be found, that makes [...] his Subjects Kings? but they may give their [...]bjects Titles, but Christ gives all his Subjects [Page]Grace and Glory. Sirs, in a word, thi [...] is the greatest Nobility, to be the Servant of the great God; He is nobly descended, wh [...] is born from above. Oh, how many Lord [...] hath that man who hath not Christ for his Lord [...] Every Sin is his Lord, and every Lust lords i [...] over him. Now where Jesus Christ comes to be King, he makes them Kings to his Father, and Kings over their lusts. Now Beloved here is the blessedness and happiness of ou [...] King in his fence, he makes us all Kings, an [...] gives us all Crowns of Glory.

2. Jesus Christ is a most just and righteous King, he [...]eigns i [...] righteousness, he brings peace by righteousness, he makes us righteous, and therefore [...] is called, The Lord our Righteousness, in Jer. 23. [...]. He is a righteous King, and rules in righteousness, and thou shalt have nothing but righteous Dealing from him. Mind this Text [...] Scripture, [...]hich infinitely speake out Christ's righteous dealing with poor Souls, in Rev. [...].13. Just and true are thy ways. Mark! who are just and true here? Why, 'tis the King [...] Saints: Just and true are thy ways, thou King [...] Saints, Justice and Truth well becometh [...] King of Saints. In Prov. 3.8. 'tis said, [...] ways be ways of pleasantness, and all h [...]r paths [...] peace, speaking of Wisdom, which is me [...] of Christ. Oh what a golden King is he [...] what a glorious King is here! he is just [...] true, and all his ways are pleasantness, and [...] his paths are peace. Oh, Sirs, this is the Excellency of Christ, he oppresseth no body, [...] wrongs no body, and therefore he is calle [...] Just and True: He infinitely excels all the King [Page]of the earth in righteousness; he is a righteous King, and deals for nothing but righteousness.

3. Christ is a King that livet [...] for ever, & reigns for ever; other Kings they are but of yesterday, they be dead and gone. What is become of all those great and mighty Kings we read of? Why? they be gone like a Tal [...], like a Dream. But 'tis not so with the King of Saints, the Lord is King for ever, he reigns for ever; and therefore the Apostle calls him. A King immortal, eternal, as you may see in 1 Tim. 1.17. Christ is there called, A King [...]tal, because he lives for ever. So in Heb. 7. speaking of Christ, Who ever lives says he, to make intercession for us. Now, Beloved, here is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, he lives for ever; other Kings he dead, and their Subjects may do what they will; but Jesus Christ lives for ever.

4. Jesus Christ is a King that hath a perfect knowledge of all his Subjects. Oh, Sirs, Kings and Princes, and States, do not know all their Subjects, nay they know very few; alas, they know not a quarter of them, the poor subjects are unknown to them, they be not so well acquainted with their wrongs, and wants, and miseries that thei [...] poor subjects lie under: we are unknown must of us to our Prince. But now here is [...] Excellency of Christ, he hath a perfect knowledge of all his Subjects, he knows them all by name, he knoweth all their thoughts, all their wants, all their ways, all their conditions. Now, I say, this is a great happiness, that we ha [...], a King that knows us so well. Oh, poor souls! Christ knows you all, all your wants, all your conditions, all [Page]your [...]ssities whatsoever. The Lord Jesus knows all thy sufferings, and therefore says [...] in P [...]il. 4. My God shall supply all your [...]ants. Oh, 'tis a sweet Scripture, My God shall supply all your [...]eds. So I say to you, Sirs, your King will supply all your needs, he knoweth all your needs, all your straits, all your fears, I, and he will supply all your needs. Oh here is the Excellency of this King.

5. Jesus Christ is a King that sits upon his Father's Throne, at this very time he sits upon his Father's Throne. But, Beloved, this is not all, Christ doth not only sit there himself, but he hath promised that all men who overcome shall sit down with him upon the Throne: you have a full Text to this purpose, in Rev. 21. To him th [...] it erco [...]eth will I grant to sit with me upon my Thr [...] M [...]k, Sirs! Christ promises all his Subjects, that they should sit upon the Throne with him: New I wonder where there is any King but Christ who will suffer his Subjects to sit upon his Throne with him: Alas, this would he Treason for a man to desire it. I remember, amongst other things, I have read of a King, who passing over a water, his Crown fell from his head into the water, and one of his poor Servants, out of love to him, leapt in and fetcht it up, and for his more ease put it upon his head, that he might get the better out; and for this the poor man had his head cut off: so high, and mighty, and lofty was the Prince. Ay but Sirs, the [...]ord Jesus is not so, he is no such proud King; he did not only uncrown himse [...] [...]o crown [...], and we [...] the Crown of Tho [...] that we might wear the [Page]Crown of Glory: but he consents and gives leave for his subjects to sit upon the Throne with him; To him that overcometh will I grant r [...]it with me upon my throne. Oh, what a glorious King is this, that every one of his poor subjects shall sit upon his Throne with him! so in Rev. 21.7. He that evercometh shall inherit all things. A man would think, Sirs, this very thing should draw the whole world after Christ. Oh how should this draw the affections of men to be in love with those great proffers and priviledges, and honours that Christ bestoweth upon his poor followers! He doth not only make them Kings, but he grants them to sit upon his Throne with him: thou wouldst say it were an honour indeed. (Oh Saint) couldst thou but look into Heaven, and see Christ sit upon his Throne; but this honour have all his [...]ints: Yea, much more, he makes them [...]l Kings and grants to them, to sit upon the Throne [...] him.

6. Jesus Christ is a King that [...] all his Subjects, and his Subjects love him; And I am sure this can scarce be said of any King▪ under Heaven; but it may be said of the Lord Christ, for he is a King that loves all his Subjects, and all his subjects love him: and this I shall endeavour to shew you in the Afternoons Exercise; and the next day I shall handle the other part, That all his s [...] [...] love him.

There are nine or ten particulars wherein the love of Christ to his subjects doth appear, and is wonderfully manifest.

1. His love to his subjects, 'tis Primary: We love him, saith the Apostle, because he loved[Page]us first, 1 Joh. 4.19. We love him, and why? Because he loved us first; his love is the cause preceding, our love is the effect following: If he had not fired our hearts with the flames of his love, we should never h [...]ve bestow'd one spark of spiritual love upon Christ; he must draw before we can run; and therefore says the Church, Cant. 1.4. Draw us, and we will run after thee. Oh Sirs, we cannot run without drawing, he must draw us before we can, and when he draweth then we run. It was not mans loveliness that engaged God to love and save man; God loveth his Enemies even in their sinful estate, tho' not with a love of well liking of them, yet with a love of well willing to them. Oh, Sirs, since God loved us when we were not like him, we should strive to be like him who thus loved us; nothing enga [...]eth a Saint to love God so much as this, that God loved him so much. A Minister once weeping at the Table, and being asked the reason of it, answered, Because I love Christ no more. Indeed, Friends, this should grieve us, that we love so little, who are so much beloved. You have a famous saying of Austin, He loves not Christ at all, who loves him not above all. This is the first love wherewith God loves his people, tis a primary love.

2. Christ is a King that loves his Subjects with a distinguishing love, and a separating love; the general love of Christ is scattered and branched out to all the Creatures in the World, but his special love is exceeding great, and rich love is only setled upon his Church. Now if you ask me what Christ's distinguishing love is, I [Page]shall name it, and but name it to you.

1. 'Tis Pardoning Love.

2. 'Tis Redeeming Love.

3. Calling Love.

4. Justifying Love.

5. Adopting Love.

6. Sanctifying Love.

7. Glorifying Love.

This I say, is his peculiar Love; Christ's Love is not only sweeter than Wine, but better than Life: He is most lovely, he is always lovely, He is altogether lovely; Christ is nothing but Love to those who are his Lovers

3. Christ loves his Saints with a protecting love, Isa. 15.49 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have [...]ssion on the son of her womb? Can a woman forget her sucking child? Is it possible a woman should be so inhumane to forget her tender infant, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, says the Lord, they may forget them, yet I will not forget thee, God may as soon cease to be God, as cease to be good; he may as soon cease to live, as cease to love; no, no, he cannot forget them: Did he forget Israel in Egypt, or his Church in Babylon, or Daniel in the Lions Den? Did he forget the three Children in the Furnace, or Jeremiah in the Dungeon, or Jonas in the Whale's belly, or Peter in Prison? Did he forget them? The wicked say indeed, the Lord doth forget, in Ezek. 9. The Lord hath forgotten the earth, and he sees it not, but they are much mistaken. There are three or four Texts of Scripture which I shall humbly offer to your serious consideration, that do wonderfully speak out God's protecting love to his people. The first is in Rev. 7.2, 3. you find there an Angel hath power given him to hurt the earth and the sea. Now there comes another Angel [Page]and cries out, hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees. Why? what's the reason? why, in the third Verse, Until we have sealed the servant of God in the forehead. Do not you pour out your Judgments upon them, until we have secur'd the Servants of God. Oh, how wonderfully doth the Lord protect his people: So again in [...]zek. 9. certain men be sent to destroy that wicked people; and amongst the rest, the Lord calls, and bids one set a mark upon them that sigh for the abominations of the land; and for the rest, says he, destroy them old and young. Oh Sirs, this doth wonderfully set out God's protecting love to his people. So in Is [...]. 3.10. the Lord bids the Prophet tell them, what find Judgments should come upon them; upon unrighteous Kings and Princes, and great Men and Souldiers Now says the Lord, Say to the righteous, it shall be well with them, none of this shall come near them. O how wonderfully doth this magnifie God's protecting love! Isa. 26.20. Come, my people, enter into your chambers, shut the d [...]r, and hide your selves for a little moment: Why so, O Lord? why? until thy [...]dignation be [...] past. Come, says God, I am resolved to exe [...]te my Judgments on wicked men, therefore hide your selves for a moment. And therefore I say, [...]t no man's heart fail him, 'tis but for a moment, and thy miseries shall end. Beloved, when our miseries are at the greatest, his help is at the n [...]rest; Man's extremity is God's opportunity; when Mord [...]ca [...] is throughly humbled, the Rod Haman shall be hanged.

4. But then fourthly, Christ loves his people with a most cordial love, he loves them with all [Page]his heart; nay, they are the dearly beloved of his soul, as himself calls them, Jer. 12. I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies. Christ's love to his people, 'tis not a lip love, from the teeth outwardly, but a real love from the heart inwardly. Christ loves his people as his Father loves him, and how is that, can you tell? No, all the men on earth, nor Angels in heaven, cannot declare the love that the Father bears to Christ; and yet as God loves Christ▪ so doth Christ love his people. You have a full Text for this▪ they are Christ's [...]wn [...]ords, A [...] the Father [...] me, so love I you. Oh, Sirs, how infinitely doth the Father love the Son, and how infinitely doth the Son love his people. Why, he loves them as the Father loves him. Oh Lord, what love is this, that the Saviour should love the Sinner, that Christ should love the miserable Sinner? And yet thus it is, Oh, Sirs, Believers are like I [...]tters of Gold engraven on the very heart of Christ, Oh the breadth, the depth, the [...]ight, the l [...]gth of the [...]ve of Christ, says the Apostle, it poss [...]th knowledge; as if so be he wanted words to set it forth, in Eph. 3.20. The love of Christ which posseth knowledge. As if so be there were both want of-words, and want in words, to set forth the love of Christ▪ But certainly it must be very great, for as the Father loves him▪ so he loves them. Alas, others love the Saints, but how, [...] they love them? Why▪ not with a cordial love; they do not love them for their good, but for their goods; 'tis more for the mo [...]y in their purses, than for the grace in their hearts, they love the Saint, as the Sama [...]tans did the [Page] Jews; just as men do with their Sun-dials, never look on them, but when the Sun shines; why so, the World never looks upon the Saints, but in the time of prosperity: when the Je [...]s flourisht and were in their glory, O what great Friends were the Samaritans to them! But when the poor Jews were under affliction, then they had no worse enemies than they. Why, but Christ's love is not so, he loves thee when thou art poor as well as when thou art rich; as well when thou art in rags, as when thou art in thy robes; when thou art in adversity, as well as when thou art in prosperity: Christ loves his Saints as well upon Gallows, as in a Palace; for whom he loves, he loves unto the end, Heb. 13.5. He is faithful, who hath said, I will never [...]ave th [...] nor forsake thee: Never leave thee in any condition, or any place. O Sirs, what a love is this [...] and therefore a rush for what the world can do, or for the world's love, 'tis like a V [...]ice Glass, soon broken; it smiles now, and quickly frowns; it cries Hosanna to day, and to morrow, Crucifie him: but Christ's love is with the very heart.

5. Jesus Christ loves his Subjects with a love of benevolence, Joh. 3. God so l [...]ved the world, that he gave his only begotten [...]on, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. And says Paul, He loved [...], and gave himself for me, Gal. 2.20. The Father gives the Son, & the Son gives himself▪ who loved me, and gave himself for me; all that Christ did and suffered, 'tis for me: All that Christ hath, is mine. Oh, soul, soul, Christ's love 'tis thine to pity thee, Christ's mercy is thine to save thee, Christ's graces are [Page]thine to beautifie thee, and his glory is thine to crown thee, Christ's power is thine to protect thee, thou seest. He that is sure of God's love to him, is sure of God's power for him: And Christ's wisdom is thine to counsel thee, and his Angels are thine to guard thee, and his Spirit is thine to comfort thee, and his word is thine to teach thee. There are four Attributes of God, which are of great support to Christians.

1. His Faithfulness.

2. His Mightiness.

3. His Goodness.

4. His Wisdom.

And therefore, Sirs, 'tis your duty to live upon Promises, while Providence seems to run cross to Promises. Christ's love to you 'tis free love. All that he hath given you 'tis free, his grace is free, his love is free, his salvation is free, his peace is free, and himself is free. A dram of grace in the heart is better than a chain of gold about the neck! Now, Beloved, all that Christ hath bestowed upon you, 'tis free, and therefore 'tis a love of Benevolence.

6. Christ loves his subjects with a love of compassion, sympathizing with them in all their sorrows & sufferings. Truly this is a great comfort indeed, in all their [...]lictions, says the Text, He was a [...] [...], Isa. 63.9. So says the Apostle, Heb. 4. We have not an High-priest that cannot be touched with the seeling of our infi [...]i [...]ies: that is, we have art▪ High-Priest that is touched with the feeling of [...]r Infirmities, one that doth weep in our [...]rs, and sigh in our sighs, and sorrow in o [...] sorrows, and suffer in our sufferings; & therefore says Christ, Saul, Saul, why pers [...]test thou [...]e? Oh what a sweet love is this, a love of compassion, and sympathizing with us in a [...] [Page]sorrows and sufferings! Christ was first persecuted by Paul in his Members, and afterwards he was persecuted in Paul as one of his Members. Now, Beloved, Jesus Christ loves his Subjects with a love of compassion; and therefore let thy sufferings be what they will, Jesus Christ doth as it were bear a share with thee. [...] Christ loves his people with a love of [...] and complascency, Prov. 8.17. I love th [...] th [...] love me. The King shall greath [...] in thy beauty: Psal. 45.11. speaking there of Christ, The King shall greatly delight in thy bea [...], with great delight and complascency. And therefore, Beloved, Christ calls [...]s Church▪ [...] Love, his Dove, his Beloved, his Fair Ou [...]. Oh, how [...]n [...]initely doth. Christ love his Church! certainly Christ bears a great love to his Char [...] and hence 'tis you read, Christ walks among [...] golden candlesticks, and he fe [...]deth among the lilli [...] and his delight is with the sous of men. Although poor Believers be Rav [...]as in the World's eye yet they are Doves in Christ's eye, they are very precious in his esteem; though they be the [...]o [...]thing of wicked mens souls, yet the [...] are dearly beloved of God's soul; [...] delights in them: O how much is Christ taken with them, The King shall greatly delight in them!

8. Christ loves his people with an everlasting love, an enduring love; 'tis a love that [...] dies, never w [...]eth cold: Christ's love, 'tis [...] a Fountain over-flowing, but never dried [...] whom he loved from Eternity, those he loves [...] Eternity, and they are Believers. Now, Sirs, [...] not this a great favour to be beloved of God? In Joh. 13.5. He loved them even to the end; no [...] [Page]for a day, or a mon [...], or a year, not for a flash and away, but even to the end. And in Jer. 31.3. speaking there of his love, 'tis called [...] everlasting love. I have loved thee says God, [...]it [...]an everlasting love. Oh, Sirs, this is a love that shall bed and board with thee, that shall [...]e down and rise up with th [...], that shall go to thy Death-bed with thee, to thy Grave with thee, and to Heaven with thee; the Saints shall put off the Jewel of Faith when they die▪ but not the Jewel of Love, for that shall remain with them to Eternity; God loves his Saints with an everlasting love.

9. With an universal love; his love is universal to all the Saints: Oh there is not one Saint but Christ infinitely lo [...]es; he loves them as the I other lo [...]es him; he lo [...]es poor Lazarus as well as rich Abra [...]am▪ & despised Job as well as honourable David; he loves the poorest Saints, as well as the richest, he lo [...]es them all alike, God is no Respecter of persons. Oh where is these such a King now as Christ! They peculiarly lo [...]e their No [...], their Favourites, peculiarly their Darlings, but Christ loves all his Subjects, Christ's [...] extends to all his Saints; his lo [...]e it's like the beams of the Sun, which reacheth all ways, East, West, North and South, so doth Christ's love.

10. His love 'tis a correcting love: Whom he loveth he chas [...]iseth; he cerre [...] [...]ery son whom he receiveth.

11. Christ's love [...]s a directing love; he hath pro [...]ed to guide and direct his people in the way wherein they ought to walk. Oh, Sirs, put all these particulars together, and sure you must needs confess, that Jesus Christ loves his Subjects infinitely [Page]as it was said of Lazarus, when Christ wept for him, they made this construction of it, Oh how he loves him! O, Sirs, how doth Christ love you, who are his people? He loves you infinitely, even beyond measure, his love it pa [...]th knowledge. Now, O Sirs, for the Lords [...] consider of it, and let this draw forth your love to him. I shall the next opportunity come to shew you the Love of Christs Subjects to him, if th [...] Lord give leave.

Canticles 5.16.

THe Spouse indeed was sick of love, but Christ exceeded [...]er, for he died for love; Whilst we were sinners Christ died for us, says the Apostle: He loved us more than his own life yea, the very life of Christ, to him was not too dear for us. Some write of a Fowl called a Pellican, and they say that she feeds her young ones with her own Blood. O, Sirs, Christ is our Pellican, that hath nourisht and fed us with his own Blood: My flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drink indeed, says Christ, John 6.55. Christ's red Blood hath taken away our red Guilt; scarlet red Sinners are by Grace become milk-white Saints. All our precious Mercies come swimming to us in precious Blood Christ bled love at every Vein; his drops of Blood were drops of Love, yea, the more bloody, the more lovely; he was most lovely upon the Cross, because then he shewed most love to us. The [Page]last day I shewed you the great love which Jesus Christ bears to his subjects: And the sum of my Discourse was this: That Jesus Christ loves his subjects with an everlasting and enduring love. That which I am now to shew you, is this, That all Christ's subjects love him, and what a kind of love it is. The Saints love to Christ is vehement and strong: This will appear, if you consider to what the Scrip [...]ure likens and compares the Saints love. Now 'tis compared to four things.

1. To Sickness.

2. To Death.

3. To the Grave.

4. To Fire.

To these things is a Believer's love compared in Scripture: I shall handle them in order.

1. Sickness, this is the first comparison which doth set forth the strength of the Believer's love: this is set down in two places of this Book of Canticles, in Cant. 2.5. Stay me with flaggons, and comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love. And in Chap. 5.8. Tell ye him whom [...]y soul loveth, that I am sick of love. She is overwhelmed, she is overcome, and even ravished with his love and beauty. Oh I thirst, I faint, I pant, I long for him! Oh, Sirs, the Church is very sick, and ready to swoon: never was Ahab so sick for a Vineyard, never was Sisera so desirous for Milk, nor Sampson for Water, nor Rachel for a Child, nor Amnon for his Sister Tamar, as poor broken-hearted Sinners are for Christ; when Christ gets into the Heart, he draws all the affections to him, I remember the Speech [Page]of a gracious Woman, I have [...]orn (say [...] she) nine Children, with as much pain [...] [...]ther W [...] men do, and y [...]t I could with all my [...]ea [...]t [...]ea [...] them [...]ver again, yea, bear them and fee [...] the [...] all the days of my life, so I [...]ight [...]e [...]ure of a part in Christ. Oh how infinitely do Believers love Christ! David wonders at his own love, Ps [...]. 119.9 [...]. O [...]o [...] I love th [...] Law▪ He makes a wonder [...]t it here, with what vehemency he lo [...]es God's Word, O how I l [...]e [...] Law: So the Sp [...]se h [...]re, she doth not [...] love him, but sh [...]'s [...] love [...]e [...]dy to die f [...]r love. Oh, S [...]rs, h [...]re is a sickness, but not unto death, but unto life; 'tis a sickness that sti [...], bring [...]th Blessedness and Happiness with it; a sickness which shall be cured by him who is the great Physician of Souls. This is the first, she compares her Love t [...] Sickness.

2. The next thing whereby she expresseth [...] the strength of her love to Christ, 'tis by Death: this you have in Cant. 8 ch. 6. sh [...] there tells you, Her love 'tis strong as death, Be [...]o [...]ed, you know Death is strong, 'tis the King of Terrors, and the Terror of Kings; it subdues all sorts of People, high and low; rich and poor, old and young, good and bad the greatest Monarchs, Kings and Emperours be thrown down by Death: Whe [...] did ever that man dwell that was too strong for Death? If strength could have resisted it, then Sampson had mis [...] it; could Greatness [Page]have overlookt it, Nebuchadnezzar had escaped it; could Beauty have out-fac'd it, then Absal [...]m had never met it; could Riches have brib'd it, Dives had avoided it. But alas none of these Gallants were hard enough for Death, it trod on the necks of them all: And therefore oh look upon Death all of you, as a thing you must meet with, and look upon your Lives as a thing you must part with. Now by this you may guess what love is, 'tis strong as Death; Ay strong indeed: Oh how strong is Death; Nay, a Believer's love to Christ is not only strong as Death, but stronger than Death, as some Scriptures make it appear. A Believer's love to Christ is stronger than Death: I am perswaded, says Paul, neither life nor death, princip [...]ities nor powers, things present nor things to come, shall ever be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8.38, 39. Death, tho' it may kill us, it cannot hurt us, tho' Death may send us to the bed of darkness, yet it cannot send us to the place of torments; tho' [...]t may take away our lives, it cannot take away our loves: bloody Tyrants have taken away Marty [...]s lives for Christ, but they could [...]ever destroy their love to Christ. One of [...]e Primitive Christians, when he came to f [...]rs [...] [...], Oh (said he [...] I shall die f [...]r [...] Saviour b [...] [...]: Oh I could die a hundred [...]es for Christ. Alas, He was grieved because he should suff [...] but once, and had no more lives to lay [...]o [...]n: Oh I could die a hundred times for him: [Page]Oh, Sirs, love 'tis a thing that out lives al [...] Enemies, all Persecutions, all Dangers, nay Death it self, as Rev. 12.11. says the Text They love I not their lives unto death: and [...] says Job, Though then kill me, yet will I tr [...] in thee: as if he had said O Lord, tho' th [...] take away my prosperity, my greatness, m [...] health, my goods, my children, yea, my li [...] it self, thou shalt: never take away my love Though thou kill me yet will I trust in thee; Jo [...] 13.15. So that is not only strong as Death but stronger than Death, for love is the Co [...] querour at the last.

3. Another thing whereby she expresse [...] the strength of her love and strong affecti [...] to Christ, 'tis the Grave, and this you ha [...] in Chap. 8.6. Here love is cruel as the gr [...] The Grave 'tis the bed of darkness, which always craving and never satisfied, but [...] vours all that comes: Christ tells us in Jo [...] 4.14. He that drinketh of the water which shall give him, shall thirst no more. Wh [...] thirst no more? No, no more after [...] World and worldly things, but more [...] more after Christ and Heaven: He that drink of the waters which I give him, shall thirst [...] more. No more after these poor low thin [...] but more and more after Christ. No h [...] ry man did ever with more appetite long [...] bread, nor a thirsty man long for water, no [...] naked man for cloaths, nor a covetous m [...] for riches, nor a sick man for health, not condemn'd man for pardon; than Souls [...] [Page]gracious do for Christ Jesus: My soul thirst [...]th for thee, saith David, in Psal. 63.1. My soul thirsteth far thee. Why, David, how doth your soul thirst for God? Why, he tells you in Psal. 42. As the hart panteth after the [...]ater-brooks; so doth my soul after thee, O God. Now mark, Sirs, the poor Hart which is hunted by Dogs, his nature, 'tis as it were [...]ll ever on a flame, in a burning heat, and [...]en it pants, and thirsts, and is ready to die for water. Now says David, As the hart p [...]teth after the water-brooks, so doth my soul after thee, O God. Oh the vehemency here of Davids thirst. And therefore he t [...]lls you elsewhere, Whom have I i [...] heaven out thee? and there is none I desire on earth in comparison of thee, Psal. 33. Do you desire none besides God' do not you desire your Wives, your Children, your Crown, your Kingdom? Yes, these he desired in their places, but these [...]ere nothing in comparison of God. I remember the saying of a Martyr, to one that asked him if he did not love his Wife and Children, when they wept by him, Love them, yes, (says he) if all the World were [...]old, and mine to dispose of, I would give it all [...] live with them, though it were in a Prison; [...] (says he) in comparison of Christ I love [...]hem no [...]. Oh here was a spirit now! Oh, [...]irs, we must leave Father, and Mother, to come to Christ: You know Peter, to come to Christ, would go upon the bare water rather than fail, he went upon the Sea to [Page]Christ; truly it was a dangerous passage, [...] truly Peter bore up excellently well wh [...] his Faith bore up, but when his Faith [...] then Peter began to sink too. The World is [...] a Sea, in Da [...]el [...] the Re [...]elations, [...] we must go upon these Waters to Christ, & [...] sure to keep [...] Faith, & then you will hold [...] but if Faith fails, you will be sure to [...] Oh Sirs the Believer's love is unsatisfied [...] the Grave: None but Christ, none but Chri [...] said the Martyr; and as A [...]s [...]in said, Oh [...] take away all, [...]ly give [...]e thy self.

4. Love is compared to Fire, and it hath most vehement flame, in chap. 8.6. Now, Be [...] ved, the Saints love to Christ, 'tis not o [...] compared to fire, for its warming and heati [...] but for its kindling, and increasing, and b [...] ing and flaming; While I was [...]sing, says D [...] vid, the fire b [...]rned, Psal. 39.3. What fire? W [...] the [...]re in his heart, not the fire on his heart [...] And when the Apostles went to preach th [...] Gospel, the fire sat upon their Tongues, [...] Act [...] 2.3. Now, Beloved, As the Saints love [...] compared to fire in the Scripture; so you [...] find afflictions, and persecutions, [...]d perse [...] tors, and [...], and these cruel things [...] accompany the poor Saints in the World, [...] called waters and floods, in Dan. 9. and Psal. [...] and Mat. 7. But two Scripture, there are m [...] than ordinary, in R [...]. 17.15. there they be [...] [...]ed waters, The waters which thou s [...]vest where [...] Where s [...]t, they be People, and Multitu [...]s, and [...] tious, and [...], The Spirit opens it to [...] hands: and you have another full Scripture [...] Re. 1 [...].15. 'Tis said there of the Dragon. Th [...] [...][Page] [...] cast out much water like a s [...]ll after the [...]. [...]ow what is this flood here? Why this flood, is bloody persecutions and devilish superstiti [...]. Now, Beloved, How long hath the Dra [...] been spewing out this water upon the [...]rch, and wherefore is all this water thrown [...]t? Why, 'tis to quench this fire that I speak [...]; but can they do it? No, alas, they may [...]ew till their eyes fly out of their head, and [...] no purpose, Ca [...]. 8.7. Many waters cannot [...] love, neither c [...]n the [...]ds drown it; all the [...]dy persecutions and afflictions cannot [...]ch love; and therefore let wicked met: and forth as many floods as they will, it can [...]ot drown the Saints love. All the water [...] Saul and his parry threw after David, did [...] quench this: No, (says he) Though I walk [...]ough the Valley of the shadow of death, yet will I [...] ill, in Psal. 33.4. DAVID is not afraid to [...] by Death's door. [...] all the water that [...] and the Rulers threw after the Apostles, [...]ld never [...]nch [...] their love. Now, Belov [...]d, You shall [...]d, after the Apostles were whipt [...]ndly, they went [...]ay rejoycing, and re [...]red in this very thing, That they were accoun [...] worthy to suffer for Jesus Christ; And Heb. 10. [...] joyfully th [...] sp [...]ing of their goods. And [...] P [...]l, in Rom. 8.25. W [...]o shall s [...]p [...]rate us from [...] love of Christ; shall tribulation, or distress, or [...], or famine? and the like. Believe it, [...], all these be trying things, and yet says [...] shall s [...]parate [...]s from the lo [...]e of Christ? [...] no, they cannot do it, there's nothing shall [...] be able to separate us from the love of christ; so that the Believers love is not made [Page]of such metal to be quenched by this flood the Saints are all on fire for Christ. And s [...] we find that great flood which Nero and Julian poured out upon the Primitive Christians: what, did it quench the fire? I remember one of them said, (says he) Had I to Heads, they should all off for Christ. And another, (says he) If every hair of my head [...] a man, they should all suffer for Christ. Ala [...] the poor Christians catch their Tormen [...] like so many Crowns, and therefore the Scripture tells you, That many waters cannot q [...]e [...] love. Now, Beloved, put these four thing together, and it is very clear, that the Saint love to Christ is vehement and strong; the [...] will hang for him, they will burn for him, [...] any thing for him, suffer the great [...] tormen [...] rather than he should lose the least dram [...] glory. But you will say, Why do all Christ Subjects love him with this love? The [...] sons are two: 1. Because he deserves [...] 2. He commands it

First, Christ deserves our love: Why do [...] love him? Why he deserves it at [...] hands, were it ten thousand times mo [...] than 'tis. Beloved, 'twas he that created [...] 'tis he that sanctifies us, 'tis he that redee [...] ed us, and loved us, 'twas he that change [...] our natures, and pardons our sins, 'twas [...] that made our peace, and pacified his F [...] ther's wrath for us, and satisfied his Father justice for us, and wrought everlasting righteousness for us; 'twas he that bore o [...] [Page]Cross, that we might wear his Crown. He waded thro' a Sea of sufferings to bring pardon to our Souls: And doth not this Christ deserve our love? Oh infinitely, infinitely. And truly Sirs, the more Christ hath done and suffered for us, the deares should he be unto us. 2. As Christ deserves our love, so he commands it: Christ commands us to love him above life, above wife, above relations: Christ will have all, or none at all: Jesus Christ must weigh heavier than all relations in the ballance of our Affections, he commands us to love him above all. Application. I now proceed to the Application of all to our selves, which is the third thing in order to be handled, & I shall make three Ʋses of it:

1. For Consolation.

2. Examination.

3. Exhortation.

First of all, Is it so that Christ loves us with an everlasting and a never-dying Love? Why then here is comfort for you who are his people. I speak only now to such; Comfort ye, comfort ye, comfort ye my people, says God, Isa. 41.1. And says Christ, J [...]h. 14.1. Let not your hearts [...]e troubled: Christ would not have his poor Saints troubled: and says the Apostle, Rejoyce evermore, 1 Thes. 5.1 [...]. Rejoyce evermore! Alas, how can we rejoyce when men villifie us, when men reproach [...], and abuse us, and persecute us how can we rejoyce? But do but hark what Christ saith, Mat. 5.11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all manner[Page]of evil against you fal [...]y for my Name's sake. Mark, Blessedness goes in the first place▪ Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you. Oh, Sirs, 'tis matter of blessedness, and therefore be not cast down: You know what was said of old, In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good chear, I have overcome the world, Joh. 16. the la [...] Verse. O poor souls, this is all the H [...] that ever thou shalt have, therefore be of good chear; here thou hast thy bad things thy good things are to come; here thou ha [...] thy bitter things, but thy sweet things are to come; here thou hast thy prison, but thy palace is to come; here thou hast thy cross, thy crown is to come: here thou ha [...] thy rags, thy robes are to come; here thou hast thy sorrow, thy joy is to come; here thou hast thy hell, thy heaven is to come; after the cup of affliction, comes the [...]up of sa [...] vation: The sweetness of the Crown which shall he enjoyed, will make amends for the bitterness of the Cross which may be endured One passing by a place where a [...]ss lay o [...] the ground, he caused it to be rear'd up, and found much riches and treasures under it [...] Oh Sirs, under your greatest troubles lie your greatest treasures; the seed of sorrow [...] Earth, shall reap a golden crop of joy in Heaven: they that sow Holiness in the seed [...] of their Lives, shall reap Happiness in the [...] vest of Eternity. Oh Sirs. never think to have an end of your sorrow, till there be an en [...] [Page]of your sin. The Apostle tells us, Our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work for a [...] a for more exceeding and eternal wait of glory. Alas! what is a dram of reproach to a weight of glory: O what is a short moment of pain to eternity of pleasures? And therefore, Saints, be of good chear, here is comfort for you, your best days are to come, you are Subjects who are beloved entirely, cordially, infinitely, with an enduring love.

Use 2. For the use of Examination: Is it so that the Saints love to Christ is vehement and [...]rong? Why then, I beseech you, examine, & try, and search your selves, how do your pulses beat after Christ? O that you would but examine your selves, that you may know whose you are while you live, and whither you shall [...]o when you dy, and what will become of you to eternity. O Sirs, are you sick of love? that was the first: do you love Christ? are you sick of [...]ove for Christ? For the Lord's sake, Sirs, examine and try, and see whether you be sick of love to Christ; 'tis to be feared, there's but few [...] the World sick of that Disease: many are sick for Honours, that are [...]t ratties to still mens Ambitions; many are [...] for gold and silver, which is but a little shining dirt; many are sick [...] bloud, who eat up the Lords People like bread; [...]od will lay on such the hand of [...]ng [...]ance, who [...] on his Saints the hand of Violence; many are [...]k for Superstition, & the humane traditions of [...], which instead of bringing their Souls to heaven, will beguile them of Heaven; many [...] sick of their [...]erings; alas, who needs fear [...]he Cross that is sure of the Crown [...] but O [Page]how few are those that are sick of. love to Christ? how many are there in this Congregation, that are sick of love to Christ? For the Lord's sake do not deceive your selves, you see the Spouse was ready to swoon, and faint, and die for Christ.

Secondly, Her love was as strong as death, nay stronger than death: is your love so? O Soul canst thou endure a Prison for Christ, burning for Christ, hanging for Christ, forsaking all f [...] Christ? wilt thou venture on the Wayes f [...] Christ, as Peter did? O Sirs, for the Lord's sa [...] look to your selves, there are many profess lo [...] to Christ in words, but more that deny him [...] their works; God was never more in me [...] mouths, and never less in mens lives. Belov [...] is your love like the Grave, never satisfied Dost thou cry out more for Christ, Oh give [...] Christ, and take the World who will? Is th [...] flame in your souls? For the Lord's sake tr [...] your selves, deal cordially with your poor sou [...] Now Beloved, I have given you a taste of cr [...] sincere love, and blessed are they who cast the [...] love into the sweet bosome of their Maker.

Use 3. I shall now close all with a word [...] Exhortation: Well Si [...], if I should Preach [...] till to morrow Morning, what can I say [...] to you to make you to love Christ? H [...]t [...] lovely, H [...]s alto [...]r lovely; therefore love Chri [...] love Christ: All causes of love are in him; the [...] may be particular causes of love in Men and [...] g [...]l [...], but I say all causes of love are in Christ Oh Sir, love Christ. for if you do not, there [...] dreadful Curse pronounced against you: the [...] is no Heaven, no Happi [...]s, no Crown, without [Page]Christ; for in him doth all fulness dwell, and all the Treasures of Wisdom & Knowledge are in Christ, and the Father gives forth all his loving kindness through Christ. Beloved, is it not better swimming in the Water-works of Repentance, than burning in the Fire-works of Ve [...]geance? one of them you must: there's no coming to the fair Haven of Glory, without sailing through the narrow Strait of Repentan [...]: and therefore say what you will, unless you believe in your Saviour, your souls will be miserable forever; and therefore consider of what I have said, and the Lord give you under standing in all things. Love Christ more than ever, more than all, and above all, and then you shall be happy for evermore.

Christ is a King, Priest, and Prophet; a King for Government & Rule, a Priest for Sacrifice & Intercession, a Prophet for Preaching and Revealing the Secrets of his Father's Bosome.

Canticles 5.16.

BEloved, you know how far we proceeded the last Lord's Day. I finish'd the 6th. Particular, wherein Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, [...]th surmount and excel all other Kings, and it [...]s thus? Jesus Christ loves all his Subjects, & all [...]is Subjects love him: And I shewed you the wonderful love of Christ to his Subjects, and his subjects love to him, in many particulars: I [...]w proceed to other particulars wherein Christ excels the Kings of the earth.

Seventhly; Jesus Christ makes all his Subjects: [Page] By him were all things created that are in heaven, dr [...] as are in the ear [...], Col. 1.16. by him, by whom? by Jesus Christ, by Christ were all things [...]. He was in the world, and the world was made by [...], and the world knew him not, Joh. 1.10. & so i [...] v 3. All things were made by him, and without [...] nothing made. Jesus Christ he creates his subjects; he makes his subjects, and gives being to his subjects: in him we live, move, and [...]ove [...], Act [...]7.28. Our King gives us our beings he gives us a threefold being: Our first being in the state of Nature, our second being in the state of Grace and our third being in the state Glory This is the seventh thing wherein Jesus Christ excells all other Kings, he makes his subjects, which none else can do.

Eighthly, Christ is the richest of all Kings [...] O-Sir [...], he is rich in love, he is rich in knowledge, rich in goodness, rich in wisdom, rich in grace, rich in glory, he is as rich as the Father himself; the riches of the Deity are in him, in him dwe [...] [...] fulness [...]f the God-head bod [...], Col. 2.9. Mark [...], in h [...] there dwells a fulness: of what [...] why of the God-head; and not only so, but i [...] [...]well [...]in him bodily Alas, Sir, what [...] Princes single C [...]wns or the Pope's Tripp [...] Crown to Chirsts many Crowns: Christ [...] not one, or two, or three Crowns, but ma [...] Crowns upon [...], Rev. 19 [...] H [...] [...] as a [...] of five, and [...] h [...]a [...] wore m [...]ny [...], Christ as [...]her than any thing, [...] [...]cher than all the Kings in the World, for [...] is [...] of [...] things in is [...] 1.2. [...] the [...] of [...], he [...] let the Treasury of S. [...] [Page]at Venice, which was so much cry'd up through the World for a famous Treasury, he fell [...] gropping of it, to find whether it had any bottom, and being asked the reason of it, says he, My great Master's Treasury. [...]fers from yours in this, [...] hath [...] bottom, as I [...]a [...] yours hath, alluding to the Mines of the Indies. But alas, what is the Spaniards Treasure to Christ's Treasure, and what are his Mines to Christ's Mines? What are all the Jewels and Diamonds, and Crown, and Scepters of the Kings of the earth to Christ? the whole T [...]rkish Empire, says Luther, is but a [...]rust that God throws to dogs, which is a great part of the world indeed; but 'tis no more than [...] bone or crust, which God throws to [...]egs. Oh Sirs. Christ [...] Riches are so many they cannot be numbred, they are so precious they cannot be valued, so great they cannot be measured: Oh the infinite Riches of our King! Christ is [...] Mine of Cold, in which we must dig till we find Heaven.

Ninthly, Christ excels all other Kings in this too. He's a King whose power is ab [...]olut [...] o [...]er all Nations, and People, and Kindreds, and Tongues. Now, Beloved, though e [...]rchly Kings have a groat power, yet not an absolute power over all Nations, their power reaches no farther than their own Dominions: But now the [...]ower of Christ 'tis an absolute power over all Nations, Kindreds and People.

Tenthly Jesus Christ is a King who rules o [...]er the Souls and Consciences of men, over the will and hearts of men; other Kings may rule over the estates of men, over the bodies of man, but not over their Consciences: now this is [Page]Christs glory which he will give to no other; Christ by his power is able to subdue the wills of men, and the hearts of men, though never so stubborn and s [...]ut before. All the power in the World cannot do this; If all the Kings and Princes and Emperours in the World were put together, they were not able to subdue the heart of one poor man: they may beat his body, afflict his body, torment his body; but as for his heart, I say all the Kings and Potentates [...]. the World, nay, all the Angels in Heaven cannot subdue the heart of a poor si [...]ner; and this is the glory of Christ that He can d [...] this. Heart-work is Gods work; the great Heart-maker must be the great Heart-breaker [...] none can do it but he.

Eleventhly, Christ is a King that hath no need of any instruments, he makes, use of them sometimes, but he needs not any. Alas, Sirs, what can the Kings of the earth do without instruments? How can they govern their Kingdoms without instruments? They must have thi [...] instrument here, and the other there, or else farewel Crown and Kingdom quickly. But Jesus Christ has no need of any, he can do any thing by his own, power; by himself he destroyed Phar [...]h and his great host in the red sea, Exod. 14. By himself he overthrew Jericho, that great City, Josh. 6. By himself he smote that great Army of a thousand thousand men, the greatest Army that ever we read of, 2 Chron. 14.9. By himself he overthrew Ammon and Moab, and Mount Seer, who warr'd against Judah, this now he did by himself.

Secondly, See what he hath done by we [...]k means; by weak means he smote the Kings [Page]about Sodom; even by Abraham and his poor Family, Gen. 14. By weak means [...] [...]erthrew that mighty Army of the Midia [...]ites by Gide [...]us 300, J [...]g. 7. By weak means he destroyed great Go [...]ah, even by David; and great Sise [...]a by a woman. By weak means he destroyed a Garrison of the Philistines, even by Jonathan and his Armor-bearer, 1 Sam. 1 14 Now this he did by weak means, and much more. Now thirdly, See what be did contrary to means; Why contrary to means he delivered the three children from burning, being in the fire. Dan. 3. Contrary to means he delivered [...] from drowning, being in the Sea. Contrary to means he preserved Daniel from devouring being in a Den of Lyon [...]. Contrary to means he kept the Israelites from being drown'd, being in the Sea: I say this he [...]d contrary to means. And I might s [...]ew you what he hath done by contrary means, but I pass that, so that you see our King hath no need of Instruments, and therein he wonderfully excels all others.

Twelfthly, Christ is a King who will overcome and subdue all our Enemies, all our Enemies within us, and all our Enemies without us, our King will subdue them all. Our Enemies are very many, and very mighty, high in power, and high in pride, and we are very weak; we may all speak in Davids words, 2 Sam: 3. says he, I am this day weak, though a [...]nted King. How? David, weak to day, and yet made King to day? Yes, says he, the sons of Zerviah are too hard for me: Why, but Sirs, Jesus Christ is King of Kings, King [Page]those all Kings, and over all Kings, and he [...] reign till he hath put all h [...]s Enemies under his feet, in 1 Cor. 15.25 Mark, he must Reign, he must of necessity, God hath spoken it, till he hath put all his Enemies under his Feet, not only some, but all. Oh this is good News to Saint [...] excellent News, what King can [...]o thus but Christ? what King can put all his Enemies under his feet? What earthly King can subdue all his Enemies? Alas, they cannot subdue their own, for some Kings that we read o [...] have fell before their Enemie; for want of strength; Richard the Third cried out in his distress, A Kingdom for a Horse, a Kingdom for [...] [...]orse; and yet all this could not save his life. Alas, alas, th [...] most flourishing Kings have been so far from subduing their Subjects Enemies, that they cannot subdue their own, but Jesus Christ can subdue all his Enemies, He hath [...] power in Heaven and Earth given to him, in Matt. 28. So that if he speaks the word, all his Enemies are overthrown even in a moment.

In the Thirteenth place, Christ surmount [...] all other Kings in this, he is a King that gives his Subjects the richest and best gifts of any other King whatsoever, in Joh. 10.28. My sheep says he, hear my voice, and they know [...], and they follow me, and I give to them eternal life. T [...] wise God, that he may in [...]ite and encourage poor souls to holiness of life, sets before their eyes the recompence of reward: that if the equity of his precepts do not prevail the excellency of his promises may; he would fai [...] catch men with a golden bait, Abraham's [...] [...]ant gave Jewels of silver, and Jewels of gold [Page]to Rebe [...], that he might w [...] her heart o [...] to Isa [...], in Gen. 24. Oh the Jewels, the excellent Jewels that Christ gives to poor souls to win their hearts unto him; Christ gives us richly all things to enjoy; what can you desire more? 1 Tim. 6. [...] Alas, the men of the earth give but poo [...]ly and penuriously, but Christ gives, richly Christ gives freely, no man in the World gives so freely as Christ, Christ gives frequently, every day, every hour, be scattereth Jewels to poor souls. The great King of Person gave two of his Courtiets, to the one a Golden Cup, to the other a Kiss, and be than had the Cup complain'd to the King that his Fellow's Kiss was better than his Golden Cup. Oh, Sirs. Christ doth not put us off with a Cup of Gold, but gives us the Kiss; he gives the best gifts to his best beloved [...]es, he gives his best love, his best joy, his best peace, his best mercies. Oh where is there a King like this King? alas, earthly Kings may give great Titles, or a place in the Court, and the like, they may give a Title to day, and a Halter to morrow, as in the case of Haman; he may smile to day, and frown to morrow; kiss to day and; kill to morrow; [...]ut Christ doth not so, he gives the best of every thing, the best of his love, his best blood, not the blood of his, singers, but the blood of his heart. Oh, Sirs, how far doth Christ excel all other in giving to his Subjects the best gifts. Oh, Sirs, what a gift is heaven, what a gift is pardon, of sin! what King can give his people such gifts; and herein the Lord Jesus infinitely excels all others.

[Page] 14. In the last place, Christ makes all hi [...] Subjects free, there is not one subject that [...] hath, but is a free man and woman. The [...] are some things that Christ frees us from, and some things that he makes us free of; some things he frees us from and what is that? wh [...] that which if we were not freed from, would undo us to all eternity. First, He frees [...] from the Curse, the cursed Curse: if Christ ha [...] not freed us from the Curse, we had lived cursedly, and died most cursedly, and been dam [...] ed for ever; but Jesus Christ hath freed us, in Gal. 3. Stand fast, says Paul, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; and in Joh. 8. [...] the Son make you free, then you are free indeed. Again, he frees us from the guilt of sin; o [...] pride would damn us, our covetousness would damn us, our unbelief, would damn us, had not he freed us from the guilt of sin; but Christ frees his people from this. Again, He hath freed us from the power of the Devil, insomuch that the Devil hath nothing to do with us, in Acts 26 and he frees us from the flames of hell, the torments of hell, from the pit of hell [...] Christ hath cut off the intail of hell and damnation, in [...] Thes. 1. He hath freed us from wrath to come, that is, Christ he hath freed us from the flames of hell. Again, Christ hath freed us from slavery, from bondage, from [...] yoke, in Cal. 3.1. Sta [...] f [...]st in the liberty wh [...] with Christ hath made you free, and be not again in [...]angled in the yoke of bondage We are no mor [...] strangers and forreigners, but fellow-citizens with the Sai [...]s, and of the houshold of God. in Eph. 2.9. And Christ tells us himself, in Mat. 11. the [...]. [Page]vers. My yoak is easie and my burden is light: here we have burden upon burden, yoak upon yoak; but says Christ, my yoak is easie, and my burden is light: Christ hath delivered us from slavery, we are not under the Law, but under Grace. These things we are freed from. And there are other things we are made free of, and that in Heaven: we are all made free men and women of the new Jerusalem, and we may trade there, and have as good right there as any other Saints; we are fellow Citizens with the Saints, free men of Heaven, not only of Heaven, but of all the Promises and all the Priviledges that the Saints enjoy. N [...]w is not this a wonderful mercy that our King hath done for us? he hath freed us from all those miserie [...] which would ruin us forever, and made us free of all the excellent [...]iviledges whatsoever which poor souls can enjoy. Now on how far doth Christ excel [...] [...]ther Kings? the Rulers of the earth they may perhaps some of them at least, lay heavy burdens, upon the consciences of men, & bodies of [...]n, and the estates, of men; but Christ [...] burden upon us, No, Christ h [...] made [...]s free, and no people so [...] because Christ hath f [...]d us upon the Cross [...] [...]aht it dear enough, it cost him [...] his noble blood. I might name more particulars wherein Christ excels all other Kings, but I think these are very sufficient to demonstrate it.

[...] Ʋse. I shall close up this head w [...] a [Page]word of Application, and so shall finish this second Title, King of Kings. 1. Is it so that Christ is a three-fold King, as I have shewed you, and he is a King that doth so far surmount all the Kings of the earth? Oh then however the World goe's here is comfort for Saints, that they have such a King. Oh what a mercy is this, what a comfort is this to the Lords people, that Christ is a King above all Kings, and over all Kings, and must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet! all his enemies must be brought down and made his Foot-stool. Now this should comfort the people of God, and teach them to wait Christ's leisure, and let him alone; some earthly Kings would do great matters, but they want power; but Christ wants no power, for all power is given him in heaven and earth. Now, Sirs, did you really believe thus, that all power is given to Christ, certainly it would be a cordial to revive you in the worst of times, and saddest of tryals. He who is our Saviour, he who is our Head, our Brother, our Friend, is King of Kings. Oh, Sirs, this Doctrine of Christ's Kingly power it is a very sweet Doctrine to the Members of Christ: and I beseech you let these considerations which I have laid before you bear up your spirits. I have shewed you with what an entire love Christ loves his subjects, he is King of Kings, and can do any thing without instruments, he needs none to help him to do his work, he can if [Page]he pleaseth, inable the most despicable creatures, as Flies, and Frogs, and Catterpillers and Gra [...]hoppers to do his work: Therefore let these considerations take the impression upon your souls. If a man should tell you your Brother or Sister beyond the Seas were advanced to great honour; as Joseph when he heard his Father was alive go, says he, and tell my father of all my glory and greatness in Egypt, he'll rejoyce a [...]. Now I have [...]ld you a relation of the excellency of Christ's Kingly power; and therefore let this quiet your spirit, Be still, says the Lord, and know that I am God, Psa. 46. 'Tis enough for you to know that I am God, therefore be still, consider what I am.

2. Ʋse. Secondly, By way of Exhortation, I have one word to say to the Saints, and another to Sinners.

1. To Saints; If it be so that Christ is King of Kings, King above all Kings, and over all Kings, Oh then you who are the people of God, you who are near and dear to him, upon whom and in whom Christ is formed and stampt, Oh that you would give all glory, and praise, and honour to Christ, study to advance his fame, He hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, saith the Apostle, to shew forth his praise. Oh Sirs, this should be our great endeavour: Oh that you who pretend friendship and love to Christ would endeavour in your places to advance Christ!

2. A word or two to such as are none of the subjects of [Page]Christ. Let me exhort you to believe in Christ; embrace him, receive him, to lay hold upon him, to be one with him, or else thou wilt one day cry out as that King did in distress, Oh, a Kingdom for a Horse, a Kingdom for a Christ. Oh thou wouldst give ten thousand worlds if thou hadst them to give, for a part in Christ. Alas, sinner, what is the reason that Christ is no more in thy [...]eem? thou wilt part with Christ rather than part with thy swea [...]ing, and drunkeness, and filthiness; O this is sad, there is no other Name under Heaven whereby we can be saved: he is the desire of all Nations, and we can never be happy without him; and the [...]ore, for the Lord's sake, Sirs, as you love your souls, lay [...]rd upon him, that he may be the Saviour of our souls, the joy of your hearts, and your all in all. For the Lord's sake Sirs, consider of it, you that do yet stand out against Christ; Oh that I could but tempt you into Christ! Oh that I could prevail with you to love Christ, and to have strong desires after him Alas, Sirs, if you do not believe and part with all your iniquities, you must part with Christ at last; and what a sad parting will that be to part with God, and Christ, and Heaven, when thou shalt come to know what thou hast lost, by hugging thy darling corruptions? Oh what a sad condition will it be! and therefore, I beseech you think of it in time, and believe in your Saviour, that your souls may be saved in the day of Christ.

Mighty God.
Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

[Page]

Cant 5.16.

He is altogether lovely.

I Finisht the second Title which is given to Christ in Scripture, King of Kings. I now proceed to a third, and that is, Mighty God; one of Christ's Titl [...]e is, The Mighty God. You have it in Isa. 9.6. he is there called, The Mighty God. Beloved, I have shewed you from the second Title, That Christ is a great King, a King above all Kings, a King over all Kings, and the King of Kings, and that his Laws are most equal, his Subjects most happy, having no other Tax [...]aid upon them, than Love and Fear. But now this Title holdeth him forth, not only as a great King, but as a great God, before wh [...] all the Kings and Kingdoms are but as a little [...], or a small dust, Isa. 40. From this Title, The Mighty God, I shall lay down this Proposition That Jesus Christ is true and perfect God. [...]hat Jesus Christ is true and perfect God, that is the point which I shall insist upon. There are two sorts of People in the World that deny my Doctrine, who deny the Deity of Jesus Christ, who say the second Person in the Trinity is not God.

1. The Unbelieving Jews. If Christ had came [Page]as the Jews dreamed, as a great Monarch, trea [...] ing upon nothing but Crowns and Scepters, and the necks of Kings, and had all the Potentates of the Earth to attend his Train; I say, had Christ come in this worldly glory, and pomp, and power, then it may be the Jews would have believed on him, may be then he should have been their God. But now, Beloved, because Christ came poorly, and meanly, and made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, as the Scripture saith, Phil. 2 7. He took none of this gallantry, none of this bravery upon him, but made himself of no reputation, and therefore the Jews slighted him, and disowned him. The Tur [...]s mock us at this day with our crucified God; Oh, say they, you worship a crucified God: and some of the Heathens said, They would not believe in a hanged God. O blessed Jesus, thus art thou reproached and despised by the unbelieving World, because thou camest poorly, and diest shamefully for our sins. They who despise the death of the Lamb, shall surely feel the wrath of the Lamb. They who turn away their ears from hearing Christ's voice now, Christ will turn away his ears from hearing their cries then.

2. There be others that deny the Deity of Christ, and they are some seditious ones in this Nation, who say, that Christ is but meer Man, and that every Saint is as much God as Christ: And further, they say, that to equal Christ with God, is high Blasphemy. They that [...]id not own them at his first [...]ing, Christ will not [...] them at the second [...]ing: they that will not[Page]obey the t [...]ut [...] of God revealed from heaven unto them, shall suffer the wrath of God revealed from known against them. O ye Blasphemers, ye say, the-Son is not God, the Father saith, he is God: now who speaks true, God or you? Let God be true, and every m [...]n a lyar. That it is so, I shall give you most clear proof, express Scriptures spake it forth, that Jesus Christ is true and perfect God, T [...]. 2.13. says the Apostle there; Looking for the [...] hope, [...] glorious appearance of the great God Mark Christ is here not only called God, but Great God. Oh Saints, he that c [...]me from Heaven to make us Righteous, will also come from Heaven to make us Glorious: Looking for the bless [...] hope, [...] glorious appearance of Jesus Christ. Not only so, but Christ is also called Mighty God, Isa 6.9. Wonderful Counseller, the Mighty God. Nay, not only Mighty God, but again, God blessed for ever; Christ is God blessed for ever, Rom. 9.5. Not only God blessed for ever, but the true God. Joh. 5.20. Jesus Christ is there called, the tr [...] God. [...] [...]nly the true God, but a God for ever and ever. Heb. 1.8. Mark there, unto the Son he said, Thy Throne is for ever and ever. The Father he calls the Son God himself, and therefore well may we: Unto the Son he said, Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever. Thus you see the Doctrine fully proved, that Jesus Christ is true and perfect God. But, Beloved, because the Deity of Christ is so much questioned at this day, and this being one of the serious and chiefest points in Di [...]inity, therefore I shall give you some Considerations or Demonstrations, or Arguments to fortifie you against this great Error before named. [Page]1. That Jesus Christ is true and perfect God, he is for Time co-eternal, for Nature co-essential, for Dignity co-equal with the Father▪ 1. For Time co-eternal, Joh. 17.5. O Father, glorifie thou me with thy self, with that glory which [...] thee before the world was. You see he [...] Sirs, Christ was before the world was, Christ was from everlasting, from the beginning Prov. [...] 23 speaking concerning Christ, I wa [...] set from everlasting, from the beginning, before [...] ver the Earth wa [...] And therefore Christ [...] called the [...] 6. So [...] Rev [...] Christ there speaking of [...] say [...] he, [...] whi [...]h was, [...] [...]ighty, Mark, Sirs, Christ is the [...]s [...]me before Time in Time, and after Time; which was, and i [...] [...]nd is to come Now, Beloved, none can be Eternal but God, but Christ is Eternal, and therefore he is God, and co-eternal with his Father.

2. He is for Nature co-essential; I and my Father are one, saith Christ, Joh. 10.30. So again. Joh. 1 [...] 5, 7. There are three [...] record i [...] heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, and these thre [...] are one. Mark here, they are one, Joh. 14.1. When Philip desires to see the Father, Sh [...]w at the Father, and it is enough; says Christ in the [...] and to verses, He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father: How so [...] For I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. So that you see Christ is more than meer Man, he's one with the Father. Oh, Sirs, he is the [...], the God-man, if you make the Son meer Man, you must make the Father so too.

[Page] 3. He is for Dignity co-equal with the Father, Phil. 2.6. Who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with his Father. Christ thought it no diminution of his Fathers glory, to be equal with his Father in glory. And you shall further find, that all the honour which belongs to God the Father, the Father hath commanded us to give it to the Son. You have a full Te [...]t, Jo [...]. 5.23. That all men should honour the son even as they honour the Father: For he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father. Therefore tis clear to every eye, that Christ is for Dignity co-equal with the Father: for the Father hath commanded us to give the same Honour to Christ which is due to him; so that [...], certainly, to equal Christ with God, for in him are the r [...]n [...]s of the Deity, and the [...] of the God-head [...] him, as you may see, Col. 2.9. This is the first Argument, he's for Time co-eternal, for Nature co-essential, for Dignity co equal with the Father.

Secondly, I shall lay down this Argument to prove the Deity of Jesus Christ; consider the work of Creation; surely he that made Heaven and Earth, must needs be a God, you will yield to this, for says the Lord himself, All the Gods that have not made heaven and earth, shall perish from the earth, and from under heaven, Jer. 10.11. But now, Beloved, Jesus Christ made the Heavens and the Earth, and all things therein, and therefore he is God: [Page]See a few Scriptures for this, Joh. 1.3. All things were made by him. Mark, this is by Christ, all things were made by him, and without him was nothing made that was made, Col. 1.16. By him were all things created in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, all things were made by him and for him. So again, Joh 1.10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Now Beloved, had Christ been less than God he could not have made Heaven and Earth, and therefore he is a God of Glory, the great God that now sits upon the Throne; for he created the Heavens and the Earth, and all things therein.

3. That Christ is the true and perfect God, appears if you consider the works and miracles which he did in the days of his flesh; here is another unanswerable Argument to prove the God-head of Jesus Christ. The winds and the Seas obey him, the Devil came out of the possessed, the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the deaf heard, the dumb spake, lepers were cleansed, the dead were raised, the sick were healed. Oh, who could do this but God▪ as you may see, Mat 11.5. But you may say, the Apostles did great Miracles, and yet were no Gods. Why, 'tis true; they did great Miracles, but in whose Name did they do it [...] and by whose power and strength did they do't? was it in their own names, and by their own power? No, Beloved, they themselves confess the contrary, Act. 12.13. they [Page]tell you, It is not by their own power, but in the Name and power of Jesus Christ, so in Act. 4.10. We do it in the Name of Christ. So that, Beloved, this is a strong Argument to prove the Deity of Christ; they did great Miracles in his Name, and by his power his Disciples did great Miracles. And with this Christ satisfied the Disciples of John, Go and tell what things you hear and see, how the lame walk, and the blind receive their sight, go & tell John. Now I say, these great things could be done by none but a great God; & therefore Jesus Christ is not only the Son of Man, but the Son of God, even the God blessed for ever.

But 4ly, Consider Divine Worship is due unto Christ▪ now you know Worship is proper only to God, Worship him that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea, said the Angel, Re. 14.7. Worship only is proper to God alone. Now, Beloved, all the Acts of Worship that belong to God the Father, are given to the Son Jesus Christ, both Angels and men are commanded to worship him as well as we, Heb. 1 6. Let the Angels of God worship him, & in Phil. 2.10. That at the Name of Jesus every knee should [...]ow, of things in heaven, & things on the Earth. Mark, Sirs, things in Heaven, as well as things on Earth, must worship Christ & Christ himself says, [...] 14.1. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. Mark, Sirs, speaking to those that believed in God, says he, Ye believe in God; believe also in [...]. Now, Beloved, we are commanded to pray to Christ, to glorifie [Page]Christ, to believe in Christ, to honour Christ, and worship Christ, and therefore the Saint [...] have prayed, Lord Jesus receive my spirit; as St [...] phen did: so that you see Worship is due to Christ both from Angels and men, and therefore he must needs be God.

5ly, There were clear Predictions of the coming of Christ, under the Old Testament. No sooner was man fallen, but Christ was promised, The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpe [...]ts head. All the Prophets foretold of the Messiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Daniel, Malachy, and the rest of them, how falsly he should be accused, and how basely he should be used; and this will be enough to condemn the unbelieving Jews, and make them speechless in the great day of Account. I might gi [...]e you the Sayings of the same Prophets, but you may find them your selves; search the Old Testament, and you will find them all speak more or less of Jesus Christ. Thus ha [...]e I clearly proved, by express Scripture, and undeniable Arguments, that Jesus Christ is true and perfect God. I proceed to the Use and Appl [...]cation of it to our sel [...]es. Use. The first Use shall be for Information; if it be so, that Jesus Christ is true and perfect God, then, though this be a strange truth to some, yet it is a sound truth: though the Mystery be deep, yet the Di [...]i [...]ity is true, that he who made man, became man, suffered by man, and for man: W [...]th [...] controversi [...], says the Apostle, great is the myste [...]y of godlin [...]ss. What is the matter? God manif [...]st [...] in the flesh. 1 Tim. 3.16. Without contro [...]ersie without all doubt, a great mystery says the Apostle, God manif [...]sted[Page]in the flesh. The School-men compare the Incarnation of Jesus Christ to [...] Garment made by three Sisters, and one of them wears it. [...] all the three Persons in the Trinity had a ha [...] in the Garment of Christ's Flesh, but the [...] cond Person He wore it, He was God mani [...]st in the flesh; and this is a great mystery. And truly, Sirs, i [...] is a great mystery for Happiness to become a Curse, Gal. 3. for him that made the Angels, to become [...] th [...] the Angel [...]. Heb. [...]. for the Creator to become a Creature: for him that had the riches of all in him, [...] become poor; Oh this is a great mystery, th [...]t he, whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain his glory, would be wrap [...] in the r [...]gs of flesh, that the great God should take upon him a piece of Earth, that he who hangs the Earth upon nothing, should hang upon a Cross, between two Thieves, truly a great Mystery; that he who rules the Stars, should suck the Breasts; that he who thunders in the Clouds, should be cra [...]ed in a Manger. Oh a great mystery, that Abraham's Lord should become [...] Son; that the God of Abra [...]am should take upon him Ab [...]aham's Seed, what a mystery is this? He was conceived in the bowels of his Mother, that he might be received into the b [...]s [...]me of his [...]ther. Therefore saith the Apostle, [...] great [...]s the mystery of [...], Go [...] [...] in the fl [...]sh. God's Son became Man's Son, that we poor mens sons might become God's sons, 2. But secondly, is Jesus Christ true and perfect God? My second inference is this, that Jesus is a precio [...]s Christ: He is Honey in the Mouth, Beauty in [Page]the Eye, Joy in the Heart, and Musick in the Ear. Let all their money perish with them, who [...]em all the gold in the world worth [...] days s [...]ciety with Jesus Christ, said that great Mar [...]ess when he was tempted with Money. Oh, S [...]rs, Christ's Members are the happiest, Christ [...]s Comforts are the sweetest, Christ's Reward the highest. Christ's. Precepts are the put off, Christ's Glory is the greatest, Christ's Love is the tru [...]st, Christ's Riches are the most precious. He is the Glory of God, the Paradise of Angels, the Beauty of Heaven the Redeemer of Men. In He [...]. 1.3. He is there called, The [...]ightness of his Father's Glory. He is the rich Jewel in the Cabir [...] of Glory [...] is that sparkling Pearl, whosoever hath [...]un, cannot be poor, and whosoever wants him, cannot be rich.

Thirdly, If Christ be true and perfect God, the [...] Christ's Members are the greatest and happiest: Christ is God Almighty's only Son, believers are God Almighty's only Daught [...]rs. You read of God's Daughter, in [...]sal 45. Christ is the King, Believers are the Queen. Ch [...]st is the Bridegroom, Believers are his Bride; Christ is the Lamb, Believers are his Wife, R [...]. 21.9. What shall I say? The Angels in glory are in a [...]very glorious sta [...]e, and yet let me tell you, Believers in Christ be higher than Angels; they are Servants, we are Members: they be the Friends of the Bri [...]g [...]m, we are th [...] Bride; they have their personal glory, we [Page]have the same glory for substance with Jesus Christ, Joh. 17. The glory which thou givest me, says Christ, I have given them. Believers be nearer the Throne than Angels, and this doth wonderfully speak out, that we are higher than the Angels, in Rev. 5. The four beasts are ma [...]r the Thr [...]me than the Angels. Oh, Beloved, how are Believers advanced, how high are we become, poor dust and ashes, to be above Angels! And this is the great happiness which we get by Christ's assuming our Nature for the salvation of our souls. Again, Christ's Members be not only the greatest, but the happiest; our renewed condition is as good in Christ, as it was [...]ad in Adam. Oh, Sirs, we were not more cursed out of Christ, than we are blessed in Christ; Christ is as full of life, as Adam was full of death; Christ is as full of sweetness to us, as Adam was of bitterness to us. Truly, Soul, if thou canst say Christ is thine, I will speak next, and say, Soul, thou hast that which is more worth than a Kings Ransom, that which is more worth than all that which the Devil promised Christ, when he shewed him all the Kingdoms of the World. Oh the happiness of poor Believers! Th [...]re is [...]o condemnation to them who belong to Christ Jesus, says Paul, Rom. 8.1. Therefore they are happy. But, Fourthly, Is Christ Jesus true and perfect God? then we infer from hence, that Gods love and good will to mankind was very great. That Jesus Christ should come from Heaven to take our Nature, that we might be partakers of the Divine Nature. Christ took upon him our shame, that we might be partakers of his glory. One drop of his blood is more worth then a Sea of ours, and [Page]yet he died our death, that we might live his life; he suffered our Hell, that we might enjoy his Heaven. Oh how infinitely did he love us! He endured the forests pains, that we might enjoy the sweetest pleasures. The Scripture tells [...]s, that he came leaping, he came with such a good will, he came leaping. As you know when a man goes leaping, you may know that it is with a good will; he came leaping and skipping, C [...]. He came leaping upon the mountains, & skipping on the hills. Leaping, says Gregory, How so? Why, says he, from the Throne to the Womb, from the Womb to the Cradle, from the Cradle to the Cross, and from thence to the Throne again; this was his leap. Oh Sirs, Oh Sirs, how much did this Jesus suffer for poor Believers! he was hang'd upon the Cross in Mount Calvary, that we might sit upon the Throne in Mount Sion.

2. Use. Secondly, by way of Exhortation.

First, To sinners, to unbelievers, to graceless persons, I have a few words to say. Oh Sirs, Oh Sirs, methinks I cannot but do towards you as Christ once did towards [...]r [...]a [...]m, when he came nigh the City, he wept ever it. I rely, sinners, your stare is? we [...]p [...]g stare your state is a miserable state, you [...]e [...]pe [...] to all the Wrath all the Vengeance, all the Curses under Heaven O poor miserable sinner [...] I cannot you pity your selves! the Lord of Heaven p [...]y you [...]. Did Jesus Christ come from [...] to yo [...] [...]inners and will not you come [...] your [...]ins toc [...]u [...] to Christ Did Christ, [...] from his [...]then Bosom, and lest his [...] as his glory to c [...]e to the poor lost World, and [Page]to die and suffer here for poor lost Sinners, and what, Sinner, will this make no impression upon you? Let me tell you Sirs, Christ came into the World for no other end and reason, but only to die for poor Sinners. It was the great design of Christ to save poor Sinners. Sirs, if you will not credit me look into the Scripture, and them surely you will believe it, 1 Tim. 5.16. This is a faithful [...]ing, saith the Apostle, [...]d worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners. Mark, Sirs, he came into the World to save Sinners: Christ hanged upon the Cross, and wept upon the Cross, and died upon the Cross to save Sinners. It was for poor Sinners all the hardship, all the wants, all the trials and buffettings which he met with, it was for the sakes of poor Sinners; Christ hath suffered all this wo and misery for thee, and wilt not thou leave thy swearing, and thy drunkenness, and wickedness for Christ? Oh how canst thou answer this before God Almighty, that Jesus Christ, the King [...] King, should come into the World, and abase himself so much as to be [...]n a mean estate, and yet that this should nothing affect you? Oh who will pity you when you are damned, when you are how ling and scaring in Hell, that would not pity your selves. Oh for th [...] Lords sake con [...] that God should come and take our Nature, [...]at he should take our K [...]gs, that we might we [...] h [...]s Robes: and what, will you rather [...]e [...] in your sins and die than come to Christ for life▪ Oh sinners, for the Lords sake put off your Beggars Rags, that you may put on his lovely Robes. I have read of Al [...]r the Great, th [...] when he came against [Page]a City, he used to set up a Candle, and if they yielded before the Candle was out, they should have quarter; but if they stood out, then they must expect nothing but hanging, drawing, & quartering. O Sirs, Christ sets up a Candle to thee, and if thou wilt come in to day, thou shalt have mercy, or else there will be none. If all the Angels and Saints in Heaven should fall upon their knees, and say, O Lord, spare this poor creature one dram of mercy for him, it would not be regarded, the Lord will not hear them: and therefore for the Lords sake consider, men are sentenced not only for their sinfulness, but for their slothfulness, men may pe [...]ish for being servants that are unprofitable, as well as for sinners that are abominable: methinks you should take as much delight in those Precepts that enjoy [...] holiness, as in those Promises that assure happiness; if the day of Mercy leave you graceless, the day of Judgment will find you speechless; though you may resist the judgment that he lays before you, yet you can never resist the judgment that he lays upon you; there is no standing before Christ, but by standing in Christ: ungodly men fear no wrath, because they feel no wrath, because they sin unpunished, they think there is no punishment for their sins; because he go [...]th on to spare them, they go on to provoke him; as he adds to their lives, they add to their lusts; because he is very merciful, they will be very sinful; because he is very good, they will be very bad; because Justice winks, men think he is blind; because he doth not reprove 'em for their sins, therefore they think he doth approve them in their sins. But inraged [Page]Justice will avenge the quarrel of abused Mercy; the longer God forbears, not finding amendment, the sorer he strikes when he comes to Judgment. O Sinners, though the patience of God be lasting, it is not everlasting; if by the warning piece of God you be not reformed, you shall be consumed: the longer God is fetching about his hand, the he [...]vier will be the [...] when it comes: I gave he [...] spot [...] to repent of h [...] fornication, but she repented not; what follows? Behold, I will c [...]st [...]er into a bed, and they that commit adultery with her, Rev. 2.21, 22. The day that begins in Mercy, may end in Judgment; God is silent as long as our sins will [...] him be quiet. But know that God hath Vials of Wrath [...]lled with Indignation, for Vessels of Wrath fitted for destruction; if Gods Mercy do not draw you to Repentance, Gods Judgments will drive you to Destruction; the Sea of Damnation shall not be sweetned with a drop of Compassion. Oh sinners, either seek out a Saviour to deliver you from the Wrath of God, or else find out a shoulder to bear up under the Wrath of God. Oh that you would but consider your ways; hath not God said, That no Swearer, not Drunkard, nor Wh [...]remengers, nor Adulterers, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? and such are some of you, God knows it, and your conscience knows it, and yet you flatter your selves, [...] speak peace to your selves, when God speaks not a word of peace to you. Oh Sinners, think of this before the bottomless Pit hath shut her mouth upon you. Oh do no longer neglect God and your own salvation. Heb. 2.3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? If you neglect [Page]the great Salvation, you cannot escape the great Damnation. 2dly, Believers, let me beseech you to stand fast, and to hold fast that which you have already, Rev. 2. [...]5. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life, ver. 13. He hath a Crown for Runners, but a Curse for Runaways. As you look for happiness as long as God hath a being in Heaven so God looketh for holiness as long as you have a being on Earth. As many as walk according to this Rule peace he upon them, Gal. 6.16. To tread in any other path on Earth, is but to mistake your way to Heaven; whilst you are o [...] this side Eternity, you must hold the Scep [...] of Grace in your hands, till God sets the Crown of Glory upon your heads; this is the sparkling Diamond that's set in the Apostle's Crown, 2 Tim. 3.7. I have sought a good fight, I have finish [...] [...]y [...]rse, I have kept for faith. O Believers, it will be your happiness, your glory, your honour another day, if in this day you be found faithful. Oh do not you turn your backs upon the truths of God, as too many i [...] our days have done; they have gone from ou [...] Religion unto all, till at last they have come from all Religions unto none: that man's beginning was in Hypocrisie, whose ending is in Apostasie; Indifferency in Religion, is the next step to Apostacy from Religion. O do not make him a stone of stumbling, that God hath made to be a stone for building. If the Golden Chain of Duty will not hold you, the [...] chain of Darkness shall bind you; if you abuse your liberty in one world, you will lose your liberty in another. If you had made as much conscience [Page]in your liberty, as you have had liberty for your conscience it had been well: that soal was never related to Carist; that soul was never related to Christ: there is no obtaining the price of Happiness, without running the [...]ce of Happiness. Oh for the Lords sake, do not you begin in the spirit, and end in the fl [...]sh. Oh do not you put your hand to the [...]low, and look backward be not true to the Fa [...] of [...], and false to the God of Truth; keep close to the Son of God, to the Word of Cod. to the [...]dinances of God, to the Day of God, to the Ministers of God, to the People of God, and thou wilt be safe, Gal. 6.9. Be not [...]ary i [...] [...]ll doing, s [...]r in [...] se [...] you shall reap if [...] [...]i [...]t n [...]t. I shall wind up all with that saying of Ig [...]tius, They who ad [...]re to them [...] ad [...]ere not to truth, shall [...] inherit the Kingdom of God.

The Everlasting Father.
Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

Cant 5.16.

He is altogether lovely.

MAn is the excellency of the Creature, the Saint is the excellency of the Man, Grace is the excellency of the Saint, Glory is the excellency of Grace. I now proceed to a fourth Title, and that is, The Everlasting [Page]Father. For this, see Isa. 9.6. Beloved, we have shewed you from the third Title, Mighty God, that Jesus Christ is true and perfect God, a mighty God, mighty with God, mighty as God, the great and mighty God: but now this fourth Title holdeth him forth to be a Father, not only a Father, but an Everlasting Father, The Everlasting Father. The Proposition which I shall lay down from this Title is this, That God in Christ is a Believer's Everlasting Father. That I may clear up this point, I shall lay down these truths.

First, That God in Christ, the Everlasting Father, hath-begot himself in us, and us in himself; He is both the Author and Finisher of all [...] Faith, Heb. 12.2. of all our Joy, of all our Peace, of all our Life, of all our Salvation; he is a Father ever begetting and bringing forth himself in us, his light is in [...] his love is in us, his nature is in us, his wisdom is in us, his power and strength is in us, Of his fulness we have a [...]l received gr [...] f [...]r gra [...], Joh. 1.16. We Belierers, we in time past, we in time present, we in time to come; we that were, we that are, we that shall [...] hereafter, shall receive of his fulness; and therefore he is called, The Everlasting Father. He is the Sun, we are the Beams; he is the Fountain, we are the Streams; he is the Root, we are the Branches; he is the Head, we are the Members; he is the Father, we are the Children: and hence it is, that [...] lievers are called his Off-spring; we are the Off-spring of God, saith the Apostle. In C [...] ation God hath given us to our selves, but in [Page]redemption he hath given himself to us; 'tis a greater favour to be converted, than to be created; yea, far better to have no being, than not to have a new being: 'tis only the new creatures that are heirs of the new Jerusalem.

2. God in Christ calleth all his children by his Name, he putteth his Name upon them. Do you mark Sirs, I will write upon them the Name of [...]y God, in Rev. 3.12. The Saints are called Godly, from God; Christians from Christ; Spiritual from the Spirit; and Heavenly, from Heaven, because their conversation is there, because their Head is there, and they be heirs of Heaven: So the Wicked be called Devilish fr [...]m the Devil; and Cursed, from the Curse; and Worldling from the World; and Sinners from Sin. O [...] the difference, the great difference that there is between the names of Saints, and the names of the Wicked. The ungodly be called d [...]gs, cip [...]r [...], swine, th [...]rns, and ravening [...], who lick up, and suck the blood of the Innocent; but the Saints they are called Jewels, Treasures, Kings, [...]wes, Li [...]lies, and Heirs of Glory. And hence it is that some good men have gloried more in their name Christian, than in their name Emperour; and have thought it greater honour to be a Member of Christ, than to be a King upon a T [...] a greater honour to be one of Christ's li [...] Ones, than one of the World's great One [...]. Indeed, Sirs, a good heart is better than [...] great estate; inward holiness is better than [Page]outward happiness, a Christ without honours, is better than honours without a Christ; Piety without Prosperity, is better than Prosperity without Piety. Goodness without Greatness, is better than Greatness without Goodness. That's the second.

3. God in Christ is a Father, who is tender and full of bowels towards his poor Children; when we were full of blood then he was full of bowels. Christ is more tender of his body mystical, than he was of his body natural; he suffer'd his body natural to be hungry, to be thirsty, to be weary, to hang upon the Cross, [...]o bleed upon the Cross, to suffer upon the Cross, to be pierced & boared with nails upon the Cross. Oh, he went into the furnace to keep us out of the flames. But now mark, Sirs, for his body mystical. O [...] how tender is he, he loves them, he pities them, he smiles upon them, he carries them [...]n his bosom, and dandles them on his knee [...]. Oh, they are the beauty of his eye, the joy of his heart; he cannot endure to see them wronged, see them injured or abused, every blow they have, goes to his very heart. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? You see how tender Christ is of his body mystical. This is our Jo [...]s who threw himself into the Sea of his Fathers wrath to save us from drowning. He hath shut the doors of Hell to keep us from Perdition, and he hath opened the [...]are of Heaven to let us into Salvation. That's the third.

[Page] 4. God in Christ is a Father that layeth up for his Children; he giveth them something in possession, but more in reversion; a little in hand, and a great deal in hope.

1. He giveth them something in hand, he layeth out for us, he giveth us the Air to breath [...]n, & the Earth to tread upon; he giveth us the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, Wind, Water, and Fire; he giveth us the Fish of the Sea, the Beasts of the Earth, & the Fowls of the Air. Poor man liveth by death, our natural life is preserved by the death of the creatures, & our spiritual life by the death of our Saviour: so that I may say we live by death. 'Tis mans duty to serve God, since God hath made all the World to serve him, in 1 Tim. 6.17. saith the Apostle, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy▪ Mark, he doth not only give us some things, but all things; not only all things, but all things richly to enjoy.

2. God in Christ is a Father that layeth up for his Children, as well us layeth out, in Psal. 1 [...].19. Oh h [...] great [...] thy goodness, which th [...] [...]st [...]aid up [...] them [...] f [...]ar thee? [...] David wonders at it: Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast l [...]i [...] up! Mark the words: So in 2 Tim. 4.8. H [...] forth a laid up for me a Crown of Righteou [...]s. What only for you, Paul? No, not only for me, but for all them that love his appearing [...]. So again see another Scripture for this, 1. Cor. 2. [...] As it is written, saith the Apostle, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, ne [...]t [...]e [...] can i [...] enter into the heart of man to con [...]. Why, Sirs, what is [Page]this which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither can it enter into the heart of man to conceive? why mark, The things that God hath prepared for them that fear him. Oh Beloved, God gives his children the best portion, the richest portion, the greatest portion; all things be theirs, life is theirs, death is theirs, things present are theirs, things to come are theirs, God is theirs, Christ is theirs, the Spirit is theirs, Heaven is theirs, and what can they have more? in 1 Cor. 3.23. God gives his children in this world [...] talent of Cl [...]y. They shall wear Christs Crown above, wh [...] wear his Cross below.

5. God in Christ doth protect and defend his children from their enemies, from Satan, from Sin, from the World, from the Curse, from the Second Death, which is Hell, in Rev. 2.11. He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. Mark, a Believer may feel the stroke of death, but he shall never feel the sting of death; the first death may bring his body to corruption, but the second death shall never bring his soul to damnation; though he may live a life that is dying, he shall die a death that is living; he that is [...]used in Christ, shall never be housed in Hell: God protects his children from all wrongs and injuries, in Psal. 105.14. He suff [...]s [...] man to do them wrong, yea, he reproves kings for their sakes. Pray mark the phrase well, Sirs, if Kings will lay on Saints the hands of Violence, God will lay on Kings the hands [Page]of Vengeance, He reproves kings for their sakes. If Kings should ever wrong the poor Saints for Christ's sake, Christ will reprove Kings for the Saints sake; so saith the Word of God, they that be Gods before men, be but men before God. If men will throw Saints into Prison for their Piety, God will throw them into Hell for their iniquity: mark what the Prophet says in Isa. 30.33. pray mark the phrase, [...]ophet [...] , yea, for the King it is pr [...] [...], a [...] [...] [...]o the Prophet should speak so downright, as tho' Hell were chiefly prepared for great unrighteous men [...], Oh Sirs, Hell is prepared for great men, as well as mean. These to whom God bestows great mercies, if they abound in great vice, God will inflict great punishments; how shall they be able to lift up their heads before Christ, who do lift up their hands against him. The Kings of the Earth stood up, [...]d the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ, Acts 4.26. Christ will pass a sentence upon every sentence that hath past. He that saith, Come ye blessed, will also say, Go ye cursed. That's the fifth.

Sixthly, God in Christ is a Father that teacheth his children, and instructeth his children▪ Thy children shall be all taught of the Lord, Isa. 54.14. All God's children be taught of God, God teacheth all his children; and what doth b [...] teach them? Why, among other things [...] teacheth his children these six Lessons. 1. [...] teacheth them to deny themselves. A true Believer will lay down his lusts at the command of Christ, and his life for the sake of Christ. 2. Christ teacheth them contentment. Here is [Page]another Divine Lesson which Christ teacheth his children. A Believer will be contented to bear the wrath of men [...] him, who bore the wrath of God for him. 3. The Vanity of the Creature. He teacheth us that all things below be but vanity and vexation of spirit. 4. A fourth thing is, the sinfulness of Sin. 5. The deceitfulness of the Heart. 6. The right knowledge of himself. Oh Christians, have you learned these Lessons? Then let all the actions be Christ-like, and walk as you have Him for an Example; He lived to teach us how to live, and he d [...]ed to teach us how to die: he that will nor follow the example of Christ's life, shall never he saved by the merits of his death. As he is the ro [...]t on which [...] Saint grows▪ so he is a r [...]le by which a Saint squares: It he be not thy [...], Staff to guide thee to Heaven▪ he will never be thy [...], Ladder to mount thee up to Heaven. We should be as willing to be ruled by Christ. as we are willing to be saved by Christ; God made one Son like to all, that he might make all his Sons like to one. If the life of Christ be not your pattern, the death of Christ will never be your portion. That's the sixth.

7. God in Christ is a Father that stamps upon all his children the lovely [...]mage of Jesus Christ, they resemble him to the very life. As it was said of Cons [...]tine's. Children, they resemble their Father to the life. So we may say of Believers, they resemble Christ to the life; God will suffer no man to wear the livery of Christ upon him, who hath not the likeness of Christ within him, 1 Cor. 3. last. We ad (saith [Page]the Apostle) beholding with open face as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Oh Sirs, what a rare Jewel is Grace? the God of grace calls it glory; Mark, From glory to glory, grace is called glory, from glory to glory, that is, from one degree of grace to another; grace is glory militant, and glory is grace triumphant; grace is glory begun, and glory is grace made perfect; grace is the first degree of glory, glory is the highest degree of grace: grace is the seed, glory the flower; grace is the ring, glory is the sparkling diamond in the ring; grace is glories infant, and glory is the perfect man of grace; grace is the spring, glory is the harvest, the soul of man is the cabinet, the grace of God is the jewel, Christ will throw away the cabinet where he finds not the jewel. He that created us in his Image, will restore us to his Image: That is the seventh particular.

8. God in Christ is a Father that never dies? other Fathers be dead and gone, our Father Abraham is dead, our Father Is [...]c is dead, our Father [...]acob is dead, and others be dead and gone. Oh but God in Christ is a Father that lives for ever, that loves for ever, that reigns for ever. He's the Father of Eternity, in Eternity, from Eternity, and to Eternity, [...] 8. He was always, it always, and Shall [...] always, and he cannot but be always, [...] Christ is the same before time, in time, and after time, Heb. 13.8. Jesus Christ is the same (says the Apostle) yesterday, and to day, and for ever; of him, and from him, and through [Page]him, & to him, & for him are all things, Col. 1.16.

9. God in Christ is a Father that correcteth his children; all whom God loves be chastiseth, though he loves not to chastise; God had one Son without sin, but no son without sorrow; he had one Son without corruption, but no son without correction, Heb. 12.6. Fo [...] whom the L [...]d loveth he chast [...]eth, and scourgeth every s [...] whom he receiveth, Rev. 3.16. As many [...] I love, I reb [...]e and chasten. Afflictions are blessings to us, when we can bless. God for the afflictions, Christ tells us, That he that will be [...] Disciple, must deny himself, take up his Cross, & follow him, Mat. 16.24. There is a fourfold self that must be denyed for Jesus Christ, or else we cannot be his Disciples.

1. A sinful self.

2. A natural self.

3. A self-righteousness.

4. A self-gain or lucre.

Sinful self is to be destroyed, and Natural self is to be deny'd; we cannot enjoy our selves, till we deny our selves; God is as far from beating his children for nothing, as he is from beating his children to nothing. The Application. Is it so, that God in Christ is a Believer's Everlasting Father. Oh then w [...]at is so sweet a good as Christ, & what so great an evil as sin? Oh love Christ more, and [...]ate sin more, Christ bringeth life with him▪ a life of grace, a life of comfort, a life of glo [...] [...] him sin bring [...] death, with it, death of [...], death of soul, death he [...], and death [...]. O [...] bl [...]a, of Christ speaketh better [...] than the blood of Abel. Abel's blood cryed [...] V [...]g [...]ance, but Christ's cryed for Mercy; he i [...] [...] Pearl of great pri [...]e, for which the ric [...] M [...]ch [...] sold all that he had, and bought [...] [Page]and found more joy in this Pearl than ever he did with all that he had: Oh therefore let me beseech you that are his children to love him, and to serve him; he is your Everlasting Father, therefore do his will on earth, as the Angels do in heaven. You cannot complain of him for want of mercy; Oh let not him complain of you for want of duty; so good hath [...]e been to you as that he hath not been wanting to you in any thing, and [...] [...]ou be wanting to him in every thing? A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master, If I th [...] [...]e a father, where is my honour; if a master, where is my fear? Mal. 1.6. As a father, so he will be reverenced for his goodness; as a master, he will be feared for his greatness. Oh what is that little he desireth of you, to that much he deserveth from you? if honour be not [...] to him, let it not be bestowed; if it be due to him, let it not be denyed: if God do great things for his children, he will not accept of small things from his children. Do but see the great out-cry that God makes against his own children, Isa. 3.3. Hear O heaven, and be astonished, O earth! What is the matter? I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me: the near [...] the relation, the greater the obligation: Christ is related to them as a Lord to his servants, as a Father to his children, as a Prince to his subject [...], [...] a Head to his m [...]mbers. Where the relations is nearest, there the provocation is greatest; i [...] [...]s a more pleasing thing to see rebels become children, than it is to see children become re [...]els. What mother can endure to see those [Page]lips that drew her breasts to suck her blood Oh Christians, you are more known to God than others; therefore you must more [...] knowledge him than others; you do not look for so much splendor from the burning of a Candle, as from the shining of the Sun; [...] for so much moisture from the dropping [...] a Bucket, as from the dissolving of a Cloud, to whom much is given, of them much sta [...] be required [...] God do [...] not expect much where little is bestowed, nor accept little where much is received. Hear ye the [...] of the Lord, O children of Israel, you [...]ly have I known of all the families of the earth. Amos [...] 2. God hath exalted you above others, and therefore you must do more for God than others. It was a great blemish to H [...]ki [...], that his returnings were not answerable to his receivings. Oh Believers, let me beseech you to do much, to love much, to give much, to pray much, seeing you have received much I shall wind up all with a word of comfort to you the Children of God. O Sirs, God in Christ is your Father, your loving Father, your everlasting Father, and you are his children; therefore fear not, it shall go well with you here and hereafter, Luke 12.32. Fear not little stock, for it is year Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom: he will with-hold no good thing from you, Psal. [...].11. He gives grace and glory unto you. Grace is the silver link that draws the golden sa [...] of glory after it.

Prince of Peace.
Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

[Page]

Cant. 5 16.

He is altogether lovely.

WHere-ever Christ is a Priest for Redemption, he is a Prince for Dominion; whereever he is a Saviour, there he is a Ruler; where he is a Fountain of Happines [...], there he is a Fountain of Holiness; where he is a Redeemer, there he is a Refiner; where-ever he takes a burthen from off the Creatures back, there he lays a yoke upon the Creatures neck, The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our law-giver, the Lord is our king, be will save us, Isa. 33.22. I shall now proceed to the fifth Title of Jesus Christ, which is, Prince of Peace; this you have in Isa. 9.6. It is the Happiness of the Church of God, that although they cannot give Peace, yet they may get Peace: though they cannot settle it on earth, yet they may seek it from heaven: Peace is the well-being of all other enjoyments, all other Mercies suck their livelihood at the breast of Peace, it is the Mother of all Prosperity; as the life of old Jacob was wrapt up in the life of the lad Benjamin, [...]o is all Happiness wrapt up in Peace. It is the felicity of the Saints on earth, and the glory of the Angels in heaven: when the old Hebrews wish [...] any happiness [Page]to any one, they only used this expression, Peace be unto you. From this Title of Christ, I shall lay down two Propositions.

1. That Si [...]n's King is a peaceable King.

2. That the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is the cause and foundation of a Believer's Peace.

Doct. These two points lie full in the words, but I shall only speak to the latter, to wit, that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is the cause and foundation of all a Believers peace. In the prosecution of it, I shall shew you four things:

1. He is the Peace-bringer.

2. The Peace-maker.

3. The Peace-giver.

4. He is the Prince of Peace, or the Peaceable Prince.

First, Jesus Christ is the Peace-bringer; he brought in Everlasting Peace by Righteousness, and not by a Sword, Luk. 2.14. Peace on earth, and good will towards men. Why was the bread of life an hungry, but that he might feed the hungry with the bread of life? Why was Rest it self weary, but to give the Weary rest? Why was the Prince of Peace in trouble, but that the troubled might have peace? None but the Image of God could restore us to Gods Image; none but the beloved of God could make us beloved to God; none but the natural Son could make us sons; none but the wisdom of God could make us wise; none but the Prince of Peace could bring the God of Peace, and the Peace of God to poor Sinners: and therefore he is called our Peace, Eph. 2.14. [Page]Oh, what is so sweet a good as Christ, & what so great an evil as sin? The former brings us [...]o joy and peace, the latter brings us to woe and misery. That's the first.

Secondly, He is the Peace-maker as well as the Peace-bringer; he is the Peace-maker between God & man, Sin is the great make- [...]te between God and the Soul, Sir is the wall of separation between God & us, but the Prince of Peace makes peace between God & us; He paid all debts, and took up all controversies, and blotted out the hand-writing, and hath broken down the partition-wall, & rude up the great breach between God and man, 2 Cor. 5.19. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. Mark, 'tis in Christ; so likewise elsewhere, You who were sometimes for of, [...]e made nigh by the blood of Christ. Oh Sinners, Christ is our Peace-maker, the Prince of Peace makes peace between God & us, he reconcileth God to man, and man to God; so that though God might justly be displeased with us, yet in his Son, is well pleas'd with us: God is more-pleased with a Believer for Christs sake, than he was displeased with him for Sins sake.

Thirdly, Jesus Christ is the Peace giver; alas, poor Sinne [...]s, we have no peace with Angels, no peace with Conscience, nor one with another, till the Prince of Peace gives it us: Peace I leave with you, peace I give unto you, saith nor Lord to his Disciples, Jo [...]. 14.27. Oh Sirs, he gives peace with God: In Rom. 5.1. [Page] We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ gives that Peace to us, which the World cannot take from us, worldly troubles cannot overcome heavenly Peace.

Fourthly, He is a Prince of Peace, or the Peaceable Prince; so he is stiled not only Peace, but the Prince of Peace. Indeed, Beloved, he is all Peace to a Believer, her ways [...] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace, speaking of Christ, Prov. 17. Mark, all [...] paths are peace. Now what are the paths, I shall name six to you.

1. The Path of Repentance.

2. Of Faith.

3. Of Truth.

4. Of Self-denyal.

5. Of Obedience.

6 Of Holiness.

These are all paths of Peace, and peaceable paths. Oh Sirs, there is no Peace to be found but in the Paths of Peace. As all his works be great & marvellous, so all his way [...] peace and pleasantness. Secondly, His Gospel is a Gospel of Peace, 'tis a great Mercy to enjoy the Gospel in Peace, but a greater Mercy to enjoy the Peace of the Gospel. Thirdly, His reward is Peace, Isa. 57.2. He shall enter into peace. Here the joys of Heaven are called Peace; the true sons of Peace, and the peaceable sons of Truth, shall be crowned with Peace, they shall enter into Peace. And thus, Beloved, I have briefly, you I have fully proved the point. That Jesus Christ is the cause & foundation of a Believer's [...].

Ʋs. Now for the Application of the point, I shall reduce it to four heads:

1. For Information.

[Page] 2. For Examination.

3. For Exhortation.

4. For Consolation.

1. By way of Information, here we may see what great need we stand in of Jesus Christ, O Christians, is Jesus Christ the cause & foundation of all our peace, then we have no right or title to peace, but by the Prince of Peace: We love peace with God, saith the Apostle, but how? through our Lord Jesus Christ; we are reconciled to God in Jesus Christ. And we who were far off, such Paul, are made nigh by the blood of Christ, we are only acceptable in the Beloved. So that, beloved, 'tis all in Christ, and through Christ that we have our peace. A Christless man is [...] peaceless man, He hath no peace with God, to peace with Angels, no peace with Conscience: till we be Christ's friends, we are our own soes. 'Tis true, a wicked man may speak peace to himself, but God speaketh not a jot of peace to him; he may speak peace to himself all he falleth into everlasting flames, God is his Enemy, the Devil is his fee. Angels hate him, all Creatures [...]ry for vengeance upon him, in Isa 57.21. [...] no peace to the wicked saith [...] God, no no [...] a word, not a dram of peace for a person who is out of Christ: therefore, Oh Sirs, con [...]ider in what need you stand of the Prince of Peace.

2. It informs us, that to have peace with our Creatu [...] and Maker, is the sweetest & best thing in the World: Oh how infinitely sweet is peace▪ What is sweeter than peace? Alas, gold is but dust, pleasures are but toys, wit is but a [...]as [...], beauty but [...] blast, honour but a [...], life but a vapour, Oh, but peace [...]s [Page]sweeter than the sweetest, and better than the best of all those. First, Because he that hath peace with God, may come boldly to God, Heb. 4.16. Secondly; He that hath peace with God, hath communion and fellowship with God, 1 Joh. 1.2. Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Thirdly, He that is at peace with God, is the Son of God. Peace is of all others the most sweet: Oh, it is wine to comfort us, and bread to nourish us; it makes a man live comfortably, and die chearfully. Thirdly, If Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, be the cause and foundation of all our peace, why then, he that wants the Prince of Peace, wants all good things, he is the miserablest man in the world that is without Christ, he wants reconciliation with God, and interest in Christ, he wants the sealing and comforting of the Spirit, he wants Justification, Sanctification and Adoption; he wants pardon of sin, and freedom from the dominion of sin; he wants that favour which is better than life, that joy which is unspeakable & full of glory, and that faith, a dram of which is more worth than a Kings ransom: he wants those riches which perish not, that love which dies not, that Kingdom which shakes not. O Beloved, how many things doth that poor soul want, which wanteth. Christ? He is wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked, Rev. 3. [...]. Christ is a Pearl, and whosoever hath him can never be poor, and whosoever wants him can never be rich: did but men see all in this Pearl of Price, then they would sell all for this Pearl of Price. Fourthly, If Jesus Christ [Page]be the cause and foundation of our peace, then it is our greatest concernment to get into favour with this Prince of Peace, Many seek the Rulers favour, saith the Scripture. But Oh seek ye the favour of this Prince, poor souls, without him there is no mercy, no peace, no grace, no glory, no heaven, no crown, no eternal life, For this is eternal life, to know thee the only true God, & Jesus Christ whom then hast sent, Joh. 17.4.

Use 2. Secondly, By way of Examination and Self-trial, the trial of our selves is the ready way to the knowledge of our selves, Oh Christians, would you see your God? then cast your eyes upward; would you see your selves? then cast your eyes inward. Contemplation is a Glass to see our God in: 'Tis of greater concernment to know the estate of our Hearts, than to know the state of the Kingdom. And therefore I beseech you examine your selves, that you may know your selves, that you may know whose you are, while you live, and whither you shall go when you die, and what will become of you to all eternity. Oh Sirs, bring your selves to the trial, and try your selves, and see whether [...]ou be in the Faith; and the faith in you; faith is such a grace, that a man cannot be saved without it, and not a man can be damned that hath it. Oh see, whether you be in the narrow way that leadeth to life, or in the broad way that leadeth to death; whether your hearts be chairs for vice to sit in, or thrones for grace to rule us, whether you are one of Christ's Spo [...]se, or the Devils harlot; whether you are heirs of heaven, or hell; whether you be Satans bondmen, or God's freemen; Examination is the [Page]beaten path to perfection, 1 Cor. 1.26. Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble are called. 'Tis not always seen that the sparkling Diamond of a great Estate, is set in the Gold-ring of a gracious Heart. A man may be great with Saul, and graceless; rich, with Dives, and miserable: The richest are oftentimes the poorest, and the poorest oftentimes the richest. Oh how many thred-bare souls may there be found under silken-coats, and purple robes? they who live most downward, die most upward; a sight of our selves in grace, will certainly bring us to a sight of our selves in glory: those sins shall never make a hell for us, that be a hell to us.

Use, But it is time for me to turn my Speech into an Exhortation, and Oh that you would encourage me with your Resolution to obey my Message this day, that is, to make you peace with the Prince of Peace, that you [...] the truth [...]ons of peace, and the peaceable Sons of truth, that you may be righteous bese [...] God, and holy before men, that you may gloriously shine in glory, and that you may have peace with God, and with Angels, and with your own Conscience, and with one another. Well Sirs, what say you in answer to my Passage? shall the Prince of Peace be your Love and Lord, your nearest and dearest, your joy and your delight? will you kiss the Son, will you make your peace with the God of Peace, and g [...] up your soul; and lives to be ruled by have these things I exhort you to, and God expects them at your hands; but that this Exhortation may stay with you, I shall beak to with some pressing Considerations. First, Co [...]ider Gods [Page]goodness and good will towards men; God hath given you rich means that you may make and secure your peace with God. First, He hath given you the Lamb, and the Gospel. Secondly, He hath graciously given time and opportunity. Thirdly, Mercies and Afflictions; Mercies to draw you, and Afflictions, to drive you. Fourthly, He hath given you Preachers, both inward and outward Preachers: by outward Preachers, I mean the Ministers of Christ, who beseech you and intreat you for Christs sake to be reconciled to God: by inward Preachers, I mean your Conscience that judgeth you, and checketh you, and reproveth you for your sins and abominations. Fifthly, He hath given you precepts and promises; precepts commanding you to do, and promises assuring you of a glorious reward for your doing. Sixthly, The spirit and convictions, Gen. 6. My spirit shall not always strive with man. Oh how long will you yet stand out against God? what have you to say against this? how can you answer this when you and I shall appear before God's Judgment-seat I have you any thing to say against this? Oh sad will be your end, unless you make your peace with God, and therefore seeing God hath given these things to you, that you may make and secure your peace with him. He that loveth in sin without repentance, shall he in sin without sweetfulness. Secondly, God inviteth and [...] you to come and make your peace [...] him, Isa. 55.1. He every one [...]hat [...], come ye to the water, and he that [...]ath no money, come ye buy and eat, yea come and buy wine and milk without money, and without price. Beloved, [Page]Here is three comes in this Text, to shew the infinite willingness of God to save poor Sinners: so in Rev. 22.17. The Bride and Spirit say come (here is three come again in this Text) and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely, and he that is a thirsty let him come. What are there none thirsty among you? do non [...] thirst for Christ, and grace, and heaven, if you come Sirs, here you may have grace and mercy, and happiness: now for the Lords sake consider wherefore is all this, but that you may make your peace with God: shall the God of Heaven call, and will you not hear? what▪ will you rather stay in your sins and die, than go to Christ for life? Oh Sirs, go to the Prince of Peace for Peace, that you may have Peace; if you do not lay your sins to your hearts, that you may be humble for them, God will lay them to your charge, that you may he damned for them. A thrid consideration is this, either you must taste of Gods goodness, or his s [...]y; there is not a man, woman or child amongst you but must partake of the one or the other, your portion will be either joy or sorrow, either desolation or consolation, if you be not trees for hearing, you must be trees for burning; if you are not for fruit you must be for flames; if you do not swim in the waterworks of repentance, you shall burn in the fireworks of vengeance; if you will not go and make your peace with God, that you may have heaven, you shall go to hell for not making your peace; one of them you must do. Oh Sirs, I have set life and death, heaven and hell, bitter and sweet before you this day, will you [Page]make your peace with God or no [...]? Will you still go on in a way of wickedness, breaking his laws, grieving his spirit? will you die a natural death, before you live a spiritual life? I say then, if you live so, and die so, you shall be damned with the damned, and punished with the punishment of hell, and be sent to hell with loads of wrath upon your backs: Ye shall have your part in that lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death; He that believes shall [...] saved, and he that believes not shall be damned, saith our Lord, Mark 16.16. Oh Sirs, 'tis better to r [...]p [...]nt without perishing, than to perish without repenting; and therefore look to it as well as you will, are you able to deal with God? Alas, alas, all the World is but as a drop of water in comparison of God, and therefore make your peace with him, Heb. 2.3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. Fourthly, Consider what the damned in Hell would give for those offers of mercy that are now offered to you: certainly they would give ten thousand Worlds, if they had them, for those opportunities that you enjoy. Should God say to poor wretches that are now suffereing in hell for their drunkenness upon earth, and their whoring and abominations, as he doth to us, Come to me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest? Oh how earnestly would they run and catch the word out of Gods mouth? Oh, Beloved, the Devils [Page]are too well acquainted with misery, to pu [...] by mercy, if it were offered to them. But alas, alas, poor damned wretches, there is no dram of mercy for them, no not so much as a drop of water for them, not one drop of water to cool their flaming tongues. Oh that you would consider this, and make your peace with God before death comes: which may be next night for ought you know: if you lose your golden season, you lose your soul. O therefore make your peace with God, that it may not be said [...] you as it was once to Jerusalem, in Luke 10.42. O that thou hadst known in this thy day, the things that concern thy peace, but now they are hid from thy eyes. Here was a weeping word, a sad word to Jerusalem. Alas, now it is hid from their eyes, their golden season is gone, there is no peace to be [...]ad; and therefore I beg of you, as though I were condemned, & begging for my life, so I beg of you in the bowels of Christ, and for your souls sake, make your peace with God. 5. Seriously consider the multitude of Sins thou art guilty of, even more than the hairs of thy head, or the sand on the Sea-shore, or the stars in the heaven, which are innumerable, saith David, They are more than the hairs of my head, Psal. 40.12. Alas, one of thy sins were enough to sink thee into Hell for ever; what advantage doth Dives reap in Hell of all the delicate banquets that he had on Earth? Oh think of that time wherein you shall be ashamed of nothing but your wickedness, and [Page]glory in nothing but your holiness. Sin it is like a Se [...]pent in the bosom that is stinging, or like a Thief in the closet that is stealing, or like Poison in the stomach, that is poisoning, or like a Sword, in the bowels that is killing: Some are in Hell already for the same sins thou livest in, and if thou livest and diest without Christ, thou shalt ere long be with them▪ therefore I say, make thy peace with God. 6. Consider that there is more bitterness following upon sins ending, than ever there was sweetness flowing from sins actings, you that see nothing but well in its commission, will suffer nothing but woe in its conclusion! It is better here to forego the pleasures of sin, than hereafter to undergo the pain of sin; you that sin for your profit, will never profit by your sins: he that likes the works of sin to do them, will never like the wages of sin to have them; sin is both shameful & damnable; it shameth men in this World, & damneth them in the other World: it's like Judas that at first salutes us, but at last betrays us; or like Delia, to smile in our faces, and betray us into our enemies hands. Oh sinners, think of this, and part with your sins, that you may meet with your Saviour, and make your peace with him▪ 7. Consider the heavy judgments that hang over your heads; you lie open to all the judgments in this life, and torments in the life to come. Oh you Sinners, the day is hasting upon you, wherein you will have misery [Page]without mercy, sorrows without succour, pain without ease, punishment without pity, and torment without end unless Repentance do prevent, 2 Thess. 1.7. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angles in flaming fire▪ taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power: Oh let the hearing of this prevent the feeling of this poor Sinner. 8. And lastly. If none of the former Arguments or Considerations prevail with you to make your peace with the Prince of Peace, yet let this one I beseech you, and that is, the readiness and willingness of God to give Christ, a [...] Christ to give himself to you. Oh Sinners, is God willing to give his Son and are you not willing to receive his Son Consider the willingness of God, Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in unto him, and will sup with him. Mark Sinners, here behold I stand; who? I, I that have Heaven to give, I that have a Crown to give, I that have all Joys to give, I that have My self to give, I stand & knock, do you see this, poor Sinners, who is it that stands at the door of your hearts and knocks? Why it is the King of Saints, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, and will you not open to him? What are you unwilling to be saved, to go to Heaven, and to [Page]be happy for ever? What are you unwilling to be delivered from Satan, from fin, and from the flames of Hell? If you be willing, then make your peace with God, for God is willing to open Heaven to you, if you be but willing to open your Hearts to him; he is willing to save you, if you be but willing to be saved; he is willing to give Christ, if you be willing to receive a Christ; and therefore, poor souls, let these Considerations provoke you to go for life to the Lord of life, to go for Peace to the Prince of Peace, to go for grace to the God of Crace; were men so diligent as to do their best, God is so indulgent, He would forgive the worst.

The Elect Precious.
Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

Cant. 5.16.

He is altogether lovely.

WHO can be wea [...]y of preaching, or hearing, or [...] o [...] learning Christ, who is so precious and lovely [...] Mah [...]m [...] is the Turk [...] love, M [...]ses is the Jews love, but Christ is a Believers love▪ I shall now make some entrance upon Christ's sixth famous and lovely Title, The Elect Precious. This you ha [...]e in 1 Pe [...]. 2.6. From this excellent Title I shall lay down two Propositions.

[Page] Doct. 1. That Jesus Christ the Mediator, is God the Father Elect; I pray mark Sirs▪ there is a threefold Elect of God.

1. The Elect Jesus Christ, Isa. 42.1. Behold my Servant, my Elect, saith the Father, speaking of Christ.

2 The Elect Angels, in 1 Tim. 5.21. I charge thee before God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Elect Angels.

3. The Elect Saints, and for this see Col. 3.12. Put on therefore as the Elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercy.

But alas, what are the Elect Angels, or Elect Saints, to the Elect Precious, and precious to the Elect. But I shall not stand upon this point, but proceed to the second.

Doct. 2. And that is this, That a crucified and glorified Christ, is very precious to all believing Saints. In handling of this precious point, I shall shew you five things.

1. That he is precious.

2. He is most precious.

3. He is all precious.

4. He is always precious.

5. Why he is so precious.

First, That he is precious; Jesus Christ is precious three ways, to God, to Angels, to Saints. 1. To God the Father; and this will appear by what God the Father hath said himself of his Son, Isa. 42.1. My Elect in whom my soul delighteth: here you see Christians, what God saith of Christ; the soul of God delights in the Son of God. So again, Mat. 3.17. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark here, not only pleased, but well pleased. Oh how precious is Christ to God the Father! The Lord Jesus, though he was a man of sorrow, yet he was not a man of [...]in; he had correction, but [...] [...]ption; he that was a way to [Page]others, never went out of the way himself. Jesus Christ must needs be precious to the Father, because he never displeased him in any thing, but pleased him in every thing, Joh. 8.29. Christ there speaking of himself, I do always the things that please him, said our Lord Jesus. Oh Friends, it will be your glory, your crown, your honour and happiness another day, if in this day you do the things that please God: So did Christ here, I do always the things that please him. Christ, went about doing good, he must needs please the Father, For he went about doing good▪ A [...]s 10.38. He did not always stay in a place, but he went about doing good. And truly Sins, if people were not made better by his coming, they might thank themselves, For he went about doing good. As he was never il [...] imployed he was never un-employed; as he opened the Scriptures to our understandings, so he opened our understandings to the Scriptures. That's the first. Secondly, He is very precious to the Angels as well as to the [...] th [...]r; the Angels were very joyful at the birth of Christ their Lord: They sang praises to God [...] high, Luk. 13.14. See with what joy and [...] umph the Angels sang at the birth of Christ [...] Oh how precious is Christ to the Elect Angels! The Angels adore him. Let all the Angels of God wo [...]ship h [...]m, Heb. 1.6. The Lord of Hosts [...] worshipped by an Host of Angels: Let all the Angels of God worship him. 2 The Angels desire to pry into the Mysteries of the Gospel of Grace, as you may see, 1 Pe [...]. 1.12. The Angles▪ th [...]ugh they are glorio [...]s to all Eternity, lock u [...] [...]n it as not [...] them to p. [...] [Page]into Christ's Mystery. Oh Sirs, the Angels are desirous to know these things which we neglect to know. 3. The Angels stand before him as Waiting-men to serve God, & to serve such as are God's; when he bids them go, they go; come, and they come; do this, and they do it; they do all his commands, Psal. 103.20. Jesus Christ is the Creator of Angels, the Lord of Angels, the Prince of Angels, the Head of Angels, Col. 1.16. The Son of God is very precious to the Angels of God. Do you see, Sirs, how precious Christ is to the Angels of God; and well he may, for indeed he is the precious Jewel in the Cabinet of glory. Thirdly, Jesus Christ is precious to the Saints, as well as to the Father and Angels, 1 Pet. 2.7. you have there a full Text to this purpose, Unto you therefore that believe he is precious: Mark here, unto you, what you? to you therefore which believe, he is precious: he is precious indeed to them that believe, and no wonder he is a Believer's All: now that which is his [...]ll, must needs be precious; Christ is his all, he is all that [...] he is all that he enjoys; Christ is all that he is worth, he is all that they are; they are no such thing without him, they are nothing without him; whatever they are worth, it is he that maketh them worth it; 'tis not worth a man's while [...]p five, unless he live in Christ; Christ is the gain of a Believer, living or dying; so that whatever is good for a Believer, he must say for this I am beholding to Christ, saith he, At things are yours, and ye are Christ's. Now Sirs, let me give you a little more particular account of the Christians worth, an Inventory of [Page]his Estate, and all along I shall shew you, that Christ is the worth of all that. What is it that maketh a Believer so precious and so excellent? Why 'tis such things as these:

1. He is a living man.

2. He is a seeing man.

3. He is a Person of honour.

4. He hath a great deal of joy and hopes of more.

5. He is righteous and holy, and in a word, he is saved at last.

These are the things that make a Christian so excellent a person, and he hath none of those but by Christ, and he hath all this alone by Christ.

First, This is the excellency of a Christian, that he is a living man; there's no man on earth can in a spiritual sence be called a living man, but a Believer; all men be dead men, but they that believe. You know 'twas said of the Prodigal, while he lived in his sin, he was dead: This my son that was dead, & is now alive. When he believed, then he was alive. Now, Sirs, as it is in the things of Nature, life is the most valuable thing which we have, skin for skin, and all that a man hath, will he give for his life; a man will rather part with his livelihood than with his life, because his life is so dear to him. Now, Beloved, if natural life be so desirable a thing, what is spiritual life, that which is Scripture is call'd the life of God? Now the Believer is the only living man, every other man is spiritually dead: but now how comes the Believer to live? by whom doth he live? why, 'Tis Christ Jesus, Gal. 2.20. I am crucified with Christ, notwithstanding I live: What crucified, and yet live? Yes, Christ was crucified, and yet lives: and so did Paul in a resemblance and conformity to Christ, I live, says [Page]he, yet not I, but Christ which lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. So that Paul will not call his life his own, but only as he deriveth it from Christ, Christ lived in him more than he himself lived.

Secondly, The excellency of a Believer lies in this, That he is a seeing man: 'tis sight which puts the difference between person and person; it is a sad thing to be born blind, or to be blind after a man is born. Now a [...]l men are either bo [...]n blind, o [...] [...]l [...]ded after they are born, or b [...]t [...]. Now, Beloved, would you know how precious sight is? Ask a blind man who once could see: we read of a poor man, who comes running to Christ, and cries out, Lo [...]d have m [...]rcy upon me; why, what mercy was it that he begged with so much earnestness? O Lord, that I may receive [...] sight. Now Sirs, if in Nature the having the sight of ou [...] eyes be a thing that makes us so much more excellent than otherwise we should be without it. Oh then how much value should we put upon this spiritual light which refers to our souls? We can much better want the eyes of our heads, than the eyes of our understandings. Now in a spiritual fence, there's no man a seeing man, but a Believer; no man saw Christ savingly, but they who saw him believingly; every man but a Believer walks [...]n darkness; [...]y, he is darkness. The Apostle, Eph [...]. 5.8. tells us somewhat to this purpose. You were [...]metime [...] da [...]kness, but now [...] you light in the la [...], in the Lord Jesus Christ; you see the Believer doth see, and how he comes to see, it is in the Lord that he sees, he was as [Page]dark as others, and as blind as others, till he was in the Lord, and no sooner was he in the Lord, but he was light in the Lord. That's the second.

Thirdly, The excellency of the Believer lies in this, that he is a very beautiful and honourable Person. Now, Beauty and Honour be the taking ravishing things of this-World; now all but Believers be deformed persons, there's no beauty nor comeliness, why they should be desired; but now the Believer is a very lovely beautiful person, he is so in the eyes of God, Ezek. 16.13, 14 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and [...]n [...]gs in thy ears; and so he goes on and says, Thou wast exceeding beautifu [...], and didst prosp [...] into a Kingdom: But now mark how she came by this beauty, in the next verse, And thy renown went forth among the Heathen for thy beauty, for it was perfect through the comeliness which I put upon thee, saith the Lord God; she was not only beautiful in the eyes of the Lord, but she had her beauty also from the Lord. And as they are thus lovely and taking in the eyes of God, so also of good Angels and Saints too; as glor [...]s a place as Heaven is, the Angels think it not below them to wait upon the Images and Pictures of Christ here below, that is, to wait upon Believers, and be their Lord's Guardians here upon Earth, Heb. 1.14. Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to minister for them who should be heirs of salvation; but this is not all they do for them, they will not leave them when they die, but take those lovely souls, and transport them to a better Country than ever this World was to them [...] [Page]for it is no Paradox to say this, that there's no Believer goes to Heaven, but he goes in the arms of Angles, Luk. 16. In that parabolical History of Dives and Lazarus, says the Text, Lazarus died, believing Lazarus died & his soul was carried by Angels into Ab [...]aham's b [...]som, that is, to Heaven. O what an honour have Believers in their death, that the very Angles transport their Souls to Heaven [...] and they also are very lovely and honourable in the eyes of all good men: the truth is, there is scarce any man fit company for Believers, but Believers; and therefore, says the Apostle, Be not unequally yo [...]ked, believers with unbelievers. Now, good men be much taken with a Believer though he be a Stranger to them on all other accounts: they are very fond one of another in this World, and had rather suffer together than [...]ive with other men. Now this makes a Believer so excellent, that he's thus beautiful and honourable in the eyes of God and good Angles, and good Men. Now all this beauty and honour they have from Christ, see that Text before quoted, To you who believe, he is an honour, so the words may be read: 'Tis Christ that makes them honourable in the eyes of God, and in the eyes of good Angles, and good Men: and all that b [...]auty and honour they have, 'tis through Christ, he is their Worth in every capacity.

Fourthly. That which makes a Believer so excellent, is, that he hath joy; all other [Page]men have no joy, but that which is not worth the having. Alas, the joy of the Hypocrite, what is it, but as the crackling of Thorns under a Pot? but now a Believer hath a joy that no man intermedleth with, nor no man partakes of. But how where hath he his joy? why in & from the Lord, These things I speak; says Christ, that my joy might be in you. They have it from the Lord, & having it from the Lord, they rejoyce in the Lord, We rejoyce in Christ Jesus, says Paul, & have no confidence in the flesh. Fifthly, Have they hope? it is from Christ, and indeed none have hope but they; for without God, & without Christ, & without Hope, are put together, in Eph. 2.12. but now the Believer hath good hope, and this bears up many times. Alexander thought this so brave a thing, that when he gave this man whole Countries, and another vast Treasures, and being asked what he would keep for himself, says he▪ I will keep Hope; for he thought it enough for so brave and great a soul as his, to hope for that which would make him do whatever he was able to do, or any one could think. The hopes of Mercy; and joy, and peace, will carry a man thro' thousands of difficulties: Now, the Believer hath this hope, but he hath it from Christ, Col. 1.27. Christ in you the hope of glory.

Sixthly, Are they wise, are they righteous, are they holy? and none be so but they; every Sinner is a Fool, and therefore in Scripture is called by the name of a foolish man; he plays the fool all the time he spends out [Page]of the fear of God; all sinning time is fooling time. Now the Believer is a wise man, and he is a righteous man, and a holy man: but how comes it to be thus now? Take an account of it in 1 Cor. 1.30. Pray mark, here now Christ is all of a Believer, Of him [...]re ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and [...]e [...]emption. So that you see, if a Believer be a wise man, he may thank Christ for it; if he be a righteous m [...]n, if he be a holy man, he may thank Christ for it; for he of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Lastly, in a word, Are they saved? And indeed this is the Complement, aye, the Complement of all the rest, Are they saved? and none are saved but Believers, for, says Christ, He that believes, shall be saved; and [...]e that believes not, shall be damned. The Believer is already in the State of Salvation, as the Unbeliever is in the State of Damnation; by nature we are all children of wrath. Now, Faith in Jesus Christ is the means that God appoints to free us from being children of wrath. Now he that believes, is past this, he shall not be condemned, he shall be saved; and how comes he to be saved? 'Tis by Christ, by believing in Christ. Oh, who is the Saviour, but Christ? To be in Christ is Heaven below, and to be with Christ is Heaven above; but there is no being with Christ above, if we are not in Christ here below. Thus you [Page]see Beloved, whatever it is that makes the Believer excellent & precious, it is Christ that makes him worth all that, he hath it all from Christ; Christ his all in all: Now put all this together, & see if there be no great reason that Christ should be precious to Believers.

3. As Jesus Christ is precious, so he is most precious. O Sirs, Angels are precious, Saints are precious, Friends are precious, Heaven is precious; but Christ, a Saviour is ten thousand times more precious than these; a Believer had rather have Christ without Heaven, than Heaven without Christ: Whom have I in heaven but thee; and there is none upon earth which I desire besides thee, Psal 73.25. Let a Believer search Heaven and Earth, yet he will find nothing comparable to God; to be like to him is our Happiness, and to draw near to him is our Holiness. You will say, Beloved, Life is precious, Freedom is precious, Health is precious, Peace is precious, Food and Rayment is precious, Gold and Silver is precious, Parts & Gifts are precious, Jewels and Pearls are precious, Kingdoms and Crowns are precious; indeed they are in their places, but nothing in comparison of Jesus Christ. Mark, Sirs, what the Apostle says, Phil. 3.8. Yea doubtless I account all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord, I account all things but loss, nay, that is not all, I count them but [...], that I may win Christ; What is our Life, but a Warfare? and what is the World but a Thorowfare? It is only the best of Beings that can bestow the best of Blessings. O how good is a Believer's God, that doth not only shorten his Pilgrimage for him, but sweeten his Pilgrimage [Page]to him. Oh, Christ is a Believer's All, and therefore he is more precious tha [...] all; he hath all in Christ, and nothing [...] of Christ; there is not such a thing as a Believe is without him: By Faith we have an Interest in Christ, we have an Interest in God, and by having an Interest in God, we have an Interest in all things; the Believer is the only blessed man, the only happy man, the only rich man, Rev. 21.7. He that overcometh sha [...]l inherit all things. O what a glorious Inheritance are they born to, that are new born! All things are theirs, and they shall inherit all things; what can they desire more than all? All that Christ hath is theirs; his Wisdom is theirs to teach them, his Love is theirs to pity them, his Spirit is theirs to comfort them, his Word is theirs to counsel them, his Mercy is theirs to save them, his Angels are theirs to guard them, his Righteousness is theirs to justifie them, his Power is theirs to protect them, and his Glory is theirs to crown them. O Sirs, Christ cannot but be most precious to a Believer, because all his precious Comforts come from Christ. The Lord Jesus is fairer than the fairest, sweeter than the sweetest; nearer than the nearest, and dearer than the dearest, and richer than the richest, and better than the best, the Elect Precious is of all the most precious.

1. Because he is the greatest gift that God can give, or we can receive, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, this is more than if he had given us all the World; for God hath but one Son, and can make no more Sons; but God can make more Worlds at his pleasure; this gift is [Page]God himself, and God can give us no greater gift than himself: we may say as one said to Caesar, when he gave him a great Reward, This is too great a Gift (said he) for me to receive but it is not too great for me to give, (said Caesar.)

2. Because he is the richest gift that ever was given, for Christ is all in all; if he hath given us Christ, He will give us all things else, Rom. 8. [...]2. He is that one thing needful that brings all things; yea, he is that gift of God, If thou knowest that gift of God, said our Saviour, Joh. 4.10. thou wouldest have asked for it, and begged it of me. Why's Christ call'd the gifts of God? surely God hath given us more gift than one; true, but as one Sun is more worth than all the Stars, so that this gift excels them all, according to the Proverb, We bless not God for Stars when the Sun shines; for when the Sun shines, the Stars appear not.

3. Because he is the choicest gift that God hath to give, other gifts he gives promiscuously to good and bad, so as no man knoweth love or hatred by any thing that is before him, Eccl. 9.1. Judas had the bag, and Dives fared deliciously every day, when Lazarus would have been glad of his crumbs; but God never gives this gift to any but whom he loves [...]th his dearest, special, and eternal love. Suppose some Prince should woo a gre [...]t Lady, and had a Jewel worth a million, it may be he would scatter pieces of silver, or give some light tokens of favour unto the Servants, but the rich Jewel, that he gives to his Spouse. This Jewel is Christ; Abraham may give to Is [...]a [...]l a bottle of Milk, but Isa [...]c had the Inheritance.

4. The Lord Jesus is the rarest gift of all others [Page]whatsoever, Christ is a gift given but to a very few, here one, and there another: million of millions perish for not knowing & trusting in Christ. Oh what a rare Jewel is Christ! though our Soul is more worth than a world, yet a world of Souls is not worth Christ: it is he that makes us blessed in life, happy in death, & glorious after death.

5. The Lord Jesus is the sweetest gift of all others, for i [...] God gives us Christ, then he gives us all other gifts in his love, and they come as blessings sweetned to us: they that have this good shall want no good. The young Lyons do lack & suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing, Psal. 34. Now put all this together, and you will see a Christ to be most precious. Thirdly, He is altogether precious. I told you the last day, that Christ is precious, and indeed I told you the truth, for they are not only my sayings, but Gods sayings, therefore they are true, he is all precious: there is nothing in Christ but what is precious, he is amiable & desirable, he is fulness and sweetness [...] greatness and goodness, light and life, w [...]dom and knowledge, pleasures and treasures, holiness & happiness: Believers enjoy all things in Christ, and Christ in all things; he is the joy of a Believers life, and the life of a Believers joy. O Sirs, Christ is precious, Christ is very precious, Christ is most precious, Christ is always precious, Christ is altogether precious to the believing soul.

1. His Name is precious, he is called a precious[Page]stone, in Isa. 28.26. Christ is there called a precious stone.

2. His Blood is precious, in 1 Pet. 1.19. his blood is there called precious blood: I, and well it may, for a drop of his Blood is worth a Sea of ours; and yet he died for our death, that we might live his life.

3. Faith is precious, in 2 Pet. 1.1. Faith is there called precious Faith; the least grain of Faith is more worth than all the Gold in Europe.

4. His Promises are precious, in 2 Pet. 1.4. giving to us exceeding great and precious promises. Christ's promises are called great and precious promises: Why great, and why precious? They are great for their extent, and precious for their excellencies.

5. His Gifts and Graces are precious, Prov. 3.15. More precious than rubies, all things thou canst desire are not to be compared to them.

6. His Members are precious, in Isa. 43.4. Since thou hast been precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable. Here you see the Members of Christ are called precious. A Believer indeed is a Raven in the Worlds eye, but a Dove in Christs eye: the Saints in the Worlds account are Dung and Di [...], but in Gods account they [...]re Jewels and Pearls. Graceless men look upon Gods people as Cast-aways, but God will give whole Kingdoms for their Ransome wicked men may call the Saints factious, but God calls the Saints precious. Indeed Sirs, the Scoffers and Jeerers of the people of God in other Ages, were but Bunglers to the Scoffers & Jeerers of the people of God in our Age. Well, there is a time a coming when Christ will [Page]laugh at the ungodly, for now laughing at godliness; though holiness be that which a Sinner scorns, yet holiness is that which a Saviour crowns.

As you expect Happiness from God above, so God expects Holiness from you belo [...] therefore be godly as the godly. 7. The [...] preaches of Christ are precious, in Heb 11.26. Est [...] ing the reproache [...] of Christ greater riches than [...] treasures of Egypt. I beseech you mark here, it not here said, that Moses did esteem the Perso [...] Christ, or the Members of Christ, or the Priviled [...] of Christ, or the Glory of Christ, greater ric [...] es than the treasures of Egypt; but he esteems the reproaches of Christ above the treasures of Egypt. Oh, Beloved, the worst of Christ is better than the b [...]t of the World; Christ's Cross is sweete [...] than the World's Crown; the Reproaches of Christ are greater Riches than the Treasures of Egypt; E [...]t [...]ming the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Will you give me leave to tell you that which few believe? and that is, That Afflictions [...]e good and precious. Few believe this Truth, That Afflictions are good and precious; and yet let me tell y [...], it is a great Truth, and this I shall make appear. Now, Beloved, if I can prove, that affliction a [...] reproaches for Christ [...] good and precious, which is the worst of Christ, then you will conclude with me, that Christ is all precious.

1. That must needs be good which comes from the only Good; now Afflictions come from God, who is the only Good, Psal. 39 9. I was [...]mb, and opened not my m [...]th, saith David, Why▪ because thou didst it. I was silent, I did [Page]not speak: why, David? because thou didst it.

2. That must needs be good which was suffered by the sweetest good; now, afflictions were [...]dured by Christ, who is the sweetest good; He [...] a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, Isa. 53.5.

3. That must needs be good, which fits [...]d prepares us for a glorious estate, the eternal [...]od. Now thus doth affliction. It was good for [...] that I was afflicted, saith David, [...]sal. 119.71. Do [...] see Christians? It was good for me, saith David, [...] I was afflicted. Sirs, will you believe King [...]vid? will you believe David a Christian? will you believe David a Saint? will you believe David a man after Gods own heart? Why he tells you, It was good for him that he was afflicted. But you will say, Why was it so good? look in the [...]. and there is the reason; for, says he, Before I was afflicted I went astray, a very satisfactory answer, and therefore it was good for me that I was afflicted. So again, in 1 Cor. 4.17, 18. For our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work for us; what do they work? a far more exceeding & eternal weight of glory: Do you know what they work for us? why, a far more exceeding & eternal weight of glory. O Christians, under your greatest troubles lyeth your greatest treasures: Afflictions are good, but not pleasant; sin is pleasant, but not good; there's more evil in a drop of corruption▪ than there is in a sea of Afflictions; God by affliction separated the sin he hates so deadly, from the soul he loves so dearly; by the greatest affliction God teacheth us the sweetest instruction. A Believer, when he lies under that hand that doth afflict him, he lie [...] in that heart that doth affect him: Believers are [Page]crucified by the World, that they may be crucified to the World; the Flesh is an enemy to Sufferings, because Suffering is an enemy to the Flesh; it may make a man an earthly Courtier, but it will never make a man a heavenly Martyr, they that carry not the Yo [...] of Christ upon their necks, will never carry the Cross of Christ upon their backs; but [...] Believer studies more how to adorn the Cr [...] than how to avoid the Cross; none so co [...] geous a [...] those who are religious. A Beli [...] never falls asleep for Jesus, till he falls asleep [...] Jesus; some glory in that which is their shame, and shall we be ashamed of that which is our glory? It is an honour to be dishonoured for Jesus Christ: tell me, O Believer, is not Christ with his Cross, better than the World with its Crown? Suppose, Christian, the furnace be heat seven times hotter, it's but to make you seven times better, fiery trials make golden Christians: sin hath brought many a Believer into suffering, and suffering hath kept many a Believer out of sinning; they that are here crossed for well living, shall hereafter be crowned for well dying: the losing of our heads makes way for the receiving of our Crowns: God will season our Vessels with the water of afflictions, before he pours in the wine of glory. By this you s [...]e, Beloved, that the reproaches of Christ are precious: it is better to be preserved in Brine, than to rot in Honey.

4. Jesus Christ is always precious to Believers, he it more precious to them than [...] [Page]thousand Worlds, because he is always with them in all their trials, in all their troubles, in all their straits, and in all their afflictions: In all their afflictions he was afflicted, saith the Text. Oh, Sirs, who would not suffer wi [...]h such a Companion as this? When thou passest through the water, I will be with thee, & through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the five thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Isa. 43.2. Do you [...]e this, Christian, Christ is with you in the [...]re, in the water, and in the prison, in all places, and all times, he never leaves you nor forsakes you, Heb. 13.5. He beds & boards with you, he lieth down & riseth up with you, he is with you in life & in death, he goeth to the Death-bed, and to Heaven with you. Jesus Christ is called a Friend, and indeed he is our best Friend; Cant. 5.16. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem.

1. Jesus Christ is a faithful Friend.

2. He is a prudent Friend.

3. A careful or providing Friend.

4. A protecting Friend.

5. A compassionate Friend.

6. A constant Friend.

7. A loving Friend.

8. An everlasting Friend.

He loves us to the end, and there is no end of his love; he that gave his Image to us, loves his Image in us; Jesus Christ gave himself for us, and to us; he loves us in himself, & as himself. Oh what a sweet Friend is Christ▪ God in giving Christ to us, gave his very heart for us: Now, Beloved, how can Jesus Christ but b [...] always precious to a Believer, who is th [...] always [Page]precious to a Believer, who is thus always with Believers? Fifthly and lastly, Why is Jesus Christ so precious to Believers?

1. Because [...] is a [...] Life, Col. 3. When Christ who [...] [...]fe [...], thou shall we appear with him in glory. 1. There is a threefold life that flo [...] [...] Christ, a life of Grace, a life of Comfort, [...] life of Glory.

2. Jesus Christ is precious to [...] because he is their Light. Alas, alas, till we be in Christ we be in darkness, it is in his light that we [...]e light, Eph. 5.14. Awak [...] th [...] what [...], and arise from the dead, and Christ [...] give thee light.

3. Christ is precious to Believers, because he is their food; My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, Joh. 6. Oh what choice fare have they to feed on, that have Christ to feed on! Oh Soul, whatever thou art th [...] hast not Christ to feed on, thy bread is but [...] rishing bread.

4. Jesus Christ is precious [...] Believers, because he is their strength: take a man that is out of Christ, and he hath [...] strength, no strength to withstand or to overcome: Without me, saith Christ, you can do nothing, Joh. 15. When we were without strength, Christ di [...] for us. To be without Christ, and to be without strength, is all one.

5. Jesus Christ is precious to Believers, because he is their Righteousness and Holiness.

6. Jesus Christ is precious to Believers, because he is their Portion, he is the Terror of his Enemies, and the Portion of his People.

I might in a few particulars Anatomize the Believer, and begin with his Head, and shew you all that he knows of the things of God, he's beholding to Christ for it: s [...]ys Paul, God who hath sh [...] into our [...] by the light[Page]of the Gospel in the face of Christ. All the knowledge of God, all Gospel light, all the knowledge of spiritual things, we have all from Christ If you consider the Believer in his Heart, if you [...]nd there a broken heart, a tender heart, a good and honest heart, a n [...]w Covenant heart, [...]w comes he by this? why he hath it only from him in whom the new Covenant is made, and that is Christ. Consider the [...] in his [...] as Faith, and Love, and Patience, and Humility, and the rest; he hath all from Christ, [...] 1.19. Of his fulness have [...] received, & gr [...] [...] grace; there's not one Grace but we have i [...] from Christ. Consider him in his life; he is an [...]st and j [...]st man; who made him to differ? why is he not so full of cheating cricks as other [...]? why he hath not so [...] Christ, Christ teacheth him to live at a more holy rate than others do: so that if the Believer be better than others in this life, he must say, thanks be to Christ for that; before I lived as vainly as others did, but now I have not so learned Christ. Consider the Believer in his Previledges; he is the Son of God, and it is by the Son of God that he is the Son of God, Joh. 1.12. To as many as received him, he gave power to become the Sons of God, [...] to them that believe in his Name. So that if he be the Son of God, he must thank Christ for it: Is he [...]e of the Family-Royal? one of th [...] chosen Generation? he must thank Christ for it, for it is in and by him alone that we have all the good which we enjoy. Consider him in his Comforts, he hath not one good-day, but it is from Christ: Hath he comfort in Ordinances, in the Society of Saints, and in Prayer? We [Page]must thank Christ for all this. And thus I have given you a brief Anatomy of the Christian, & shewed you that Christ is his all in all, whatever he is worth he is beholden to Christ for it. Now put all this together, and see what great reason there is that Christ should be precious to Believer [...]; and is it any wonder that these Se [...] [...]e enamoured so with Christ, that they thi [...] their lives not worth the living but for him, [...] in [...] and for his [...]ke? Oh Sirs, there is a very [...]at reason why Believers set so high a value [...] upon Christ, who is their all in all.

Application. The first Use shall be for Examination & Self-trial: You have heard that Christ is precious, precious to God, to Angels, to Saints: but now, Oh Soul, is Christ precious to thy Soul? If Christ be precious to you, then all th [...] which is precious to Christ, is precious to you. Oh that men would but deal truly with their own Souls: Many talk of Grace, but few ta [...] of Grace; every one doth not live like? Christian, that looks like a Christian; every one doth not walk like a Christian, that talks like a Christian: many know what is to be done, but never do what is to be known: many wear Christ's Livery, and do the Devils Drudgery; many have hands as white as wo [...]ll, and their he [...]e are as black as hell; many think themselves ass [...]rodly going to Heaven, as if they were already dwelling in Heaven; many think it shall go w [...]ll with them hereafter, because it [...] w [...]ll with them here; many lie down with such hopes in their Beds of Rest, which they dare [...] lie down withal in their Beds of Dust; many [...] righteous, who are only righteous in app [...] ance; [Page]but such as deceive others with a false shew of holiness, will deceive themselves with a false shew of happiness. Remember, Christians, that the Sheeps Coat shall be taken off from the Wolves back: If there be nothing done by your Souls on Earth, there will be nothing do [...] for your Souls in Heaven; there is no making out our salvation, but by working out our salvation. God binds up none in the bundle of life, but such who are the heirs of life; there is no living a life that is vicious, and then dying a death that is righteous. O therefore [...] your selves. I shall propose four Questions [...] be resolv'd by your own hearts.

1. What interest have you in him?

2. What influence have you from him?

3. What affections beat you to him?

4. What preparations make you for him? O Christians, that you would consider well these weighty things.

Tell me, O Soul, what did Judas get by his deceitful dealing? nothing but a halter, in which his body was hanged, and a fire in which his soul was burned. Though the Earth may keep a wicked man living, yet Heaven will not take a wicked man dying. I say therefore, examine your selves.

2. I shall speak a little by way of Exhortation, and so conclude.

1. If Jesus Christ be so precious, O then open the door of your affections to Christ, that Christ may open the door of salvation to you; open to the God of Glory, that his may make you glorious. Behold, the God of Hea [...] stands [...] the door of your hearts and knocks, Rev. 3.20. B [...]ho [...] I stand at the door and knock, if any [...]en, will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come [...] to him, & sup with him, & he with me; he knocks [Page]by his Word, by his Rod, by his Spirit, by his Mercies, by his Judgments, by Conscience, & all is that he may come in and sup with you. Now Sinners, will not you open the door of your hearts to Christ, that Christ may open the door of Heaven to you? If you shut Christ out of your hearts, he will shut you out of Heaven; and what will you get by that? O Sirs, he hath Gold to enrich you, Wine to chear you, Bread to nourish you, Righteousness to justifie you, Mercy to save you, Hap [...]iness to crown you.

2. Let all that which is precious to God, be precious to you.

1. The Son of God.

2. The Book of God.

3. The Day of God.

4. The Ordinances of God.

5. The Ministers of God.

6. The People of God.

O let these be precious to you; the People of God are very precious to God; a Saint is as glorious in his greatest misery, as a Sinner i [...] miserable in his greatest glory. The Lord give a Blessing to what hath been deliverd.

Wonderful.
Doctrine, That Jesus Christ is infinitely and superlatively lovely.

Cant. 5.16.

He is altogether lovely.

TO be in a state of Grace, is to be mis [...] ble no more, is to be happy for [...]ver. Faith, that unites Christ and sanctified Souls [Page]together on Earth; and Love, that unit [...] God and glorified Souls together in Heaven. Oh Believers, you are those Worthi [...] of whom the World is not worthy. Jesus Christ from [...]e Saint hath more glory given to him, than be receiveth from all the World besides▪ [...] owe not only our service to Christ, but we owe also our selves to Christ. I shall now make some entrance upon our Lord Jesus Christ's seventh Famous Title, which is, Wonderful; this is one of Jesus Christ's▪ lovely Titles, in Is [...], 9.6. He shall be called Wonderful. The point that we shall lay down, and speak to from hence, is this:

Doct. That a Believer' [...]. Saviour is a Wonderful Saviour. He is wonderful in the eyes of all [...] Angels and Saints for love, the World and Devils for fear, wonder at him. For the opening this excellent Point, take these Particulars.

1. Christ is wonderful in his Nature.

2. He's wonderful in his Person.

3. He is wonderful in his Incarnation.

4. He is wonderful in his Saints.

5. He is wonderful in his Offices.

6. He is wonderful in his Miracles that he wrought.

7. He is wonderful in his Humiliation.

8. He is wonderful in his Conquest.

9. He is wonderful in his Ascension.

10. He is wonderful in his Exaltation.

11. He is wonderful in his Workings towards his Saints.

Lastly, He is wonderful in his coming to Judgment.

Some have more time than matter, but I have now more matter than time; therefore I must omit much precious matter, for want of precious time.

Beloved, I shall handle but one of these particulars, [Page]and that is the seventh, That Jesus Christs is [...]derful in [...] Humiliation.

This is [...] Head we shall now insist upon; [...] indeed this is one of the greatest Wonders of all, that he that was so high, should be brought so low; that he that was so rich, should become so poo [...]; that the Lord of Life should [...], and the great God to become a Babe, and the E [...]al Word not able to speak a wor [...] that [...] that made the Law, should be made [...] der the Law; he that was more excellent th [...] [...] the Angels, should become lesser and lower than the Angels. Oh ye Angels, how stand ye ama [...]ed at this! that the Lord of Heaven and Earth should become a Servant to his own Servants, Phil. 2.7. He took upon him the [...] of a Servant; this must needs be wonderful to all the Angels in Heaven. But to proceed: 1. Jesus Christ took upon him our nature, Heb. 2.16. God could stoop no lower, than to become Man, & man could be advanced no higher, than to be united with God. He that before made man a soul after the Image of God, now made himself a body after the Image of Man. For man to be like to God is a wonder, but for God to be like to man, is a great wonder. But when was it that Jesus Christ took upon him our nature? when it was in innocency, free from all Misery and Calamity? No, no, but when it was at the lowest, after the fall, when it was [...] beggarly, when wretched, most bloody, [...] accursed, most sinful, most feeble; [...] we [...] strength, Christ died for the [...]godly, says the Apostle, Rom. 5.6. Now my Brethren, [...] Jesus Christ should take upon him our condition, [Page]our frailty, our curse, our sin, our nature, when it was thus low, thus poor, thus wretched. O this is a Wonder of Wonders, and yet this you see did Jesus Christ. Oh wonderful Redemption! must God take upon him our frailty? had we so far ran upon the score of Vengeance, that none could satisfie but God himself? could not he have sent his Angles or Saints, but must come himself in person? No, no, Angels nor Saints could not do it; but if Christ will save us, he himself must come and die for us.

2. Our Saviour's Humility descended very low, he was born of a poor Maid of no account or reputation; was there never a great Lady or Gentlewoman in Jerusalem, for this great Prince of Heaven and Earth to be born of, but that he must be born of a poor despised Virgin? Yea certainly, there were Gentlewomen store in Jerusalem, but our Lord Jesus Christ regardeth not the rich no more then the poor.

2. He was revealed to poor Shepherds, not to Emperours and Kings, not to Rulers and great Men, not to Doctors and learned Men, not to Caesar at Rome, I say the Angel did not go and declare this joyful Tydings and good News to Caesar at Rome, but to poor Shepherds in the fields, Luke 2.8, 9.

3. He was born in a Stable, Luk. 2.12. Not in a fair House or Palace, not in a Parlour or Chamber, no, but in a Stable where H [...]ses and Beasts are fed.

[Page] 4. He was wrapt in Clouts and laid in a Manger; they were not Clouts of fine Linnen or Silk, or Cloth of Silver or Gold, nor precious Robes, but poor and mean, like to Beggars Rags. Now Beloved, put all this together, and tell me what is more wonderful than this: Oh wonderful, wonderful Redemption! Oh Humility, Humility! how great is thy riches that are th [...] commended to us? thou pleasest Men, delighe [...] Angles, and confoundest Devils, and bringest thy Creator to a Manger: Oh sweet Jesus, thou conqueredst Death by dying.

3. The third Wonder in Christ's Humiliation is this he became poor: that he that was so rich, became poor; that he that was Lord of all, had nothing at all; he that made Heaven and Earth, had no Habitation of his own; he that gave Crowns of Victory, of Life, of Glory, to others, had no Crown himself here, but a Crown of Thorns; the Foxes & the Fowls had more than Jesus Christ, Mat. 8.20. The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head. The Foxes had holes to lay their heads in but Christ had no place to lay his head in: as he was born in another Man's house, so he was buried in another Man's Tomb. You say, says the Apostle, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, though he was rich, yet he became poor, 2 Cor. 8.9. Yet became he poor, ay, poor indeed, and so poor that he had not a penny; you will say, that man is very poor that hath not a penny. Truly such a one [Page]was Christ, he had not a penny to pay tribute, till he had got it of a Fish, Mat. 17. And when he was to ride in pomp to Jerusalem, he had no Coach, no Chariot, no Horse or Beast of his own, he was fain to ride upon anothers man's Ass, Mat. 21.1, 2. O ye blessed Saints, admire and wonder at this, is not he the Brightness of God, the Paridise of Angles, the Beauty of Heaven, the Redeemer of Men, the Destroyer of Death, the King of Saints; & that he should become so Poor for us. Oh! this is a wonder to Angles and Men!

4. The fourth wonder in Christ's Humiliation is this That he shed his blood six times for poor sinners; and this is a great Wonder. 1. The first time was, when he was Circumcised at eight dayes old. O what a blessed Jesus is this! what ready for the Sacrifice already? What, but eight days old and yet shed thy blood for the salvation of Mans soul? 2. The second time was, when he was in his Agony when he was in the Garden: Matthew tells us, that His soul began to be sorrowful. Sore amazed, says Mark, Mark 14. To be troubled, says John Joh. 12. Now my soul is troubled, what shall I say? save me from this hour. Troubled! O Lord! what, thou that bindest up the proud Waves of the Sea, thou that turnest the Hearts of Kings as the Rivers of [...], thou that laidst the foundations of the Earth, and spreadest the Heavens as a Curtain, thou that guidest the Stars, and thundrest in the Clouds, thou that upholdest all things by the [Page] Word of thy Power, and what, thou troubled! O the horrour, the terrour, the sorrow that seized upon the soul of Christ! Says Luke, [...] began to be in an Agony, Luke 22.24. He began to be in an Agony & he sweat, what? [...] natural sweat but blood, he was in a bloody sweat all over, he sweat clods of blood, as the Original hath it. O how did Christ come swimming to us in blood, & have not we a tear to shed for all those Streams of his? We did eat the sour Grapes and his Teeth were set on edge; we climb [...]d the Tree, and stole the forb [...]dden Fruit & Christ he went up the Ladder of the Cross & dyed. Oh how lovely should Christ be in our eyes! We should wear this Crucifix in our hearts, and treasure it up as Moses did the Manna in the Pot. Christ's Cross, says one, is the golden Key that lets us into Paradise; & the Angel with the flaming Sword is turned out, his red blood washed away our red Sins. But, 3. He shed his blood for us, when his Cheeks were nipt & tore, the pulling off the ha [...], as the Prophet speaks, Isa. 5.6. I gave my back to the smiters, & my cheeks to them that pulled off she hair. Some be of opinion, that Christs cheeks were rent to his very chin, and his beard was pulled off; both very likely to be true, neither of them could be without much blood, for we find that the So [...]ldiers did blindfold him, and then smote him on the face, and bid him read who it was that smote; they made sport of it, Luk. 22.64. O how was that face of his massacred & covered with blood, [Page]that was brighter than the Sun! He that was fairer than the Sons of men, he that is the great glistering and sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory, how was he bespotted and besmeared with blood! Oh ye' hard of heart, ye stubborn of heart, and indeed too stubborn are we all; if Judgment and the Hammer will not break your hearts, let Love and Mercy do it: Look unto Christ, and say. Hast thou suffered this for me, and shall not I love thee, O Lord, and serve thee, and obey thee, and honour thee? So say, and so do, and the Lord say, Amen.

But then 4. Christ shed his blood when the Cr [...]wn of prickling Thorns was put upon his head, Mat. 27. Some of the Fathers say, that he received seventy two wounds in his head; certainly there could not but much blood come out. Oh what a sight was this, to behold that head of his that was as the most fine Gold, as the Spouse expresseth it, to be now covered with Thorns, and rent with Thorns; that he should wear the prickling Crown of sharp Thor [...]s, that was fit to wear the Crown of Glory.

5. A fifth time when he shed his blood, was, when his hands and feet were mailed to the Cross; these beautiful feet of his that came skipping upon the Mountains, bringing the glad tidings of peace and salvation, Skipping, as Gregory saith, from the Throne to the Cradle, from the Cradle to the Cross, and from the Cross [...] the Thr [...], again. How were these blessed hands of his nailed and made fast to the Cross? O ye blessed Spirits, look down [...]rom Heaven and you may see even the Almighty knee [...] at the [...] of men. O ye Angels, how should you be amazed [Page]at this, to see your Lord and Master so far deny himself, as to take upon him the form of a Servant? We saw Jesus, saith the Apostle, made a little lower than the Angels to suffer death; the Creator not only become a Creature, but inferiour to some of the Creatures which he had made. O ye blessed Saints, why do you not wonder at this wonder? to see the Beauty of Heaven, the Paradise of Angels, the Brightness of his Father's Glory, the Redeemer of men, thus to humble & take upon him man's nature, for the salvation of mans soul.

6. And lastly, Christ shed his blood when the Spear was thrust into his side, out of which presently gush [...]d out water and blood, Joh. 9. Some say, that the Souldier that pierced Christ with a Spear, was a blind man; but our Saviour's blood sprinkling our upon his eyes, restored him to his sight, and he became a Convert, a Preacher, and a Martyr: you will say a very strange Cure, that the Physitian should b [...]eed, and his blood should be of that vertue that we should all be saved. Physitians be usually liberal of other mens blood, but sparing of their own; but it was not so with our Physitian, instead of the Patients bleeding in the arm, he bled in the side. Why dost thou shower down thy blood, and come swimming in thy blood? Is not a drop sufficient? One drop, saith Luther, is more worth than Heaven and Earth. Oh love without measure! Oh wonderful Redemption! that God should take up in him man's frailty, this is wonderful indeed! Is it not, enough for a King to pardon a Thief, but that the King himself should die for the Malefactor? This is beyond expression: thus did our blessed Lord, [Page]our blessed Saviour, he died that we might live, he went and suffered in his Agony, that he might stay us with flaggons, and comfort us with apples; he endured the greatest pain, that we might enjoy the sweetest pleasures. Oh how lovely, how lovely was Christ in his sufferings! who would but love thee, thou King of Saints? O Christians, consider how much thy dear Lord and Saviour hath suffered and undergone for thee. O precious blood, it redeems us, it cleanseth us, it washeth us, it justifies us, it sanctifies us, it restores us to God, & brings us to Heaven. 5. Another Wonder in Christ's Humiliation is this, he suffered in his soul, Mat. 26.38. My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death, saith Christ. Oh what a word was this for a God to speak, to say, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; for man to say so, is no great wonder; but for a God to say so, Oh this is a great wonder indeed: the sufferings of his soul was the soul of his sufferings. Christ yielded his soul for our souls, his soul in our souls stead. Many of the faithful Servants have suffered much in their bodies, as the Martyrs that were rack'd, & burnt, and sawn asunder, but they had much freedom in their souls, their souls were full of much spiritual joy and comfort: but now Jesus Christ did not only suffer in his body, but in his soul; and this is that which makes the wonder the greater, that Christ suffered in his soul, he drank the Cup of Affliction, that we might drink the Cup of Consolation; he tasted Death for us, that we might taste Life for him: Christ was forsaken, that we might never be forsaken.

[Page] 6. A sixth Wonder in Christ's Humiliation, is this, that Jesus Christ should suffer himself to be so much mocked: he was mocked, as [...]a [...]psm was by the Philistines when his eyes were put out; and truly this is a great wonder.

1. If we consider who Christ was.

2. If we consider who they were that mockt him: Christ he was God, the God-man, they were but dusk and ashes.

1. They did spit upon him.

2. They blind-folded him.

3. They crown'd him with Thorns.

4. They put a Reed into his hand instead of a Scepter.

5. They clothed him with purple Garments.

6. They bowed their knees to him in scorn.

7. They saluted him with Hall King of the Jews.

8. They made him carry his own Cross on which he was hanged; as Malefactors go with Halters about their necks to Execution, so they made Christ carry his Cross.

9. They reviled him, wagging their heads.

10. They crucified him, with two Thieves, and in the raidst of them, as though he had been the Prince of Thieves, the greatest Malefactor of them all.

11. They insulted over him in his misery: thus they never left him, till his Soul left the World; and all this they did in scorn to him, that they might make his death the more painful and shameful.

O Sirs, this is no small wonder, if we consider how Jesus Christ was mockt. [...] The seventh Wonder in the Humiliation of Christ, was this, he suffered much from his Father; here's a wonder, if you talk of wonders. Jesus Christ did not only suffer from Jews and Gentiles, Scribes and Pharisees, J [...] d [...]s and Pilate, wicked men and Devils, but he [Page]suffered too from his Father; and this is that which makes the wonder the greater, Isa. 53. [...] pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath [...] him to grief. Mark, one would have thought, if God would spare any, it should have been his Son, his own Son, his beloved Son, his begotten Son, his bosom Son, and yet God spared him not a jot, Rom. [...].32. He that [...] was his own Son, but delivered him up for us all. Mark here, God did not spare him, but delivered him up for us. If Jesus Christ will come and take our sins upon him, God will not spare him, but let out the fulness of Justice, and Justice to be full upon him, till he hath paid the uttermost farthing of Justice. O blessed Jesus, didst thou undergo so much for our sinning, for our offending, for our rebelling: O then what infinite cause have we to love thee, and obey thee, and honour thee; for the more he hath done and suffered for us, the dearer ought he to be unto us. 8. The last great wonder that I shall mention, is this, Christ foresaw all this, and yet he willingly undertook it to save mankind; Christ knew before he come from Heaven, how his Country-men the Jews would use him, and that one of his Family would betray him, Job. 6.4. says the. Text, Jesus knew from the beginning who should betray him; nothing was in the womb of time that was not first in the womb of Christ, he knew it from the beginning, says the Text: Now that our Lord Jesus Christ should foreknow all this most wonderful misery that he endured, yet that he should come freely, willingly, and joyfully [Page]from Heaven, to die and suffer by & for such poor wretches as we are, here is a wonder to Angels and Men, H [...]b. 10.11. Lo I come saith Christ, to do thy [...]i [...] O God. Lo I come, & what was it he was to do why, to suffer for poor man, to redeem poor man. Do you see here. Sirs, what great love Christ bore to his people, rather than they should be in Hell, & be damned, Jesus Christ would come from Heaven, and suffer and this for them, though he knew before how he should be used. O this is a great wonder, dear Christians, methinks such a Pearl should sparkle in our eyes: we sail O Glory, not in the salt Sea of our Tears, but in the Red Sea of Christ's Blood. Truly it is wonderful to think how much Jesus Christ did for us, and how little do we for him; the greater his sufferings were, the greater were our sins; the greater his pain was, the greater should be our love to him again. I shall make of this point, a Use of Information and Exhortation.

Use 1. First, Is it so that a Believer's Saviour is a wonderful Saviour? then it informs us of eight things.

1. My first Inference is this, that Christ's sufferings were great sufferings, in what he endured from men in his body, and in what he suffered from God in his soul. Christ did not only endure pain in his body, but a [...] ny in his soul. On the Sea of Sufferings the Sea of Sorrow, the Sea of Blood, the Sea of Tears that our Blessed Saviour waded through to come and bring peace to our souls, salvation to our souls, grace and glory [Page]to our souls. He suffered from God, also from men his enemies, he suffered from men his friends, he suffered from Devils, he suffered in his Name, he suffered in his Members, he suffered in his Body, he suffered in his Soul; the cause was our sins, the effect our salvation. If you look through the Chronicle of his life, you shall find his whole life full of sorrow and misery: He was persecuted, he was tempted, he was repreached, he was falsly accused, he was apprehended, he was betrayed, he was crucified: what shall we say more? what can be said more? He was so full of sorrow, he took his Name from sorrow; our Lord Jesus Christ is called a man of sorrows, Isa. 53.3. A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief Now judge, Sirs, whether Christ's life was not full of sorrows; he took his Name from sorrow. O sweet Jesus, thy sufferings were great sufferings: that's my first Inference.

2. Jesus Christ suffered by himself, but not for himself; he was alone in his sufferings, neither Angles nor Saints bore any part with Christ in his sufferings; no, he drank the bitter cup alone, He alone purged our sins, Heb. 1.3. He alone by himself, says the Text, purged ou [...] sins. No, Christ had none to help to bear his heavy burden with him, he bare it himself alon [...]. But my Beloved, though our Lord Jesus Christ suffered by himself, yet he did not suffer for himself [...] suffered for us, he suff [...]r [...]d that which we deserved, Isa. 53▪ [...], 5 [...] been our griefs and carried our sorrows,[Page]he was wounded for our transgressions, he w [...] bruised for our iniquities; the chastiseme [...] of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are h [...]ded. Do you see here Christians, how many Ours are here? our griefs, our sorrows, our transgressions, our iniquities, our peace; you have here five Ours: so again, For [...] sakes he became poor, 2 Co [...]. 8.9. Mark, for [...] sakes. Beloved he was born for us; Ʋnto [...] a child is born: he was given for us, To [...] son [...] given, Isa. 9.6. He was made a curse f [...] us, Gal. 3.13. The Text tells us, He was m [...] a curse, but it was for us: He was delivered [...]p for us, Rom. 8.23. W [...]o spared not his own Son, but de [...]ivered him up for us all. O Si [...]s, all these things they were for us, born for us, given for us, made a curse for us, made sin for us, delivered up for us, lived for us, died for us, and is now in Heaven interceding for us, Heb. 7.25. So that, my Brethren, all that our Lord Jesus suffered, it was not for himself, but it was for us; our blessed Saviour suffered for us, that we might not suffer. This is the second Inference.

3. My third is this, That it is more for Christ to suffer any thing, than for all Men and Angles to suffer all things. Pray mark Sirs, if all the Kings and [...]rours in the Earth should have left their T [...]rones, their Crowns, their Kingdoms, their Scepters, their Glory, their Honours, and Princely Robes, and have come and took upon them a poor Lazarus's condition, to go poorly, & fare [Page]hardly, and die shamefully, why all this had not been so much as for Jesus Christ the Son of God to have suffered the least thing he did suffer Nay further, I say, If all the Angels in Heaven, and Men on Earth, had come and suffered, and died ten thousand deaths, it had not been so much, put all together; as it was for Christ to suffer any thing; because they [...]re Creatures, he the Creator; they are Servants, he the Master; they are Subjects, he the Prince; they are mean, he is Mighty; He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; he thought it no robbery to be equal with God, Phil. 2.6. Now I say, it would not have been half such a wonder, if all the Angels in Heaven, and Men on Earth, had come and suffered, as it was for the Son of God. Oh this is a wonder of wonders, his sufferings were wonderful, his humility was wonderful, his patience was wonderful, his love was wonderful, greater love could none shew; he loved us so that he died for love. Now I beseech you consider this Inference, which was this, That it is more for Jesus Christ to suffer any thing, than for all M [...]n and Angels to suffer all things. And indeed Si [...]s, let me tell you, I want words to express it, or set it forth; for there is both want of words, and want in words to express this matter.

4 My fourth Inference is this; In what a miserable case lay we, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ must endure all this, suffer all th [...]s hear all this, undergo all this, for poor Sinners▪ In what a miserable case lay we in, think you? Certainly the misery of man was very great, that man should need such Redemption [Page]as this. Oh what a breach has Sin made between God and us, that the Son of God must come from Heaven to Earth to suffer all this? Oh Sirs, mischievous Sin, I say mischievous Sin had undone us; Sin hath robb'd every one of six Jewels, every of which Jewels were more worth than Heaven and Earth. Would you know what Jewels they be that Sin hath robb'd us of? I will tell you, and than you will sa [...] with me, that we were in a very miserable case.

1. It robs us of the Image of God: wa [...] not this a precious Jewel think you? I say, it robb'd us of the Image of God, and did draw in man the Devil's picture. Malice is the Devil's eye, Oppression is the Devil's hand, Blasphemy is the Devil's tongue, and Hypocris [...] is the Devil's cloven foot.

2. Sin robs us of our Sonship, and makes us slaves to the Devil, slaves to Sin, slaves to the World, and slaves to our selves. This is another Jewel we lost.

3. It robs us of our Friendship with God, and made us enemies to God, enemies to Christ, [...] nemies to our Souls, and enemies to all that is good.

4. It robs us of our communion and fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit, & makes us strangers and aliens.

5. It robs us of our Rights and Priviledges, of Heaven, and heavenly things, and makes us the children of wrath, and heirs of Hell.

6. It robs us of our honour and glory, and made us vile and miserable, as you may see, Isa. 1.6. There w [...] [...] soundness from the crown of the head to the sole of [...] foot.

Now Sirs, put all this together, and th [...] see whether or no we are not miserable, and whether we did not need a Saviour to com [...] [Page]and deliver us from this misery into which our souls were plunged. Now here is our happiness Christians, in Christ we [...] all those Jewels again that were lost in the old Adam, the glorious Image of God, our Sonship, our Friendship, our Fellowship, our Priviledges, and our Glory & Honour; we have all again by Jesus Christ. O Sirs man was in a very sad condition, man had brought himself in a sad condition, our condition was a miserable condition.

5. A fifth Inference is this [...] Jesus Christ brought life to us, but we brought death to him; a life of grace, a life of comfort, a life of glory: Christ brought glory to us, but we brought shame to him: Christ brought riche [...] to us, but we brought poverty to him; he brought joy to us, but we brought sorrow to him, sorrow upon sorrow: we put a Crown of Thorns upon Christ's head, Christ put the Crown of Glory upon [...] heads. We thought the Earth too good for Christ, and would not let him live here, but put him to death; but Christ thinks not Heaven too good for us; we are ashamed to own Christ before men, but Christ is not ashamed to own us before his Father, and his holy Angels. We condemn Christ, but Christ justifies us. Oh Sirs, think of your unkindness to Christ, and let the consideration of his infinite love and favour to you, draw out your affections after him.

That's the fifth. 6. My sixth Inference is [...]his, All Believers have exceeding cause to bless God for Jesus Christ: God the Father gave Christ to us, to us who were not his friends but enemies; to us who were not sons, but slaves; to us who were not Angels, but men; to us who [Page]loved not God, but hated him. Oh, have not we cause to bless God for Jesus Christ? In Joh. 3.16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten S [...], that whoever b [...]lieved in him should [...] perish, but h [...]v [...] everlasting life. Oh, Sirs, what a Gift is Jesus Christ!

7. If Jesus Christ be so wonderful, Oh then how vile a thing, how base a thing is it for the hearts of men to prefer any thing before Jesus Christ! I beseech you, and I beg of you all [...] mind this Inference. Surely Sirs, if Jesus Chri [...] be so wonderful, so precious, so lovely, so ric [...] so sweet, so rare; Oh then it is a most abominable thing, a wicked thing, a vile thing, to prefer any thing before Jesus Christ. Oh, I may speak it with grief of heart, there be too many in the world that set light by Christ, and m [...] nothing of Christ, and love not Christ, and prefer every base lust before Christ; though then is nothing more cursed than this, yet there is nothing more common than this, Christians for men to prefer the vilest of things before Christ. 1. The wicked Worldling he prefer [...] the trash of this world before Jesus Christ; he can leave hearing, and praying, and reading, and fasting, to follow the world; he prefers gol [...] before God, earth before Heaven, gain befo [...] Glory, his corruptible silver before his Saviour [...] thou wicked Worldling, thou wretched Worldling, can thy Riches save thy Soul? Let me a [...] thee, can thy Riches deliver thee from Hell, c [...] thy Riches bring thee to Heaven, that thou th [...] preferrest them before Christ? Oh th [...] Lord J [...] sus will come in flames of fire to take venge [...] on such; and then thou wilt know to thy [...] and pain, and torment, that thy Riches ca [...] [Page]keep thee out of Hell, much less bring thy Soul to Heaven; then thou wilt see thy folly, wh [...] it is too late. 2. Drunkards, wic [...]est Drunkards, prefer their Drunkenness before Christ; the Drunkard prefers his Pots before Christ; the Drunkard wades through a Sea of Drink to his Grave; he can sit a day or whole night in an Alehouse, and think it but a little time; but an hour in the Service of God, O how tedious is that! Oh thou Drunkard, that thou turnest off thy Cups so fast, God Almighty hath a Cu [...] thee, but not a Cup of Sack, nor a Cup of [...]eer, but a Cup of Wrath, which thou shalt drink to Eternity; which is thou to drink scalding [...]t Load down thy throat: he hath so much Liquor here, not only to drink to quench his thirst, but to drink to excess, till he say and do he knows not what: In Hell he shall have little enough, there is never a Tavern or Alehouse there, no, there is not a drop of Water to be got all Hell over. O thou Wretch, thou shalt live in burning flames, and thy tongue shall cleave to the roof of thy mouth, and if thou wouldest give a thousand worlds for one drop of water, thou shalt not have it: and therefore, I beseech you, if [...]ay such there are, in the name of God hear & fear, and do no more so wickedly. O, I would not be in thy condition for ten thousand worlds; and yet I cannot but have bowels of pity towards thee, which constrains me thus to speak, knowing thy condition better than thou dost thy self. O couldst thou but speak with thy fellow Drunkards that are now in Hell, O what dreadful Stories would they tell thee of their burnings, and sufferings, and pain, and torments! [Page]Some are in Hell already for the same sin you live in; and if you live and die without Christ, you shall be e're long with them. 3. The Swearer, the blasphemous Swearer prefers his Oaths before Christ: Many can swear by their Creator and Maker, and speak proudly, and look highly, and walk contemptuously, as if there were no God to punish, no Devil to torment. Well, let me tell thee, O thou Swearer, that now delighte [...] in cursing, thou shalt be [...]'re long sent with a Curse to a cursed place; Depart ye cursed into everlasting flames, will Christ say to such persons. Lastly, The proud person prefers his pride before Christ: If a fine Sure of Clothes did lie on the one hand, and Christ on the other, the proud person would rather put on the Sute of Clothes than Christ. O I beseech you, Sirs, consider what a vile and abominable thing it is to prefer any thing before Christ; Consider this, says the Psalmist, y [...] that forget God, lest he tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver you. O, poor wretch, consider of that Text, thou [...]iest open to all the Judgments in this life, and to all the torments in the life to come, all ye wicked ones that prefer any thing before Christ.

8. The last Inference is this; If Jesus Christ be so wonderful, O then every one that heareth of Christ, should think it to be a m [...]st dreadful thing to miss of Christ. O Christians [...] Friends, consider of it; certainly that man or womans condition must needs be said indeed, that lives and dies without Jesus Christ. O poor wretch, the Devil looks but for a look f [...]om God to come and rend thee and tear thee in pieces, and drag thy soul to Hell. Poor soul; thy soul is in danger [Page]every hou [...] of being arrested by Death, and curied Prisoner to Hell. O Sirs, I beseech you, do you think and consider with your selves what a sad thing it is to miss of Christ. Until a man is in Christ, he hath nothing, he know [...] nothing he enjoys nothing, can do nothing, is fit for nothing, & is worth nothing, Prov. 10.20.

Oh I beseech you, that you would consider seriously, consider that of all miseries this is one of the greatest miseries, to miss of Christ: we are never able to lament the loss of that poor soul that loseth Jesus Christ, all losses be wrapt up in that one loss▪ and therefore I beseech you all both good and bad, bethink with your selves what a sad condition that person is in that misseth of Christ. So much for this Use of Information.

A Believers Golden Chain.

I Come now to the second Use, and that is a Use of Exhortation; and here I shall make a Golden Chain of twelve Links, for Believers to wear about their Necks. I. Hear the best Men. Read the best Books. Keep the best Company. 1. Hear the best Men: O Sir [...] hear a soul-enriching Minister, a soul-winning Minister, a soul-searching Minister, one that declareth the whole counsel of God, that gives the Father his due, the Son his due, the Holy Ghost his due; one that maketh hard things easie, and dark things plain. Many there are, I may speak with grief, and to their [Page]shame, who instead of making hard things easie to the people, make easie things hard to the people, plain things dark, speaking in unknown tongues, which the people understand not, & all to work a vain admiration of them in the ignorant; but how unlike to Christ, and the Prophets, &. Apostles, these are, I will leave you to judge. This is as if a man should make a Scaffold as high as a Steeple, when his work is down upon the ground. Ministers are Fishermen; now you know if Fishermen should wind their Nets up together, they could catch nothing; but if they will catch the Fish, they must spread their Net: The Application is easy: A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue, a heart full of Graces, is better than a head full of Nations, notional knowledge it may make a man's head giddy, but it will never make a man's heart holy; that which most tickleth delicate ears, least helpeth diseased souls: how are we to speak to God & live, much less to speak from God to the People that they may live; how holy had they need be that draw near to a Holy God? Ministers are called Angels, because we should be as Angels in our lives; but if Angels fall, they turn Devils; O we should be holy as the holy Angels; 'tis the foolishness of Preaching that saves souls, but not foolish Preaching. Christ taught them as they were able to hear it, and as they were able to bear it, Mark 4.33. Paul was excellent at this, I had rather speak five words in a known tongue, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. A man may be a gre [...] [Page] [...], & yet a great Sinner; Judas the Traitor was [...] the Preacher: therefore Sirs, let me beseech you, for your poor souls sake, hear those Ministers that come nearest to Christ, the Prophets and Apostles; he is the best Preacher that doth most good, & wins most souls [...] you may go from men to truth, but not from truth to men; for the best of men are but men at the best. 2. Read the best Books, for in them you will find the best things, and compare what is spoken in the l [...]k of man, with what is written in the Book of God. 3. Keep the best Company, be much with them that are much with God, walk with them that walk with God, Truly our fellowship is with the Father, & with his Son Jesus C [...]ist, 1 Joh. 1.3. Forsake all bad company, & joyn thy self with good company; let them be thy choicest companions that have made Christ their choicest companion; lay them nearest your hearts, who lie nearest Christ's heart: carry them in your bosome by love, who shall be carried by Angels into Abrahams besome; let Christ's Dove be your Love; with whom should Believers be, but with Believers? you know what our English Proverb is, Birds of a feather will flock together; Being let go, they went to their own Company, Act. 4.23. Indeed none are fit company for a Believer, but a Believer; to see a Saint & a Sinner sociating one with another, is to see the dead and the living keep house together; carnal men, tho' they be naturally alive, yet they are spiritually [Page]dead; 'tis better to be with Lazarus, though in his rags, than to be Dives, tho' in his robes: He that walketh with the wise shall be wise, Prov. 13.20. O dwell where God dwells, make them your Companions on Earth, who shall be your Companions in Heaven. That's the first.

II. Meditate often, think often on the four last things, Death, which is most certain; Judgment, which is most strict; Hell, which is most doleful; Heaven, which is most delightful. 1. Meditate upon Death, which is most certain; He hath appointed unto all men once to die, Heb. 9.27. Out of the dust was man formed, and unto dust shall man be returned; to think of Death, is a death to some men: but Beloved, meditate upon death, the meditation of Death will put Sin to death. Death to the wicked is the end of all comfort, and the beginning of all misery; but Death to the godly is the Out-let to sin and sorrow, and the In-let to peace and happiness: the Saints enjoyments shall be incomparable, when the Sinners torments shall be intolerable; when a Believers soul shall go out of his own bosom, it goeth into Abraham bosom; when a Believer dies, he leaves all his bad behind him, and carries his good with him; when a Sinner [...]ies, he carries his bad with him, and leaves his good behind him; the one goeth from evil to good, the other from good to evil: when a Saint leaves the World, his flesh returns to dust, and his spirit returns to rest; when a Sinner leaves the World, his body goes to Worms to be consumed, and his soul goes to flames to be tormented; the one goes to Abrahams bosom, the other [Page]to Bel [...]ebub's bosom: The Chaff to the fire, and the wheat to the barn. Oh for the Lord's sake meditate upon Death. When you come into the World, you do but live to die again; when you go out of the World, you do but die to live again; he that lives well, cannot die ill; he that is assured of a life that hath no and, cares not how soon this life hath an end; but he that lives without sear, shall die wit [...]out hope: he that hath no grace in his life▪ shall have no true peace in his death. An old Sinner is nearer the second death, than he is to the second birth; his body is nearer to corruption, than his soul is unto salvation: Death levelleth the highest Mountains with the lowest Valleys; the robes of Princes, and the rags of Beggars, are both laid up together in the Wardrobe of the Grave. The reason why men so little prepare for death, is because they so little think of death; when they feel sickness arresting them, then they fear death approaching: The Grave is a bed to rest in, but not [...] shop to trade in: when the soul in death takes its [...]ight from its loving Mate, they shall meet no more till the General Assize. When you are putting off your Cloaths, think of the putting off your Tabernacles; be going to your Beds, as if you were going to your Graves, & so close your eyes in one World, as you would open them in another World; when you are creeping between the Sheets, then think of your Winding-sheet. Remember, Christians, that God can as easily turn you into the dust, as he could take you out of the dust. To day is your living day, to morrow may be your [Page]dying day, the meditation of death will prepare you for death. 2. Meditate upon Judgment, which is most strict, We must all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ. They who will not come before his Mercy-seat, shall be forced to come before his Judgment-seat; they who will not hear his Word, shall feel his Sword; they who are graceless in this day, will be speechless in that day. Do you mind me, Sirs? At the World's end such will be at their wits end, to see the Earth flaming, the Heavens melting, the Stars falling, the Graves opening, the Judgment hastening, the Sun and Moon mourning, and Christ and his Angels coming: He that comes to raise the dead, will also come to judge the dead. O Sirs the great Day to great Sinners will be a terrible day, when they shall see Christ coming in the Clouds, who hath the person of a man, but the power of God, being crowned with dignity, and guarded with Angels, and inraged with Anger, and inabled with Power, to bring all Kings and Nobles, high and low, rich and poor to his Bar, and there he will judge them, not by the witness of their countenances, but by the blackness of their consciences; he that was guarded to the Cross with a band of Souldiers, shall be guarded to the Bench with a guard of Angels: you that make no account of his coming, how do you think to give an account at his coming? For the Lord's sake meditate upon Judgment, the Meditation of Judgment Sirs, may make you Judgment-proof, they who now judge themselves in their own private [Page]Sessions, shall not be judged by Christ at his publick Assize. 3. Meditate upon Hell, which is most doleful. O Sirs, Heaven is a place where all is joyful; and Hell is a place where all is doleful: in the former there is nothing but happiness, and in the latter there is nothing but heaviness; Psal. 9.17. The wicked shall be turned into Hell. Mark, Sirs, The wicked shall be turned into Hell. O dreadful place, where the Devil is the Jaylor, Hell the Prison, Damnation the punishment, Eternity the time, Brimstone the fire, men and spirits the fuel; to endure this will be intolerable, to avoid it, will be impossible. This is the day of God's long-suffering, that will be the day of man's long-suffering; there they may suffer, and suffer pain without ease, and torments without end, sorrow without succour, and misery without mercy: for the Lord's sake meditate upon Hell. Oh what Hells are there in Hell! the lo [...] of God, the loss of Christ, the loss of Saints, the loss of Angels, the loss of all good, and endless, [...]aseless, remidiless torment must be their por [...]: O that you would but often th [...]k of [...]. If [...] thou droppest into Hell, after a thousand years you will be as far from coming out, as at first entrance in; there is a way to keep a man out of Hell, but no way to get a man out of Hell. The Wheat and the Chaff they may both grow together, but they shall not both lie together▪ in Hell there shall not be a Saint amongst those that are [...]errified, and in Heaven there shall not be a Sinner amongst those that are glorified. The Sea of Damnation shall not be swee [...]ed with a drop of Compassion. [Page]Will you pity a body that is going to the Block, and will you not pity a soul that is going to the Pit? What a sad Visitation is that, where the black horse of Death goeth before, and the red horse of Wrath followeth after? O that must needs be sad, when one death comes upon the neck of another. A mans condition in this life may be honourable, and yet his state as to another life may be damnable. Poor Lazarus goes to Heaven, when rich Dives goes to Hell; it is better to go to Heaven poorly, than it is to go to Hell richly. O Sirs, let us go into Heaven by contemplation, that we may never go into Hell by condemnation. 4. Meditation on Heaven which is most joyful, Mat. 25.34. Come ye blessed, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you. Heaven is a place where all joy is enjoyed, mirth without sadness, light without darkness, sweetness without bitterness, life without death, rest without labour, plenty without poverty. Oh what joy entereth into a Believer, when he enters into the joy of his Master! who would not work for glory with the greatest diligence, and wait for glory with the greatest patience? Oh wha [...] glories are there in glory! Thrones of glory, Crowns of glory, Vessels of glory, a Weight of Glory, a Kingdom of glory; here Christ puts his Grace upon his Spouse, but there he puts his glory upon his Spouse. In Heaven the Crown is made for them, and in Heaven the Crown shall be worn by them. In this life Believers have some good things, but the rest and the best are reserved for the life to come. O Sirs, meditate upon Heaven, the meditation [Page]of Heaven will make us heavenly; Heaven is not only a possession promised, but a possession purchased. When our contemplations & conversations are in heaven, then we enjoy Heaven and Earth. To be in Christ is Heaven below, and to be with Christ is Heaven above: there cannot be a better being for us, than for us to be with the best of beings. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, Phil. 1.21. Paul was contented to stay a while out of Heaven, that he might bring other souls into Heaven; his life to them was most useful, but his death to him was most gainful: let our condition be never so great, it's a Hell without him; and let our condition be never so sad, it is a Heaven with him. I had rather be in Hell with Christ, than in heaven without Christ, saith Luther. Indeed hell it self would be heaven if God were in it, and heaven would be hell if God were from it That which makes heaven so full of joy is, that it is above all fear; and that which makes hell so full of horrour is, that it is below all hope: the Vessels of grace shall swim in the Ocean of glory; here all the Earth is not enough for one man, but there one Heaven is enough for all men: a Believer should see with an eye that is purified, what he shall shortly see with an eye that is glorified: we may talk of the greatness of our Crowns, but we shall never know the weight of our Crowns, till they be set on our Heads. That's the second.

III. Set the watch of your lives by the Sun of Righteousness, Mal. 4.2. Live in print, and keep the Copy of your lives free from blots and [Page]blu [...]s, that the Characters thereof may be read by all. And bring up the bottom of your lives to the top of your lights; then only doth the Watch of our lives move with uprightness, when it is s [...]t by the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The grace of God that bringeth saiv [...], both appeared to all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this presons world, Ti [...]. 2.11, 12. They who will not submit to Graces teaching, shall never enjoy Graces salvation. Oh live so, that the word which hath brought salvation to your souls, may bring your souls unto salvation: that you may be such Jewels of Grace as shall be lock'd up in the Cabinet of Glory. The Father of Light takes no pleasure in the Children of Darkness: Let your light so shine before men, Mat. 5. We must first shine in Grace, before we can shine in Glory. They who look for a Heaven made ready, should live as if they were in Heaven already.

There are four things that make up a New Creature: 1. Light. 2. Life. 3. Holiness. And 4. Good works. The Children of Light must put on the Armour of Light. I cannot but sadly reflect on the Inconstancy of rotten Professors: An applauded Christ shall have many Hosanna's, but a condemned Christ shall have many C [...]uc [...]ige's. But a true Believer can as well go with Christ to the Tree where he is to be crucified, as the can go with Christ to the Throne, where he is to be glorified. Oh how unanswerable are the [...]ives of some Professors, to the Lights of Pro [...]ors! They know much, but do little; they know the good they are to do, but they do [Page]not the good they know. They speak of things above, but they love and follow after things below: A man is not what he says, but he is what is does: To say what we do, and not do what we say, is but to undo our selves by doing. Take heed, Sirs, that you do not talk your selves to Hell with Heavenly words: what is the great prejudice that the World hath against Professors, but this, that they who profess against pride more than others, are themselves as proud as others? They profess against convetousness more than others, but are themselves as covetous as others: they often meet together to be better, but they are never the better for their often meeting together: do but take away their Profession, and you take away their Religion. They have nothing of the shape but the skin: they are better in their outsides, than they are in their insides. Oh Sirs, if godliness be evil, why do you so much profess it? and if godliness be good, why do you so little practise it? Either take Christ into your lives, or cast Christ out of your lips; either obey his commands more, or else call him Lord no more; either get oyl in your Lamps, or cast away your Lamps: to be a Professor of Piety, and a Practiser of Iniquity, is an abomination unto the Lord: some would not seem evill, and yet would be so; others would seem good, and yet would not be so; either be what thou seemest, or else seem what thou beest. There are many that blush to confess their sins, that did never blush to commit their sins; there is nothing done in vain, but that which is vainly done. O Christians, bring your lights to the light; what darkness can obscure them, who [Page]have a Sun above them? Believers, when their Candles are put out, they can fetch light from the Sun of Righteousness the nearer you are to such a Sun, the clearer will be your light. Oh Christians, you are never the b [...]tter for your lights, if you are not made the better by your light▪ he that sins against his light▪ will at last sin away his light. If thy [...]ight do not put [...] and the world under thy fe [...]t▪ it will never put a Crown of glory upon thy [...]ad. That is the thir [...].

IV. Be willing to want what God is [...] [...]i [...] ing to give. As God hath never the [...] for the mercies he giveth▪ so he hath never the more for the duty he taketh: Man is such a debtor to God, that he can never pay his dae to God; we are so far from paying of the utmost farthing, that at the utmost we have not a farthing to pay; the [...] is no man but [...]ath receiv'd more good than he deserveth, & done more evil than he hath suffered; th [...] [...] he should be contented though he enjoy but little good, & not discontented tho' he suffer much evil; let us therefore be contented, 1 Tim. 6.8. A Christian is to submit to the will of Gods disposing, as well as to the will of Gods commanding: that man obtains his will of God▪ who submits his will to God. A gracious [...]art should never be out of heart, because he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, Heb. 13.5. He that hath said it, will not unsa [...] it▪ therefore take up your contentment in Gods appointment; we are not to be [Page]troubled for this, that we have no more from God▪ but we are to be troubled for this, that we do no more for God. [...] Christian, though he hath a Will of his own, yet it becometh not a Christian to do his own Will: Contentment without the World, is better than the World without Contentment. Christian, get a holy Heart, & thy Estate on Earth shall be transce [...]nt, yea, thy estate on Earth shall be sufficient. Christian, is not God willing to give thee Riches? O then be thou willing to want Riches. Is not God willing to give thee Health? O then be thou willing to want Health. Is not God willing to give the [...] Children? O then be thou willing to want Children. Is not God willing to give thee thy desire in this thing or that thing? O be thou willing to want that thing. We many times stand in our own light. Never were any Saints their own Carvers, but before they had done they cut their own Fingers. Lot, you know, was put to his own choice, and he chose Sodom; but you know how it fell out, it was not long before Sodom was burnt. So R [...]chel said, Give me children, or else I die; & she had a Child. & it cost her her Life. Abraham desired the Life of Ishmael, but he had but little comfort of him all his days. Therefore dear Christian, submit thy Will to Gods Will. That Soul shall have his will of God, that desires nothing but what God will. Do but you take care of all that which belongs to God, & God will take care of all that belong to you. It is nothing but reason that God should fall [Page]out with them in the course of his Providence, that fall off from him in the course of their obedience. Wicked men make the world their treasure, and God makes the world their torment: when thy want estates they are troubled for them, and when they have estates, they are troubled with them. Murmuring persons think every thing too much that is dent by them, & every thing too little that is done for them. God is us far from pleasing them with his mercy, as they are from pleasing God with their duty. It is unthankfulness that is the cause of the Earths unfruitfulness. Did a man believe that the Lord would not fail in his body; how carefully would he look after his soul! It is only the Christian man that is the contented man, he doth not quarrel with God for mercies denied, but blesseth God for mercies bestowed. The higher a Christian is raised above the things of the Earth, the more he is ravished with the joys of Heaven. That's the 4th.

V. Crucifie your sins, that have Crucified your Saviour. They that are Christ's, said Paul, have crucified the flesh with the lusts thereof. Did the Recks rend when Christ died for our sins, and shall not our Hearts rend that have lived in our sins? O the Nails that pierced his hands should now peirce our hearts. They should wound themselves with their sorrows, who have wounded [...] with their sins; that they have grieved his [...]pirit, it should grieve their spirit. Oh that ever I s [...]uld [...]e so bad a child to him, th [...] hath been so good a Father to me! Our sins have been our greatest [...]ay [...]o [...]s, & our Saviour hath been[Page]our choicest helper. O put sin to death, that was the cause of Christs death. If one should kill our Father, would we hug him, & embrace him as our friend, let him eat at our Table, & not rather hate and detest the very sight of him? If a Snake should [...]ing thy dearly beloved Spouse to death, wouldst thou preserve it alive, warm it at the fire, [...]ug it in thy [...], & not [...]ther stab it with a thousand wounds▪ And were not our sins the cause & instruments of Christs death? were not they the Whips that scourged him, the Nails, the Cords, the Spear, the Thorns, that wounded him, & fetcht the heart-blood from him, & can we love our sins that killed our Saviour? Can a Spouse love her Husband, & her heart embrace an Adulterer? We complain of the sins of Judas, and of the Jews, and seem to hate them, and spit at the mention of them, & can we love our Judas sins [...]hat sets them all on work, and put Christ to death? And yet how many are there that had rather have sinful self satisfied, than to have sinful self crucified? Oh sin is that mark at which all the arrows of vengeance are shot: were it not for sin, death had never had a beginning; & were it not for death, sin would never have an ending. Man began to be sorrowful, when he began to be sinful. The wind of our lust blowing out the candle of our lives. If man had had nothing to do with sin, death had had nothing to do with man. Oh did sin bring sorrow into the world? O then let sorrow carry sin out of the world. Of all evils sin is the greatest evil, Rom. 6.23. The wages[Page]of sin is death. Oh it is wors [...] than punishment, banishment, and Imprisonment. s [...] killeth both body & soul; it throws the [...] into the [...]ld Earth a rotting, & the soul into the hot Hell a burning. O for the Lords sake think of this and weep for this betimes; [...] the cry of your Prayers out cry the cry of you [...] Sins. Nothing c [...]n quenth the fire that sin hath kindled but [...]he water which [...] hath c [...]used. If we [...] can sins, be is [...] & just to forgive us ou [...] sins, and [...] clea [...]se us from ou [...] sins. Jo [...]. 1.11. A Saint is not free from sin, that is his burden▪ a Saint is not free to sin, that is his joying, sin is in his [...] is his lamentation▪ his soul is not in sin, that is his consolation: If you will not sin in your grief, then grieve for your sins. That's the fifth.

VI. Do you bless God most, who are most blessed. God is good to al [...], but to Is [...]a [...]l he is truly good, Even to such as are of a clean heart, Psal. 73.1. they can never speak good enough of God, who have t [...]sted the goodness of God; it is but reason they should bless most, who are the most blest. They who hold the largest F [...]rms must pay the greatest Rent. Differing mercies call for differing duties. It is very meet that he should be magnified by us that makes us meet to be glorified with him. O Christians. if he hath called you out of your [...] darkness into his marvellous light, you ought to shew forth his marvellous pr [...]se, 1 P [...]. 2.9. But you are a chosen Generation, a royal Priesthood, an holy Nation, a peculiar[Page]People, that you should shew forth the praises of him [...] hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Men should not glory in what they have received, but they should give glory for what they have received. The Glory of God must be the g [...]lie [...] Butt at which all the Arrows of Duty are shot. Grace in our Hearts is like Stars in the Heaven, that shine not by their own splender, but by borrowed Beams from the Sun of Righteousness, Giving thanks to the Fath [...]r, who hath made [...] [...]et to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints i [...] light, Col. 1.12. As the best of means should make us fruitful, so the best of mercies should make, us thankful. Shall a Saint find God a Master that is bountiful, and shall not God find a Saint a Servant that is dutiful? If he gives us my [...]ment, it is but for his own entertainment. He shall never want mercy, that doth not play the wanton with mercy. To bless God for mercies, is the way to increase them; to bless God for miseries is the way to remove them. No good lives so long as that which is thankfully improved; no evil dies so soon as that which is patiently endured. O Christians, give all your glory unto him who hath given all his glory unto you, and do as those glorified ones do in glory. The four and twenty E [...]d [...]s fell down before him that sat on the Throne, and wor [...]hipped him that liveth for ever and ever; and ca [...] their crowns before the Throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive all Glory, and honour, and [...], for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they were and are created, Rev 4.10.11. All you have is derived from God, let all you have be returned to God. The more God's hand is enlarged in the [Page] blessing of us, the more our hearts should be enlarg'd in the blessing of God. O Believers, he hath frowned upon others, but he hath smiled upon you. He hath past by others doors, and knock at your doors. He hath made you light, when others dark. He hath made you living, when others are dead. He hath made you heirs of glory, when others are children of wrath. He hath made you sons, when others are sl [...]ves. He hath made you higher than Angels, when others [...] no better than Devils. This hath lie done [...] more, for you who are Believers. Now have you not great cause to bless God? Whilst M [...] is a blessing of God for his mercies, God is a bles [...] of man with his mercies. Can you find me out that good that is not given you, or that evil that is not forgiven you? God he deserves more from every Christian, than he demands from every Christian: where this Sun of mercy shines hott [...], there the fruits of Grace should grow fai [...] ▪ That's the sixth.

VII. Fear not the fear of men. Wicked men must not be feared, though they be never so mighty; nor followed, though never so many. Fear not them that can kill the body, said our blessed Saviour, and can do no more, Mat. 10.28. If a righteous cause bringeth us into suffering, a righteous God will bring us out of suffering. If we suffer for well doing, we do well in suffering. Shall we cease to be Professors, because others will not cease to be Persecutors. If ye suffer for well doing, saith the Scripture, [...]e are happy. What are we Members of Christ, & yet afraid to be [...] tyrs for Christ? what are the children of God afraid of the children of the Devil? Are the [Page]children of light afraid of the children of darkness? The children of heaven afraid of the children of wrath? What tho' you be weak, your King is strong: what tho' you be Lamb, among Wolves, your Captain is the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah: what tho' you have no power, Christ hath all power given him both in heaven & earth, Mat. 28.18. The fear of Persecution is more than Persecution. He that los [...]th a base life for Christ, shall find a better life in Christ. Persecution tho' it brings death in the one hand, it brings life in the other; tho' it kills the body, it crowns the soul, it sends the body to dust, & the spirit to rest; the worst they can do against you, is the best they can do for you; the worst they can do, is but to send you out of the Earth, and the best they can do for you, is but to send you up to Heaven. They take a life from you which you cannot keep, and bestow a life upon you which you cannot lose: if they be blessed who die in the Lord, Oh how blessed are they that die for the Lord! Do wicked men glory in that which is their shame, and shall we be ashamed of that which is our glory? It is an honour to be dishonoured for Christ. What is a short happiness attended with an everlasting misery, to a short misery attended with an everlasting happiness! O how clear will the S [...] of Righteousness shine, when those dark Clouds are blown over! What if they threaten you with present death, doth not God also threaten you with everlasting death? It you be not ruled by him, whose threatning should you fear? Is man more terrible than God? is Death more dreadful than Hell? God hath said, F [...]r not man, who[Page]art thou that shoulde [...]t be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the sons of men that sh [...]ll be made as the gras [...], Isa. 51.12. Do you see, Christians, God would not have you to be afraid of man; he that is afraid of man, is afraid of grass: Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness, Isa. 41. Let but Professors do their best, and then let the world do their wor [...] ▪ That is the seventh.

VIII. Cleave thou [...]sest to that truth which is th [...] choicest.

1. Be for hearing and doing, both, but [...]or doing more; he that doth most, shall receive most. Christians, the more glory you bring to God, the more glory you shall have from God. O how abundant should they be in the work of the Lord, that know their labour is not in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15.18.

2. Be for knowledge and practice both, but for practice more. Alas, what is it to be a Christian no farther than a few good words will go? I tell you, Sirs, good words without good works, will never turn to a good account. Holy sayings without holy doings; will never conduct your souls to a holy place.

3. Be for Gift and Graces both, but for Grace more; a heart sanctified, is better than a tongue silvered. Grace brings Christ and the soul together, and unites them together. Without Grace there may be a knowledge that is seeming, but without Grace there can be acknowledge that is saving.

4. Be for Credit and, Conscience both, but for Conscience more. Where there is a pure Conscience▪ there will be a pure Conversation. As no flattery can heal a bad [Page] Conscience, so no cruelty can [...] a good Conscience.

5. Be good in good times and [...], but in [...] more. To [...] good as all times is a Christians duty; but to be good in bad times, is a Christians glory. Your cannot tread in the [...]eps of our Saviour, but you will ta [...]e of the Cup of our Saviour, Any man, [...]ays the Apostle, that will live godly [...] Jesus Christ, must suffer p [...]rs [...]i [...].

6. Be for [...] and s [...]l both, but for soul more. O how [...]ful are men for their bodies, but how care [...]ss for their souls? They are true to that part which is without, but false to that part within. So they may have but something of the World in their Hands, they care not though they have [...]ing of [...] in their Heart. O Christians, [...] work be [...] [...] the best [...], when our [...] above is the first [...]. The gr [...]test happiness of the Creature is, not to have the Crea [...] for ones happiness.

7. Be for P [...]ce and Truth, but for Truth more. Oh Christians, love the Truth in Truth. Love the Truth of God in [...]; justifie the Truth, and the Truth will justi [...] you. Till you can love the naked Truth, you will [...]ver live to go naked for the Truth. Remember that I pray, Christians.

8. Be for Life and Christ both, but for Christ more. Christ is sweeter than Wine, better than Life; he that came from above, it above all: He that hath the [...] of Heaven, can open the Doors of Heaven.

9. Be [...]or W [...]ks and Faith too, but for Faith [...]re [...] is Grace that is the most needful, & a Grace that is the most fruitful. A Faith that wor [...] not, is a Faith that saveth not. Nothing will get [...] to Heaven, Christians, but that which came [Page] [...] from Heaven.

10. Be for publick [...] and pri [...]e [...], but for pri [...] more. Be much in pri [...]e d [...]ie [...]; if you fall [...] in any, [...] short in publick [...], and be most in priv [...]. You that have [...] the [...] of God will you [...]ins, should fill the Bottle of God with your [...]

[...]1. Be for Form and [...] both, but for [...] more. I say, be for Power more, Christ [...] [...], what is the [...] without the Power? [...] God the [...] and [...], did give up [...] do all [...] of abominable [...]. O Christ [...] I say, be for Power; be [...]re look to that, that [...] be for the Power of Godliness [...] than the [...] Goodliness,

12. [...] to please Men and God [...] but God rather. To be in favour with [...] who are out of favour with God, to be [...] of by them who are evil spoken of [...] God, [...] [...]ather a reproach than in honour. [...] there be not fellowship between Christ and [...] in holiness, there will be no society between Christ & you in happiness. This is the eig [...].

IX. Acquaint your selves with your selves. [...] [...]rial of your selves in the really load to [...] knowledge of your selves. No [...] begin [...] be good, tell he seet himself to be [...]. Pill [...] see ho [...]r foul your Faces are, you will not [...] pay tribute to Christ for wa [...]ting of them, [...] can never truly rellish the sweetness of [...] mercy, who never tasted the bitterness [...] own misery. The bottom of our Dis [...] [...] here, that we search not our Disease to [...]. He that [...] his [...] yet such Fools are we that we trust [...] The conversation may to civili [...]ed; [...] [...]ions are not sanctified A man may be [...] quainted with the Grace of truth, who nev [...] [Page]knew the [...] of Grace. Therefore [...] your selves, [...] selves, 2 [...] 3.5. [...] you be in [...] faith or no, at whether the Faith be in you or no. See whether your hearts be the Cabinet of such a Jewel; For want of this, many are like Travallers, skill'd [...] other Countri [...], but ignorant in their own; many have their Evidences of Grace to seek, where they should have their [...] Grace to shew. O Beloved, I beseech you with beseechings, [...] in searching of your own hear [...] more. Tis of greater concernment to know the state of your hearts, than to know the state of all our estates. A man may, profess like a Saint, grace like a Saint, speak, like a Saint, look like a Saint and yet not be a Saint. You cannot always tell what it is a Clock in a Man's [...] by the [...] of his countenance. The humble look is sometimes linked to the proudest heart. Believers, for the Lord's sake consider well these; three things:

1. What you were in the state of [...].

2. What you are in the state of Grace,

3. What you shall be in the state of Glory.

O, me thinks you should think of this [...]at you were, what you are, and what you shall be. Conversion beginneth in consideration. Grace, as it makes our comforts sweeter, so it makes our crown greater Beloved, for Gods sake, for your soul sake, acquaint your selves with your selves. The readiest way to know whether or no you are in Christ, is to know whether or no Christ be in you: for the fruit is more visible than the root. The Tree of Righteousness is known by the Fruits of Righteousness, Mat. 7.20. The tree is known by its fruit, said our Lord Jesus Christ. If you would know the [Page] heart of your sins, you must then know the sin of your [...]; will you remember that Christians? [...] of the [...]rt, saith our Lord, proceedeth evil thoughts, murther, adultery, and for [...]cation, and blasphemy, Mat. 15.19. Many have passed the Rocks of gross Sin, that have been cast away upon the Sands of Self-righteousness. If you be found in your righteousness, you will be lost in your unrighteousness. He that hath no better righteousness than what is [...] his own providing, shall meet with no bigg [...], happiness than what is of his own deserving. That's the Ninth.

X. Do good in the World, with the goods of the World. 'Tis better to spend our time in doing good, than in getting goods; for the goods we [...], we must leave, but the good we do, will [...] leave us, Rev. 14. They shall rest from their, Labours, and their works follow them: The ambitious man shall leave all his greatness behind him, when the religious man shall carry all his goodness with him. Dives his charity was very cold, and he found the flames of Hell very hot. There is not a drop of Water for such Dives's in Hell, that have not [...] crumb of bread for such Lazarus's on Earth. Dives denied Lazarus a crumb of Bread, and therefore Lazarus must not bring him a drop of Water: He that will shew no mercy, shall have no mercy shewed him. Let Charity be your Shop to trade in, and Evernity shall be your Bed to rest in. Be a Father to all in Charity, and a Servant to all in Humility; do much good, and make but little noise; every Grace that's more exercised, shall be more glorified: The more good ye [Page]do for God, the more good you shall receive from God. As the poor cannot live without your mercy on Earth, so without God's mercy you shall not live in Heaven; he that gives to the poor Saints for Christ's sake, shall be rewarded by Christ for the Saints sake, Mat. 25.36, to 40. Naked, and ye chathed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungry, and s [...] [...]? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? W [...]en s [...]w me thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and [...] thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and [...] unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as to [...] done it unto one of the least of these my brethen [...] have done it unto me. The more you [...] for Christ on Earth, the greater sum [...] of glory you shall recive from Christ in Heaven. The [...]op that is sown in mercy, shall be reap'd in Glory. As we must lay out all in the Cause of God, so we must lay down all for the Cause of God: That which is cast into Christ's treasury by the way, is not cast away; Mercy is so good a Servant, that it will never let its Master die a Beggar; though it make your Pockets lighter, yet it will make your Crowns greater. O that God should give the rich so much, and O that the rich should give the poor so little! Some say, that the barrennest Ground is nearest to the richest Mines: 'tis too often true in a spiritual sense. How many rich men, tho' their [...]states be like a fruitful Paradise, yet their Hearts are like a barren Wilderness. They have much of the Earth in their hands, but [Page]nothing of Heaven in their hearts. They be rich in goods, but not in goodness. I wonder that such Worldlings do not tremble at these sayings, Mat. 25. [...]1. Then stall be say [...] to them [...], the l [...]ss hand, Depart from me, it [...] sed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the [...] and his Angels; si [...] I was an hungred, and ye [...] no meat? I was thirsty, and ye gave we [...] drink; I not a stranger, and ye took me not [...], and ye chathed me not; sick and in [...] visited [...]e not. Th [...] shall they also [...] him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee [...], or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, [...] or in prison, and did not minister unit [...] shall be answer them, saying, Verily I s [...] [...] as ye did it not to one of [...] these ye did [...] not to me. And th [...] [...] into everlasting punishment, but to [...] into life eternal. O that men should be so much mistaken with their Riches, who must ere long be taken from their Riches As you brought none of your Coin into the world with you, so you shall carry none [...] it out of the world with you. In the world [...] find it, and in the world you shall leave it; to whom you know not, it may be [...] them, you would not. Did but some rich men know before their deaths how their Gold and Silver should be spent after death, they would wish it back again at the Mines from whence it came. O ye rich men, I say, unto you. Do good in the world with the good of the world, 'tis a greater honour to give like a Prince, than live like a Prince [...] better to have a heart, and not wherewith [Page]than to have wherewith, and not to have a heart. Give and it shall be given you; your charity should seek the poor, before the poor seek your charity. He [...] mercy when it may best be spared, shall receive mercy when it shall most be needed. That's the Tenth.

XI. Improve that time, which will be, yours but for a time [...] time e're long shall be to you time no longer, Re [...]. 1 [...] 6▪ [...] us for Eternity, but [...] to Eternity; Christians remember that. That Race is short in which you run, but the [...] is great for which you run. As you have not a Lease of your Lives, so you have not a Brase for your Lives. Had we not [...] heed how we [...]oot, that have but [...] Arrow [...] direct to the [...]. No time is ours but what is present; and this is as soon past as present. Naturals Womb often proved Neture's Tomb. Oh con [...]ider how much of your Time is gone, and yet how little of your Work is done. Shall your Rest steal away one half of your time, and your Lusts the other? O what enemies are they to themselves, that of all their dayes allow themselves not one! Your work is great, and your time is short; you have a God to honour, a Christ to be believed in, and a Soul to save; you have a Race to run, and a Crown to win, a Hell to escape, and a Heaven to make sine; you have many strong Corruptions to weeken and many weak Graces to strengthen; [Page]you have many Temptations to withstand, and many afflictions to bear; you have many Mercys to improve, and many Dutys to perform; therefore endeavour to improve your time. All the time that God allows us, is little enough to perform the task which he allots us: Therefore, dear Christians, redeem the time, Eph. 5.16. Redeems the time, because the dayes are [...]il. If much of your time [...] pa [...], let no more of your time be wast [...] how much the longer our time [...]ath been, so much the shorter our time shall be. Oh that every step your souls take migh [...] be towards heaven, and that you would make sure of God to day, because the next day you are not sure of your [...]ves. For the Lord's sake improve you [...] [...], for your souls sake redeem the ti [...]. The Lawyer will not lose his Term, the Wa [...] man will not lose his Tide, the Tradesman will not lose his Exchange-time, the Husbandman will not lose his Reason; and will you lose your precious Season? if you lose your Season, you lose your Souls. Know that there [...] but one Heaven, and miss of that, and where will you take up your lodging but in Hell. There is no sitting up under ground for those that have lost their time above ground: the great hindrance of Well-living is the expectation of Long-living▪ Many think not of living any better, [...]ill they think of living any longer. O how just is it that they should miss of Heaven at the last! Now is the time of grace to accept of you, and now is the time [Page]for you to accept of Grace; To day, to day, to day, saith God thrice in that one Ch [...]es, Heb. 3. To day, in the 7 v. To day, in the [...]. To day, in the 15 v. Oh but Sinners say, To morrow, to morrow, to morrow. Alas, Sirs, [...] to day is better than [...]o to morrows, this day is thy living day, to morrow may be thy dying day, and therefore for the Lord's sake put it not off. Now if ever, now for ever, now or never; up and be doing, least you be utterly undone. That is the eleventh.

XII. Learn humility from Christ's humility: Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls, Mat. 11.29. Humility makes a Man like an Angel, and for want of it, Angles were made [...] Proud Sinners be fit Companions for none but proud Devils. The most lovely professor is the most lowly Professor: a Believer is like a Vessel at Sea, the more it fills the more it sinks. None so humble upon Earth, as th [...]se that live highest in Heaven. Do but see have one of the best [...] looks upon himself as one of the lea [...] of Saints, Ʋnto me, who out less than the least of all Saints, said great [...] Eph. 3.8. The most holy men be always the most humble men, Where Humility is the corner-stone▪ there Piety is the Top-sto [...] [...] is [...]ood to have true thought [...] of ourselves. The [...]loth of H [...]mility should always be [...]w [...] on the back of Christianity. God Almighty hath two Hous [...]s in which he dwells, his City-Ho [...]se [...] and his Country-House; his City-House is in the [Page] Heaven of Heavens, and his Country-House is the [...] and lowly Heart, Isa. 57.18. I [...] in the high and holy place, that is in Hen [...]y God's City-House; and with him that is of [...] contrite and humble spirit, that's his Country-House [...] Humility is a Bethel for God's dwelling, but Pride is a Babel of the Devil's building. If you do not keep pride out of you [...] souls, and your souls out of Pride, Pride will keep your souls out of Heaven. I will not say, [...] good man is never proud, but I will say, a proud man is never good. God resisteth the proud, Jam. 4.6. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. The face of [...]rity shines brightest through the mask [...] Humility. Of all Garments Humility best [...] comes Christians, and most adorns their Profession. God will not endure that any man should think well of himself, but Himself. A Christian should look with one eye upon grace to keep him thankful, and with the other eye upon vice to keep him [...]. When you begin to be proud of your [...] feathers, look down upon your black [...]eet, Rev. 4.10. The sow & twenty elders fell down before the throne, and cast down their crowns before him that fate upon the throne. The only way of keeping our Crowns on our heads, is casting them [...] his feet. Alas, Sirs, what are you proud [...] Are you proud of your Riches, of your [...], of your Relations, or Beauties, or Strength, [...] Life? Alas, alas, these are poor low things [...] glory in. When men glory in their prid [...] God stains the pride of their glory. O go to [Page] [...]e Graves of those that are gone before you, [...]nd there see, are not their bones it attered, [...] eyes wasted, their flesh consumed their [...]outh corrupted? Where now be those rud [...]y lips, lovely checks, fluent tongues, sparkling [...], comely nose, are they not all gone as dream? and where will you be e're long? [...]nd will you be proud of th [...]se things? [...] [...]mble heart knoweth no fountain but God's [...], and an upright man knoweth no end [...]ut God's glory. That's the twelfth.

XIII. Be upright Christians. The Gospel doth [...]ot only require that we should be excellent [...]hristians, but that we should be diligent, [...]ristians. The more glorious dispensations [...] live under, the more gracious conversations you should have. Spiritual actions [...]ill make you look fresh in the eyes of spiri [...]al Christians. The more you have of good [...] you, the more you shall have of good with [...]. The clearer the lamp of Grace burns [...] Earth the Brighter the Sun of Glory shall [...] in Heaven. We live by dying to our, [...], and [...]e by [...]ving [...] our selves [...] should be burning [...], as well as shining [...]mps. Should he walk in darkness whose Father is light? Shall that Tongue be [...] to constantly to men that was [...]ound, [...] to God or those eyes [...] [...] found gazing on [...] objects, that were [...]nd reading of sacred oracles? Shall such a [...], [...]ve received Christ's Press-money sight under [...] [...]ans colours? Beloved, either let your works [Page]be according to your profession, or else [...] your profession be according to your wo [...] Never put on the fair fruit of profession, [...] do the foul works of corruption, never pu [...] on Christs Livery, to do Satans d [...]dgery Let every one that names the Name of the [...] depart from iniquity. Not every one that sa [...] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my Fa [...] which is in Heaven, Mat. 7.21, 2 [...] O that ma [...] tongues should be larger than their hands; in words they profess him, but in works they [...] him. Many set a Crown of Glory on the head of Christ by a good profession, but place a Cro [...] of Throns on the head of Christ by an ev [...] conversation: They fear the Lord, but serve [...] own Gods 2 King. 17.33. Alas, Beloved, what good will your profession do you, if you do not make good your profession? tis better never to shine, than not to be gold. Either take O [...] into your Lamps, or throw away your Lamps. The almost Christian shall be but almost saved. Therefore my Brethren, let me beseech you be altogether Christians be right upright Christians; be sincere Christians; be as goodly as the godly. Holy David tells us, Psal. 1 [...]. [...] [...], 4. Who is the upright man? who is the right upright Christian? He that walketh uprightly, and [...] righ [...]ss, and [...]eaketh the [...] from his heart, he shall dwell in thy [...], and so he goes on. If you would [...]eep your selves unspotted from the world, you must [...]eep your selves unspotted in the world. O [Page]be not vain in a vain world: the loose walkings of Christians, are the reproaches of Christians. Were Abraham now on Earth, who is in Heaven, how would the Father of the faithful blush to see their actions, that stile themselves his offspring O there be some men who think themselves too good to go to Hell and God thinks them too bad to go to Heaven. Noah [...] a just man, and perfect in his generation, Gen. 6.9. He was not a sinner amongst those that were Saints, but he was a Saint among those that were sinners: he walked with God, when others walked in iniquity; he was a man so like unto God that there was never another like unto him. The Primitive Christians were the best of Christians, they knew little but did much, we know much, but do little. O Sirs, if the service of God be bad, why do you set forth in it? If the service of God be good, why do you shrink back from it? Be altogether Christians, or else be no Christians. 'Tis good to profess, but 'its better to practice; yea, of the two, practice without profession, it better than profession without practice. We must not be offended at the Professors of Religion, because all are not religious that make profession. Though there be m [...]ny Professors that are not Believers, yet there are no Believers but are Professors Christi [...], when you make a good Profession, be sure you make your Profession good. That's the thirteenth.

XIV. Let it be thy art in duty to give God [Page]thy heart in duty. My son, give me thy heart, Prov. 23.26. You see God calls for the heart, the heart is that field from which God expects the utmost plentiful crop of Glory. God bears a greater respect to your hearts, than he doth to your works. God looks most, where men look least. If the heart be for God, then all is for God; our affections, our wills, our desires, our time, our strength, our tears, our alms, our prayers, our estates, our bodies, our souls, for the Heart is the Fo [...]-royal that commands all the rest; the eye, the ear, the hand, the tongue, the head, the soot, the heart commands all these. Now if God, hath the heart, he hath all, if he hath not the heart, be hath none. The heart of obedience, is the obedience of the heart; as the body is at the command of the soul that rules it, so should the soul be at the command of God that gave it, 1 Cor. 6. Ye are bought with a price, says the Apostle, therefore glorify God in your bodies, and in your spirits. He that is all in [...], would have that which is all in all in us. The bears is the Presence-chamber, where the King of Glory [...] up his lodging. That which in most worthy in us, should be given to him that is most worthy of us. The body is but the cabinet, the soul is the jewel; that body is but the shell, the soul is the ker [...]. The soul is the breath of God, the beauty of man, the wonder of Angels, and the [...] of Devils. The Devil knows if there be any good treasure, 'tis in our hearts, and he would fa [...] have the key of this cabinet, that he might rob us of our jewel. The Devil would fain have the key of the heart. As we commit our estates into the hands of mon, so we should [Page]comm [...] our selves into the hands of God. But alas, man hath no mind to give what God hath a mind to have: T [...] people d [...]a [...] noar to me with th [...]ir mouths, and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, Mat 1 [...].8. Alas, too too often we have our hearts to seek, when we come to seek God. You may keep your duties to your selves, if you do not give your hearts to him. A duty that is heareless, is a duty that is fruitless. You can never give God the heart of your service, if you do not give him your heart in your service. The heart should be the first that comes into duty, and the last that goes out of duty. Good words without the heart are but flattery, and good works without the heart are but hypocrisie. Beloved, for your poor souls sake, let words & works go together, your tongue, and hearts go together, your lips and lives go together, your prayers and practice go together. If your duties do not eat out the heart of your sins, your sins will eat out the heart of your duties. A dram of matter is better than a flood of words. A heart without words, is better than words without a heart. A little done with the heart, is better than a great deal done without the heart. Nothing takes with the heart of God, but what is done with the hearts of men. He that regards the heart without any thing, regards not any thing without the Heart. That is the fourteenth.

XV. Be diligent in the means; but make not [...] Idol of the means. Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. It is our present business to make sure our future blessedness. When estates, and honours, and [Page]life and friends, and pleasures, cannot be made sure, let this be made sure; for you see by daily experience, they cannot be made sure, 1 Tim. 6.19. Lay up for your selves a good foundation; see what the Apostle saith, Lay up for your selves a good foundation: and why? that you may lay hold of eternal life. There is no landing at the shore of Felicity, without failing in the Bark of Fidelity, Phil. 2.12. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling: till you attain to firm salvation, you will never be free from great temptations, Luk. 13 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Who would not strive for glory with the greatest diligence, and wait for glory? Pray without ceasing, 1 Thes. 5.17. Pray continually, though you be not continually at praying; our daily bread calls for daily prayer. Every day begin the day and end the day with God; let prayer be your first work, and your last work every day: O Christian, lock up thy heart with prayer, and give God the key: Are you called by the name of Christ? & will not you call upon the name of Christ? Take away spiritual breathings, and you take away spiritual living. We may pray alway, and yet not be always at prayer. Christians can never want a praying time, if they do not want a praying frame. None can pray aright but those that are new creatures, but all ought to pray, because they are creatures: a spiritual man may pray carnally, but a carnal man cannot pray spiritually. Prayer fetched as Angel out of Heaven to fetch Peter out of Prison; they prayed heartily, and they sped happily. The Gift of Prayer may have praise from men, but 'tis the Grace of Prayer that hath power [Page]with God. Prayer, never did man rightly make it but God did quickly grant it. No Christian hath so little of Christ, but he hath matter for praising; and no Christian hath so much of Christ, but he hath matter of praying. Deny not God Faith in Prayer, and God will not deny a faithfu [...] Prayer. But then, in the second place, as you must be diligent in the means, so make not an Idol of the means. Take up all duties in a point of performance, and say them down in a point of dependence. What is Hearing without Christ, but like a Cabines without a Jewel; or receiving without Christ, but an empty Glass without a Cordial? Duty can never have too much of our diligence, not too little of our confidence. A Believer doth not do good works to live, but he lives to do good works. It is [...] had thing for us to be nothing in our se [...]ves, and to be all in Christ; to undertake all our duties, & yet to overlook all our duties. The Righteousness of Christ is to be magnifie I, but the Righteousness of Christians is not to be mentioned: When y [...] have done all, say we are unprofitable persons, Luke 17.10. We own the life of our souls to the death of our Saviour. Duties they are not destroyed by Christ but they must be denied for Christ. We have as much need of the Spirit to bring up our graces, as we have need of the Spirit to bring forth our graces. The clock of our hearts will stand still, unless he oyl the wheels. Rejoyce [...]n Jesus Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh: good works are so indigent, as none can be saved by them, and yet they are so excellent, as none can be saved without them. [Page]Duties, if Christ breat he not in them, a Christian grows not under them, we must live is obedience. Many live more upon their Customs, than they, do upon Christ: more upon the Prayers they make to God, than upon t [...] God to whom they make their Prayers. Duties, they are but dry Pipes in themselves, the never so curiously out out, till Christ fill them.

XVI. Take nothing upon trust, [...]ut all, [...] on trial. Though all Gold glisters yet all th [...] glisters is not Gold: all is not truth that g [...] ter truth; 1 Job. 4.1. Try the spirits, believe [...] every spirit. Mark Sirs, you must not believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether th [...] be of God or no: 1 Thes. [...].31. Prove all things [...]old fast that which is good, [...]rove all things that is, try all things by the Scripture. Ma [...] hold f [...]st before they try, but we must try before we hold fast, Alas, there are many in the world that are like Infants, who swallow dow [...] all that the Nurse puts into the poor Bab [...]'s mouth; truly so it is with many men & we men [...] whatever then say, down it goes; th [...] will not take so much paint, as to trie the saying of men by the sayings of God. O [...] they, the men we hear, be honest men, abl [...] men, learned men. But would no [...] you tell money after them? would not you weigh gold after them? I suppose you would, & will you take Doctrines upon trust [...] about trial? Who will buy a Jewel in a case, but a fool? Remember, Christians, that the Whore's Cup is gold without, but poison within, Rev. 1 [...]. [...]. She had a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations[Page]and filthiness. The Cup is of Gold, but the Po [...]ion is of the rankest poison. God may reject those as Copper, whom men do adore [...] silver: it is ill dressing our selves for another world, by the Looking-glass of this world. The Scriptures do not only present us with what God will do for man, but also what man must do for God. What is the reason that there is so many scribling Professors in the world, but because they write after such imperfect Conies? The generality of person, they will rather wal [...] in the way that the most go than in the way that the best go. Great mens [...]ice [...] are more imitated, than poor mens graces; but know, they who follow after others in [...]ning, are like to follow after others in suffering. We must not walk in the way that both [...] gone, but in the way that must be gone; [...] followers of me saith Paul, 1 Cor. 11.1. as I am of Christ: where he follows Christ, we must follow him; but if Paul forsake Christ, we must forsake Paul. But Sirs, whatever you do, follow those that follow Christ O: that they should speak so much of God to others, and act so little for God themselves. Now Beloved, I beseech you that you would take nothing upon trust, but all upon trial; trie their ways, trie their doctrines, trie their sayings: trie their doctrine by the word of truth, and if it be according, to truth, and agreeable to truth, and bottom'd to truth, then believe it, then receive it; if not, reject it, and tread it down a [...] dirt under your feet, let it be who it will that, brings it; nay, if it be an Angel from Heaven come and preach any other doctrines [Page]than the written Word declares, let him be accursed, we ought not to receive it, Gal. 1.2. If an Angel from Heaven, saith he, bring any other doctrine than what you have received, let [...] be accursed: And therefore once more let [...] beseech you, for the Lords sake, take nothin [...] upon trust, but all upon trial: 'tis a vain thi [...] to say 'tis day, when there is nothing but darkness in the skie. That's the sixteenth.

XVII. Take those Reproofs-best, which y [...] need most. Be not angry with-them who te [...] you the truth, nor with the truth that is toll you, Gal. 4.16. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? He can be no tru [...] friend to thee, that is a friend to thy sins; and thou canst be no friend to thy self, if thou [...] an enemy to him that tells thee of thy sins Wilt thou like him the worse, that would have thee to be better? Psal. 141.5. Let the righteous smite me, and it shall be kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent [...]yl. You see here the good man is not angry with reproofs, but takes it as a kindness, it shall be a kindness, and as an excellent oil. But the Serpent the more he is stirred, the more he gathers up his poison to spit at you. If Amos declare the Word of the Lord, the Land is not able to bear his Words, Amos 7.10. If John the Baptist endeavour to take away the life of Herod's sins, Hered will take away the life of John the Baptist, Mat. 28.9, 10. John was beheaded. If the Prophet go about to imprison the King's sins, he himself shall be imprisoned, 2 Chron. 16.2, 1 [...] The King was wrath with the Prophet, and he put him into prison. Jerusalem will stone the [Page]Prophets so long, till she hath not one stone left, upon another. Oh that men should be so cruel to those that intend their cure! Wicked men cannot endure reproof. You give the Physician leave to tell you of any Disease that is in your bodies, you give your Lawyer leave to shew you any slaw that is in your estates, you give your Horse-keepers leave to tell you the surfeit of your Horse; and what, must we only flatter with you, and dissemble with you, and crie peace, peace, till your souls drop into Hell? Oh we cannot, we will not, we must not; speak all the words that I have commanded thee, be not dismayed at their faces, lest I destroy thee before their faces, Jer. 1.17. Speak to their faces, lest I destroy thee before their faces, that is the sence of the words. Charge them that be rich in the World, that they be [...] high minded, 1 Tim. 6.17. Great men as well as poor, must be admonished; though they be greater than the Ministers in the World, yet they are not greater than he that sent the Ministers into this World. But my Brethren, there is a great deal of discretion to be used in reproving. Many check passion but with passion, and anger with anger; and this is to lay one Devil and raise another: reproofs should not be with passion, but with compassion; not with [...]eering, but with grieving; not with laughing, but with weeping. I have told you often, and now I tell you weeping, Phil. 3.18. The Apostle could not make mention of them with dry eyes. His eyes were wet, because their eyes were dry. 'Tis the part of a good man to reprove, though his reproof be not taken in good [Page]part. 'Tis better to lose the smiles of men, than it is to lose the souls of men. The Magistrates they look to your peace, the Lawye [...] they look to your estates, the Physicians [...] to your bodies, and the Ministers to your souls Ministers must draw the sword of reproof against the sins of men, and strike at them, [...] thrust at them. Have us fellowship with the [...] fruitful works of darkness, but reprove [...] them [...] Eph. 5.11. Ri [...]er reprove them. We [...] not suffer wicked men to walk in the Devi [...] works without reproof, we must reprove you wisely, sincerely, sharply; and when you men [...] your lives, we shall mend our language.

That's the seventeenth.

XVIII. Labour more for inward purity, tha [...] for outward felicity: John 6.27. Labour not [...] the meat that perisheth, but for the meat which endureth to everlasting life. That man that is [...] labouring Bee for earthly prosperity, will be but an idle drone for heavenly felicity. Gold in your bags may make you greater, but [...] grace in your hearts that will make you better. He is a rich man that lives upon [...] wealth, but he is a righteous man that lives upon his faith. A heavenly conversation is better than an earthly possession. It is a great, mercy to have a portion in the world, but [...] have the world for a portion is a great misery. Our affections were made for the things that are above us, and not for the things [...] are without us, Col. 3.1, 2. If you be ri [...] with Christ, pray mark, what th [...]? seek th [...] things which are above, wh [...]re Christ sitteth at th [...] right hand of God. Set your affecti [...] on things [...] love, and not on things of the earth. The things [Page]of this life have not the promise of godliness, but godliness hath the [...]omise of the things of this life! Inward P [...]ety is the best friend [...]o our outward Felicity, tho' outward Felicity be many times the worst enemy to outward Piety: the ways of Iniquity are the ways of beggery. Do you make Heaven your Throne to serve it, and God will make the Earth your Footstool to [...]rve you. Inward Purity is the ready [...] to outward Plenty, 1. Tim. 4.8. Co [...]l [...]ness hath the [...] of that life that now is, and of that which [...] come. O what an excellent Jewel is Godliness! and who would not part with all for Godliness? who would not account all other things bu [...] [...]ung and [...]i [...]t to gain Godliness? But alas, some [...] are [...]o in love with their, [...]olden [...]ags, that they will ride Post to Hell, if they be paid well for their pains. They look upon gain as the highest Godliness, and not upon Godliness as the highest Gain: they mind the World that is come so much, as if it would never have an ending; and the World to come to little, as if it would never have a beginning. Any good will serve the turn of those who know not the chief good. The things of the World are all the happiness of the men of the World, Job 21.15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him, or [...] profit shall we have. if [...] pr [...] unto him? O what wretched Worldlings were here? O what pains do men take to cover their flesh from nakedness, when their spirits are not cloathed with the robes of Righteousness! They are diligent about what is [...]mporal, but negligent about what is spiritu [...]. They are car [...]ful about dying Vanities, [Page]but slothful about durable Excellencies. They feast their bodies, but starve their souls; th [...] lay up treasure on Earth, but none in Heaven. O why do you spend your money, I say why? O Beloved, do you spend your mony for [...] which is not bread? and why do you labour for that which satisfies not? read the T [...] Isa. 55.2. Riches have made many good [...] worse, but they never made any had [...] better. Usually the poorest on Earth are [...] richest in Heaven. If riches could free [...] from Hell, O then how few rich men would be damned? He that knocks at the Creature' [...] door, will find but an empty house kept there. O Beloved, what is darkness to light: what is gold to grace? what is Earth to Heaven? that you thus neglect the great things, the weighty things, the only things, and [...] your selves about toys and tribes, when you have a Crown to look after, a Heaven as look after, a Kingdom to look after? I beseech you, Beloved, labour more for inward holiness, than for outward happiness; more [...] the seed of Grace, than for the bag of Gold; more for the inward Piety, than for outward Plenty; more for an Heavenly Conversation, than for an Earthly Possession. The Earth is for a Saints passage, but Heaven is for a Sai [...] portion. O Believer, Believer, while thou livest thou wilt find Godliness gainful; and when thou diest, thou wilt find Godliness needful. That is the eighteenth.

XIX. Live in love, and live in truth, 1 J [...]. 3.18. My little children, let us not love in [...] neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Th [...] [Page]love is love in deed & in truth. Let your love, Christians, be sincere, and not selfish, Gal. 5.14. Love thy neighbour, as thy self. How dost thou love thy self, how dearly dost thou love thy self? Why so you must love your neighbour; Love thy neighbour as thy self. He that is not wanting in this Duty, is wanting in no Duty. 'Tis called an old Commandment, and a new Commandment: 1 Jo [...]. 2.7, 8. Love is there called an old Commandment and a new. 'Tis as old as the Law of Moses, and yet as new as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A carnal man may love his friend, but 'tis a Christian man that loves his enemy. He that loved us when we were enemies, commands us to love our enemies, Mat. 3.34. Love your enemies, faid our Lord, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despightfully use you, and persecute you. A Christian should wish well to them who wish [...]ll to him. O Believer [...], let me beseech you, let me beg of you, for your precious souls sake, to live in love, and to love in truth; ye are all fellow-Labourers, fellow-Members, fellow-Citizens, fellow-Travellers, fellow-Sufferers, fellow-Heirs, fellow-Servants; and will you not love one another? Remember, Christians, he that would not be his Brothers keeper, would be his Brothers butther, Gen. 4 8. We have all the same Father, God; the same Head, Christ; the same Guide, the Spirit; the same Attendants, the Ange [...]s; the same Grace, Faith; the same Title, Son; the same Clothing, Christ's Righteousness; the same Glory, Heaven; and shall not we be dear to one another? He that loves himself, will not hate his Brother; for whiles thou art out of [Page]Charity with thy Brother, God is out of Charity with thee, and thou losest more for want of God's love, than thy Brother loses for want of thy love, Heb. 13.1. Let thy brotherly love comtinue. Dost thou love the Person of Christ, and hate the Picture of Christ? O Sirs, I remember the God of Love hath commanded us to love one another. Beloved, 'tis a sad thing, and truly so sad, as that it may make our very hearts to bleed within us, to think that the Lamb's little party, Rev. 14.1, 2. who are in strength the weakest, in riches the poorest, in number the fewest, and shall they be in love the coldest, in judgment the most divided? Is not this sad now, that the little ones of Jesus Christ, that the Lambs of Jesus Christ should love one another no better? O Christians, either Jay your malice aside, or else God will lay you aside, as he hath done to too many of us in this day, to our great sorrow. While you are with God, God is with you, 2 Chron. 15.2. While you are with God, he is with you, and if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. Never was man forsaken of God, till God was forsaken of man; he sticks close to us, while we stick close to him; but if we forsake him, he will forsake us. He that will be angry and sin not, must not be angry but with sin. Therefore, dear Christians, let me beseech you to love one another. O that I could but speak out how much I desire the love of one another! O it will be a happy day, when all the people of God are knit together in Love and Union and Affection. O Sirs, if God had desired or commanded some great thing of us, some burdensome [Page]thing of us, it might have been excused; but alas, it is no more but to love our Brethren, and shall we deny this? But you may say, how should Believers love one another? I answer,

1. You should highly esteem of one another, as Pearls in comparison of other men; so doth God, God calls his people his Jewels, his Treasure, his Glory, his Portion; when he calls wicked Men Dogs, Vipers, Swine, Briars, and Thorns. You should be very high in one anothers affection.

2. You should delight in the company of one another, in the society of each other. God delights in the Society of Saints, so should you.

3. You should be ready to help one another, & to do good one for another, and communicate one to another. Remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said, 'Tis a more blessed thing to give, than to receive.

4. Admonish one another, exhort one another, provoke one another to love, and to good works.

5. Sympathize one with another, fellow-Members should be fellow-feelers: so did Moses, and Jeremiah, and old Eli; his heart was broken before his neck was broken. Dear Christians, let me beseech you, let me beg of you to love one another. He calls us to love, who is love it self. That's the 19th.

XX. Set out for God at our beginning, and hold out with God until our ending. As there are none too old for Eternity, so there are none too young for Mortality; Remember thy Creator now in the days of thy Youth, Eccl. 12.1. We are all born to serve God; and better we had never been born, than not to serve him. Man is beholden to God for what he hath, but God is not beholdng to man for what he doth. 'Tis a greater glory to [Page]us that we serve God, than 'tis to God that we serve him. 'Tis not he that is made happy by us, but we are made happy by him. He needs not such Servants as we are on Earth, but we need such a Master as he is in Heaven. He will be everlastingly blessed without us, but we shall be everlastingly cursed without him; of him and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever Amen, Rom. 11.36. It is sad, my Beloved, it is sad, that we should live so long in the World, and do so little good; or that we should live so little in the World, and do so much evil. O you must not think to dance with the Devil all day, and sup with Christ at night; or to go from Dalila's lap to Abraham's bosom. If salvation were easie to come by, it would be slightly set by. There is no obtaining of what is promised, but by fulfilling what is commanded. The neglecting of the race of holiness, will be the obstructing of the price of happiness. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which none shall see God, Heb. 12.14. Beloved, there are many young people in the World, who are very wicked in the World, they walk in darkness, and do the works of darkness; they are young in years, but old in sin; they are very vain in a vain World, they sit with delight, and make sit their delight. I beseech you look in Eccl. 11 9. Rejoyce O young man in thy youth, and let thy heart chear thee, and walk in the ways of thine own heart. O this is brave indeed, if it would always last; but after the flash of Lightnings, comes the clap of Thundering; mark what follows, Bot know for [Page]all these things God will bring thee to Judgment. Do but you see here, Sirs, O were it not for this But, how brave were it for wicked men! But know for all these things God will bring thee to Judgment; for all thy wantonness, for all thy pride, for all thy prophaneness & prodigality, thou shalt be brought to Judgment. After all your present receiving, you must be brought to your future reckoning. O therefore let nothing be done in this World, which cannot be answered in another World. Let me beseech you, who are young men & young women, To remember your Creator in the dayes of your Youth: To serve God, to love God, to honour God, to obey God in your youthful days. The flower of Life is of Christ's setting, and shall it be of the Devil's plucking? will you hang the most sparkling Jewel of your younger years in the Devil's ear? O it is hard [...]asting off the Devil's yokes, when we have worn them long upon our necks. O young people, if you be sick of the will not, old age will die of the cannot. If God's to day be too soon for thy repentance, thy to morrow will be too late for his acceptance. You can never come too soon to God, nor stay too long with God. He shall be happy in the end, who is holy to the end: Be thou faithful to the death, and I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2.2. O hold on, and hold our to the end. He that draws back from profession, shall be kept back from salvation. He that departs in the Faith shall be saved, but he that departs from the Faith shall be damned: If [...]my man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, Heb. 10.38. Be stedfast, unmoveable, always [Page] [...] Lord [...]to the Lord: 1 [...] 15. [...]. So I [...] to you [...], young [...], always [...] in the [...] of [...] for us. [...] God. That is the [...]

FINIS.

A Cabinet of Jewels, OR A Glimpse of Sion's Glory.
Written by William Dy [...]r, late Preacher of the Gospel at Christian and Son [...], in the County of [...].

I. Loath Sin, and leave Sin.

HE that [...]o [...]reth his s [...]ns, shall not prosper, but whosoever confes [...]th and forsaketh them, shall how mercy, Prov 28. [...]. If we con [...] our [...][Page] [...] & [...], and to church & from all [...], 1 Joh. 1.9. Them must be a falling, [...] with our sins, before them [...], then must be a [...] of [...] in our [...] there as a le [...]ving of sin in our [...]. Oh is it not [...] to part with [...] never so [...] to part with God, and Christ, and [...]? One of them you must do. [...] sin will [...] a soul out of Christ, but [...] sin can down a soul in Christ; Son [...] the evil of evils, it is worse than the Devil, for it is th [...] that made the Devil to be a Devil. Oh the love of sin and the lack of grace, will rui [...] and destroy your souls for over; It's [...] not to be, than to be a [...] better to be no people, [...] not to be the Lords people: O therefore kill sin, that sin may not hill you: Mourn for sin, and flee from sin: Do not commit new sins, but repeat of old sins; Ezek. 36.31. You shall hath your selves in your own sighs for your iniquities. Oh poor soul, hast thou not served the Flesh and the Devil long enough? Yea, hast thou not had enough of sin? Is it so good to thee, or so profitable for thee? Oh what a place will you be shortly in of Joy or of Torment! Oh what a sight will you shortly see in Heaven or Hell! Oh what thoughts will shortly fill your hearts with unspeakable delight or horror! What work will you be employed in, to praise the Lord with Saints and Angels, or to cry out in fire unquenchable with Devils? Oh therefore die unto sin, confess it, mourn for it, and be ashamed of it, hate it, and loath it, and fly from [Page]it as from a Serpent; and though your sins are more than you can number, yet they are not more than God can pardon.

II. Put off the old man, and put on the new man. Lie not one to another, seeing you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him, Col. 3.9, 10. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness, Eph. 4.24. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature, Gal. 6.15. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby, 1 Pet. 2. Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are past away, behold all things are become new, 2 Cor. 5.17. A new understanding, a new will, new desires, new love, new delights, new thoughts, new words, new company, & a new conversation; he is not what he was before. Oh dear friends, be new creatures, that you may be glorious creatures: We can call nothing in Heaven ours, till Christ be ours; without Regeneration there is no Salvation. Verily, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, Joh. 3.3. [...]rily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. You have heard much of God, Christ, and Heaven, with your ears, but this will not bring you to Heaven, unless you have much of God, Christ, and Heaven in your hearts. You must be able to say, I was once a slave, but now a son; once I was dead, but now I am alive; once I was in darkness, but [Page]now I am light in the Lord; once I was a child of Wrath, an Heir of Hell, but now I am an heir of Heaven: once I was under the spirit of bondage, but now I am under the spirit of adoption. A true Believer lives in the Lord, 1 Thes. 1.1. On the Lord, Rom. 1.17. Luk. 20.38. From the Lord, Jo [...]. 6.57. To the Lord, Rom. 14 8. With the Lord, 2 Cor. 13 4.

III. Make your peace with the Prince of Peace. Isa. 9.6. Psal. 2.12. Kis [...] the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way: When his wrath is kindled but a little, blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Oh do not list up your hand against the Son, but kiss the Son. Let his Will, be your Rule; 'his Spirit, your Guide; his Precepts, your Practices; his Degrees, your Delights; his chosen Ones; your choicest Companions. Submit to his Gospel and Government: Oh Sirs, make your peace with God. There is a fourfold peace.

1. There is a peace external: this peace, is with Men.

2. There is a peace supernal: that is peace; with God.

3. There is a peace internal: that is peace with Conscience.

4. There is a peace eternal: and this is peace in Heaven. Psal. 37.37. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.

If you have peace with God, the World and the Devil cannot hurt you: And upon the glory shall be a defence, Isa. 4.5. Believers have God for their guide and guard; he that meddles with the Saints of God assaults God himself, Z [...]ch. 2.8. He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of [...] eye. He that lifts up his hand against them, lifts up his hand against God; tho' they have [Page]many enemies, yet they have one friend that hath more strength than all their enemies. A ragged Saint is dearer to God, than a glittering Emperour that wants grace. Oh make your peace with the Prince of Peace, that in this life you may have assurance of eternal life, that eternal death may not be your portion in the other life.

IV. Make Religion your main business, & not a by business. Wherefore the father, brethren, give diligence to make your calling & election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall, 2 Pet. 1.10. Work out your salvation with fear & trembling. Phil. 2.12. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, & his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6.33. O why is the glory of this world so much regarded, but because the glory of Heaven is so little minded! Oh what is an Earthly Kingdom in comparison of the Heavenly Kingdom? The Angels themselves, though they are glorious Spirits, yet they are ministring Spirits. Do not most men in the world make light of God, and Christ, and the Spirit, and Heaven, and their precious Souls? And he sent forth his Servants to call them that were bidden to the Wedding, and they would not come; again, he sent forth other servants saying, tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen & my fartings are killed, and all things are ready, come into the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their way, one to his farm, & another to his merchandise, Mat. 22.3, 4, 5. Wretched Worldlings [Page]make Religion a by-business; they will hear, read, and pray, when they have nothing else to do: O that such men did but know what everlasting glory, and everlasting torments are, would they then do as they do? O that they did but know the worth of their Souls, and the want of a Saviour; the shortness of their time, and the greatness of their work, would they then neglect God, and their own souls, as they do? Oh Friends, let me beseech you to whom I write, to make Religion your main business; hearing, reading, praying, believing, and doing, your main business. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed, Joh. 6.27.

V. Do nothing in this world but what you can answer in another world. For we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, 2 Cor. 5.10. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel, Rom. 2.16. He hath appointed a day in which he shall judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained, Act. 17.31. For God shall bring every work to judgment, with every secret thing, whether is be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl. 12. Oh, for the Lords sake, my dear Brethren, let nothing be done by you in this world, but what may be answered in another world. Ill men do that in this [Page]world, which they cannot answer in another world: Now they contemn God, blaspheme God, rebel against God, go a whoring from God, and are for persecuting the beloved of God, instead of loving the Saints, are for imprisoning the Saints, and more for crushing them than comforting them: instead of visiting them, v [...]fie them: and instead of affecting them, are afflicting them, & eat them up [...] they eat bread, Psal 4 4. and are willing not to suffer them to worship the true God in spirit and in truth, but are for mocking them, Heb. 11.36. threatning them, Act. 4 29. accusing them, Act. 24 5. slandering them, Mat. 5.11. cursing them, Mat. 5 44. beating them, Act. 5.40. imprisoning them, Act. 4.3. banishing them, Heb. 11. All this the poor innocent suffers, whilst swearing, cursing, whoring, robbing blaspheming, drunkenness, and gluttony, and all manner of debauchery, if such men had their wills, should rather walk unpunished in the streets, and only he that departs from evil makes himself a prey. What wonder then, if such as these shall one day hide themselves in Dens & Holes, and cry to the rocks & mountains to fall on them, and hide them from the face of him that sits on the Throne, & from the wrath of the Lamb? Rev. 6.15, 16. Oh what will persecutors of godliness do, when Jesus Christ shall appear in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know him not, and obey not his Gospel? 2 Thes. 1.8. Will they not then be dumb & speechless, & have never a word to say for themselves, as that man that [Page]had not on his Wedding garment? Mat. 22.12. But Oh Beloved, Let that grace that hath appeared to all men, teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, that we may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2.11, 12. following the Lamb, resisting Satan, shunning sin, and separating from the evil world.

VI. Make the Word of God your Rule, & the Spirit of God your Guide. To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this word, because there is no light in them, Isa. 8.20. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, & the day-star arise in your hearts, 2 Pet. 1.19. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction for instruction in Righteousness, 2 Tim. 3.16. Howbeit, when the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall bespeak; and he will shew you things to come, Joh. 16.23. The Scripture is a Rule before us, to shew us where we must go: the Spirit is a Word behind us, to enable us to go according to the Directions of that Word: The Word of God is a Compass, by which we are to direct our Course; the Spirit is the great Pilot, that steers us in this Course. We have no eyes to see the Word, till the Spirit enlighten them; we have no ears to hear the Word, till the Spirit open them; we have no hearts to obey the Word, till the Spirit bow & encline them. [Page]By the Word of God we know the mind of the Spirit; and by the efficacy of the Spirit we feel the efficacy of the Word, The Word of God shews us the way, and the Spirit of God leads us in that way which the Word points out. The Spirit of God is able to expound the Word of God, and to make it plain to our understanding. The Holy Ghost is the Churches Interpreter; He gives the Scripture, & he can reveal unto us the sence and meaning of the Scripture. The Word is Gods Counsellor, to discover the path in which we are to walk; the Spirit is the Counsel of God, that teacheth us how to walk in that path. The Word is a Crystal glass, which shews us our Duty; the Spirit gives us sight to see our Duty. If God had not put his Spirit into our hearts, as well as his Word into our mouths, we should never have arrived at the fair Haven of Peace. St. Austin calls the Scriptures, the Epistle of God to the Creatures, by which we understand the very heart of God. God Almighty hath in the sacred Scriptures as it were unbowelled himself, and unfolded all his Counsel to the Creatures, as far as it is necessary to be known, for their directon & guidance to everlasting life. There be many that walk by false Rules.

1. Some by Opinions.

2. Some by Customs.

3. Some by Providence.

4. Some by Conscience.

5. Some by their own Reason.

6. Some by Man's Examples.

7. Some by their Lusts.

But O my dear Friends, let me beseech you to walk by [Page]none of these false Rules, but keep close to the Word and Spirit of God.

VII. Be faithful and fruitful. Therefore my beloved Brethren, be ye stedfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know your labour is not in vain, 1 Cor. 15.58. Every tree that beareth not good fruit is [...]wen down and cast into the fire. Christians must be fruitful, and not slothful. See that you bring forth good fruit, and much fruit.

1. Sincerity: Which is not a single Grace, but the soul of all Graces. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts, Psal. 51. [...]6.

2. Humility: A Grace most prevailing with God for the obtaining of all Graces. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowlie in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.

3. Prudence: The patient Christian is the best for waiting, but the prudent Christian is the best for working: Be ye wise as Serpents, and harmless as doves, Mat. 10.16. We must have innocency with our wisdom, else our wisdom is but craftiness, and we must have wisdom with our innocence, else our innocency is but weakness: We must have the harmlesness of the Dove, that we may not wrong others; and we must have the prudence of the Serpent, that others may not abuse and cir [...]umvont us. Not to wrong the truth by silence, here is the innocency of the Dove; not to betray our selves by rashness, here is the wisdom of the Serpent.

4. Patience: Here is the Patience of the Saints, Rev. 13.10. Rev. 14.12. The way to bring the world under us, is for us to be patient under them.

5. Self-denial: If any man will come after me, let [Page]him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me, Mat. 16.24. Be faithful in your promises, and in your purposes; be faithful to the ways of God, and cause of God: Oh do not begin with the Lamb, and end with the Beast, but be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2.20. Keep your Lights burning, your Lamps shining, your Loins girded, your Consciences wakened, your Garments unstained, and your Spiritual Armour constantly on, and closely girt.

VIII. Have a care of reporting and believing the worlds reports of the People of God. Those that have a good Conscience, have not always a good Name. The people of God in this life are called by the wicked, the troublers of Israel, Seditious, Rebellious, and what not? An old device of that old Serpent, to perswade the troublers of Israel, upon Elijah, the Chariot of Israel, 1 King. 18.17▪ [...] King. 2.12. Jeremiah for speaking against their sins and wickednesses, and denouncing Gods Judgments against them, is judged worthy of death, Jer. 26.8, 9. So Jer. 38.4. The wicked Nobles petition the King to murder him, under the pretence, that he sought not the good of the people, but the hurt. So Amos for speaking against the Abominations of the Kings Court, is charged with▪ Treason against the Kings Person, Amos 7.10, 13. So Paul and Silas, for preaching up Jesus Christ, are accused by the envious Jews, and rude multitude, for turning the world upside down, and breaking the Decrees of Caesar: Yea, Christ himself had this laid to his charge: Mark what the Jews say of him: And they began[Page]to accuse him, saying, we found this Fellow perverting the Nations, and forbidding to give tribute [...] Caesar, saying, that he himself is Christ a King. Luk. 23.2. Mat. 17.18. And for this have the servants of God in all Ages been accused and persecuted, killed and stoned, Mat. 27.37. Acts 7.52. Now if they did so to the green Tree, no wonder if they do it to the dry. If the Lord and Master was called an enemy to Caesar, no wonder if those of his houshold be called so: Our integrity will not secure us from infamy; the choicest of Professors have had black marks in the worlds Calendar. It is usual for those who live in Treason and Rebellion against the King of Heaven, to slander his Servants with Treason and Rebellion against the Kings of the Earth. But, my dear Brethren, take heed of this; For as the death of the Saints is precious, so the names of the Saints are precious in Gods account. The world will father a hundred lies upon the Lords people. Men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake, Mat. 5.11. 2 Tim. 2.9. Wicked men hate them most, that God loves most; but God will roul away the reproaches of his people, he will cause their innocency & righteousness to break forth as the Sun at Noonday, and their names shall be in everlasting remembrance. Yea, at that great day God will clear their innocency before Men, and Angels, and all the World.

IX. Keep in with God, now men are out with you. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I [Page]may declare all thy works, Psal. 73.28. He that dw [...]leth under the shadow of the most High, no Plague shall come nigh him. He will give his Angels charge ever thee, Psal. 91.10. Though the fig-tr [...] should not blossom, and there be no fruit in the Vi [...] though the labour of the olive should fail, and the field ‘shall yield no meat; the flock should be [...] off from the fold, and the herd from the stall; yet I will rejoyce in the Lord, I will triumph in the God of my salvation, Hab. 3.17, 18. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous runneth into it, and are safe, J [...]. 4.8. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.’ This is a great comfort to the people of God, though they be as Lillies amongst Thorns, and as S [...]eep amongst Wolves, that they have a Go to go to. ‘Come, my p [...] pl [...], enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thy self as it were for a moment, until the indignation be over past, Isa. 26.20.’ Let the world frown, and friends forsake you, God can sweeten all your enjoyments: Keep in God's way, and you will be sure of God's protection: Do you keep Gods precepts, and God will keep your person: Do what God commands, and avoid what God forbids, and then you need not fear what men can do unto you. If you would have God to take care of you, you must cast your care upon God, wait on him, and walk with him, obey his Precepts, and believe his Promises. Oh Beloved, let wicked men fall out with us, and ha [...] us, and reproach us, and punish us as much as they will, if we keep in with God: therefore, [Page]my Beloved, above all things get communion with God, and keep communion with God; communion with God will yield you two Heavens, a Heaven upon Earth, and a Heaven after Death: All Saints shall enjoy a Heaven when they leave the Earth; some Saints enjoy a Heaven whilst they are on the Earth. He enjoys nothing that wants communion with God; he wants nothing that enjoys communion with God.

X. Live above the love of Life, and the fear of Death. ‘For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it, Mat. 16.25. If any man come to me, and hare not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren, & [...]isters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my Disciple, Luk. 14.16.’ He that loves Christ more than his life, will be sure to save and to keep both. He that goes out of God's way to avoid danger, shall certainly meet with danger: ‘Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorifie God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods, 1 Cor. 6.19, 20.’ My dear Friends, let us live above suffering and fears, tho' we cannot live without suffering: ‘In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good chear, I have overcome the world.’ I have overcome the world in you, Joh. 16.33. He that loves Christ above his life, will let life go rather than Christ. Consider, my Beloved, Christ & the Cloud of Witnesses & Martyrs that are gone before, and passed over and through all those floods, and safely arrived to shore, and are now [Page]in Heaven with God, and Christ, and holy Angels, where there is fulness of Joy, and Pleasures for evermore. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore, Psal. 62.12. Oh the Joy that they enjoy! Oh the Rivers of Consolation that flow from God! ‘Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell amongst them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them into living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, Rev. 7, 15, 16, 17.’ Who are they that have all this honour, and glory, and joy, and blessedness in Heaven? For this, see v. 14. Th [...]se are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made th [...] white in the blood of the Lamb. The sweetness of the Crown which Believers shall receive, will make them amends for the bitterness of the Cross they carried.

XI. Desire better hearts, more than better times. ‘O Jerusal [...]m, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayst be saved: How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? Jer. 4.14. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murthers, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies, Mat. 15. [...]. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? Jer. 17.9.’ Oh Beloved, intead of reforming [Page]we are complaining of wicked men, more than of wickedness; of their cruelty, more than our Apostacy; of their injuries against us, more than our injuries against God. We pore too much upon second Causes, or complain of Instruments, not of our selves. We have been a long time in sinning, and we had need be a long time in repenting: the times had not been so bad, had we not been so bad; & the times would soon be better, if we were but better. Alas, Beloved, we have sinned such sins, as unrighteous men could not sin, against the clear [...]t Light, and dearest love: the better God hath been to us, the worse we have been to him; he hath loaded us with his Mercies and we have wearied him with our sins: Oh let us blame our selves more, and the times less: Let us turn unto the Lord, that he may turn to us in love and mercy: Let our hearts go out unto him, that his heart may come unto us. O beg and cry for better hearts, that you may serve God better; for broken hearts, for sincere hearts, for that is it God looks at, and calls for; Prov. 23.26. My son, give me thy heart. Our hearts are always out of tune to serve God, but never out of tune to serve sin: for if we had never so good times, and not good hearts, it would rather hurt us, than bless us.

XII. Grow downward in humility, and inward in sincerity: 'Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the u [...] searchable riches of Christ, Eph. 3.8. An [...] whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abas [...]d; and he that shall humble himself, shall [Page] ‘be exalted, Mat. 23.12. Put on therefore (as the Elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, Col. 3.10. Be clo [...] thed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble; humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1. Pet. 5.5, 6.’ Bring up your will to God, that God may bring down his will to you. Be low in your own eyes, keep a low esteem of your selves; abhor pride and flie from it; be inwardly sincere, as well as outwardly humble; do not look Heaven-ward by your profession, and Hell-ward by your conversation: He that lives in sin, is dead in sin; Eph. 2.1. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6.24. Let your hearts be upright with God, & walk as those that have God for their portion; knowing there are many eyes upon you; the eye of God, the eye of Christ, the eye of Angels, the eye of Saints, the eye of the World; and the Devil eyes you too; therefore walk wisely and sincerely: Be like the KING's Daughter, all glorious within, Psal. 45.3. She is all glorious within, tho' within is not all her glory; Her cloathing is of wrought Gold. Do not think your selves good, because others think so. Alas, the best mens confidence of us, are poo [...] Evidences for Heaven: The best Testimony [...] that within us, and above us. See there [...]re that ye grow in grace, and delight in holiness, bring forth much fruit, live still a [...] before the living God; take heed of Hypocris [...] [Page]and Apostacy; make it your daily business to walk with God; be much in the exercise of Humility; Humility will exceedingly adorn your Profession. Do not place Religion in a few good words, when the substance is neglected: but live as you would die; live to day, as if you were to die to morrow.

XIII. Do good to those that be good: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do iustly, & to love mercy, & to walk humbly with thy God? Mic. 6.8. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. 6.18. But to do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased, Heb. 13.16. Pure religion, and undefiled, before God and the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless & widows in their afflictions, Jam. 1.22. Forget not to contribute to the necessities of the poor Saints; think that God hath given you your Estates for such an end as this. Oh Beloved, what an opportunity have you now to do good, if Satan do not hinder you! Are there not many of Christ's Servants now in want, & Members in want? some in prison, and others out of prison? Remember those that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them that suffer adversity, as being your selves also in the body, Heb. 13. [...]. There be many men that have a great deal of this Worlds wealth, & riches, & goods in their hands, and in their houses: but they have no grace in their hearts, and therefore they do no good with the goods of this [Page]World; they live so unfruitful, that their Lives are scarce worth a Prayer, nor their Deaths scarce worth a Tear. Men may as well go to Hell for not doing good as for doing evil: He that bears not good fruit, is as well fuel for Hell, as he that bears bad. You may not be outwardly bad, and yet not inwardly good; you may be as far from Gra [...] as from Vice: Men are not so much sent to Hell for doing evil, as for not doing good: For I was an hung [...]ed, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, Mat. 25.42. The rich Glutton was in Hell-torments, not for persecuting Lazarus, but not relieving Lozarus. Merez was cursed by an Angel, not because they fought against the Lord, but because they came not to help the Lord against the mighty, Judg. 5.25. It is one of the greatest mercies in the World, for God to give a man a heart to do good with that he hath given him. Oh Beloved, be always a doing good, and hating evil: look not only where you may get good, but where you may do good: Labour to be helpful to the Souls of others, and to supply the want of others.

XIV. Chuse Chastisement before Defilement: Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the Son of Pharoah's Daughter, chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Heb. 11.24, 25. For ye had compassion of me in my bands, and took joyfully the spoyling of your goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in heaven a better and [Page] [...] enduring substance, Heb. 10.34. So the three Children chose burning in the Fiery Furnace, before bowing to the golden Image, Da [...]. 3.1 [...].18. We are not careful to answer thee in this matter: If is be so, our God whom we serve, is able to deliver as from the burning fiery furnace, and be will deliver us out of thy hand O King, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image that thou host s [...] up. So Dani [...]l chose suffering before sinning [...] And it is said of those in Heb. 11.35. they accepted not of deliverance: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Oh Behoved, there is more evil in the least sin against Christ, than the greatest suffering for Christ.

1. Our sufferings for Christ are but light, 2 Cor. 4.17.

2. But short, but for a moment.

3. Christ stands by us in our sufferings.

4. Our sufferings are ordered by the Father.

5. Our sufferings shall not hurt our souls.

6. God give [...] us the best of comforts in the worst of times; we have most of consolations from God, when we have most of tribulations from men; as our sufferings do abound, so our consolations do abound: When the burden is heaviest upon the back, then the peace of conscience is sweetest and greatest within.

Therefore my dear Brethre [...], keep your selves out of the puddle of this World, and from the evil of this World; and if you must sin or suffer, chuse suffering before sinning.

XV. Think not the worse of Godliness, because it is frowned upon; nor the better of Ungodliness, because it is smiled upon: For bodily [...]se pr [...]iteth little, but godl [...]ness is profitable [...][Page]all things, having the promise of the life that m [...] it, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4.8. The doubtless, and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do [...] them but dung that I may win Christ, Phil. 3. [...]. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, Eph. 5.11. [...] the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Rom. 6.23. O Friends, think not the worse of Holiness, because it may be reproach'd, and scorned, and perfec [...]ted by wicked men; nor the better of Wickedness, because wicked men love it, and follow it, and say, ‘It is vain to serve God; & what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? Mal. 3.14.’ But there is a time coming, when ungodly men will be glad of some of that Holiness that now they despise; but they shall be as far from obtaining it, as they are now from destring it: let us therefore love Holiness, and hate Wickedness: For without Holiness no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12.14. Holiness is the only way to Happiness. We must not dress our selves for another World, by the Looking-glass of this World: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil, Exod. 23 2. ‘For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things, Phil. 3.18, 19.’ The Children of God must be harmless in their actings, & blameless in their walkings.

XVI. Prize the Word of God by the worth [Page]of it, that you may never come to prize the Word of God by the want of it: ‘How sweet are thy words unto my tasted yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth, Psal. 119.10. It is sweeter than the honey, and the honey-comb, Psal. 19.10. O how do I love thy Law! Psal. 119.95. I love thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver, v. 72. As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby, 1 P [...]. 2.1, 2. Let the word of God dwell richly in you, not only with you, but in you, Col. 3.16.’ O let us with Job, esteem the Word of God above our necessary food, Job 23.12. and with David, above our gold and silver. The delight of a Saint in Gods Word, over-tops all his Creature-delights. Wicked men can delight in the Creatures of God, but not in the Word of God: they can delight in the gifts of God, but not in the God of gifts. Oh let us love the Word, & prize the Word; it is the Sun of the Christian World; as the Sun is the light of the natural World, and without it the World is but a Chaps and a Dungeon full of Darkness; so is the Word of God the Light of the Spiritual World, without which a Christian is in an eternal Night. Take away the Scripture, and there will be no certainty to direct men what is to be done, or what is to be believed; all false ways are here discovered, all sins are here forbidden, all holiness [...] here commanded: Here you may see every action and motion of your lives, as a step to life, or a step to death; as a step Heaven-ward, or a step, Hell-ward: O therefore prize the Word, & obey the Word.

[Page]

1. It is a plain Word.

2. It is a perfect Word.

3. It is a sure Word.

4. It is an uniform Word.

5. It is a powerful Word: it is the favour of life unto life, unto them that believe.

Oh Beloved, let us read the Word, & abide in the Word: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my Disciples, Joh. 8.31. Now the less you hear, the more do you read that little B [...]ck of the Revelation, and Daniel especially.

XVII. Have a care of the Whore of Babylon's (viz. the wicked & prophane World's) Golden Cup, and sweet Wine: And the women was arrayed in purple, and scarlet colour; & docked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations & filthiness of her fornication, Rev. 17.4. And the Serpent cast out of his mouth water, as [...] floud after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood, Rev. 12. Let me beseech you to have a care of this, and keep your selves from this: be, like the Virgin. Spouse of Christ, which followeth him wheresoever he goeth. My dear Friends, keep your selves from four things.

1. From false Teachers: The Devil hath his Ministers as well as Christ. Beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheeps cloathing, but inwardly they are revening wolves, Mat, 7.15. Yea, they are greedy dogs, which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand, they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter, Isa. 56.11. Oh false Teachers do not feed the Flock, but fleece the Flock; [Page]they do not convert, but pervert, they do not season, but poison; they do not edifie to salvation, but edifie to damnation; instead of curing Souls, they kill Souls; so they have but the peoples Goods, they care not tho' the Devil have their Souls: they are neither rightly called, nor rightly qualified: Their course a evil, and therefore is not right, Jer. 13.10. They are like Dogs & Wolves, combining together to macerate the Flock of Christ. On therefore keep your selves from Babylon's Merchants, that make Merchandize of the Souls of men, Rev. 18.13. Oh the sins of Teachers, and the Teachers of sins.

2. From false Doctrine. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privity shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, 2 Pet. 2.1. Be not carried away with divers and strange doctrines; for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein, Heb. 12.9. I beseech you also in the Lord, my dear Brethren, that you do not carnally comply with, nor superstitiously conform to the Inventions of men: But stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free. Gal. 5.1.

3. From false Worship. If any man worship the beast & his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the some shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without[Page]mixture into the cup of his indignation, & he shall be tormented with fire & brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence if the Lamb, Rev. 14.9, 10. Ye worship ye know [...] what; God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth, Joh. [...].23, 24. As there be some in the World that worship false Gods, so there be others that worship the true God with false worship. They that worship the Beast, worship the Devil. Re. 13. Oh meddle not with false worship, with vain worship, and will-worship; worship God as he teacheth us to worship him. Our work is to depend on Christ's work; our outward working is to depend on God's inward working.

4. From false Opinions, from Error & Sedition: Let your hearts be upright, your judgments sound, and your lives holy. Love the truth, obey the truth, and hold fast the truth. Now Beloved, let me beseech you for God's sake, and for Christ's sake, and for your souls sake, keep your selves from false Teachers, from false Doctrine, from false worship, from false Opinions. If you will be tasting and sipping at Babylon's Cup, you must resolve to receive more or less of Babylon's Plagues.

XVIII. Be one with every one that is one with Christ: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, & one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and thro' all, and [Page]in you all, Eph. 4.3.4, 5, 6. Every one that loveth him that beg at, loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God & keep his commandments, 1 Joh. 5.1, 2. He that loveth [...] [...]is brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom be hath not seen? 1 Joh. 4.26. Oh consider what a dishonour it is to the Gospel, that those that profess themselves Sons of the same God, Members of the same Christ, Temples of the same Spirit, Heirs of the same Glory, should be at a jarring one with another. It is strange & unnatural, that Lillies should prove Thornes to one another; that those who are Saints in profession, should [...] Devils in practice to one another! that Gods Diamonds should out one another! For Wolves to devour the Lamb, is no wonder; but for one Lamb to devour another, is a wonder, and monstrous! O that Christians, instead of loving one another, should hate one another! O how unlike are we to that God whom we profess to be our God! He is full of Love, full of Goodness, & full of Mercy & Patience: O but Christians cannot bear, and forbear one with another. O do not wicked men warm themselves at the sparks of our Animosities, and say, It is as we would have it? Oh Beloved hath not God made his Wrath to smoak against us, for divisions and heart burnings that have been amongst us? Oh that you would lay this to heart, & throw away all discord, and divisions, and heart-burnings, and labour for an oneness in love [Page]and affection with every one that is one with Christ: Oh labour for a healing spirit. You cannot love God, if you do not love the people of God: If any man saith, he loveth God, and [...]eth [...] brother, he is a lyar. Let brotherly love continue, Heb. 13.1. They that feared the Lord, spake often one to another, Mal. 3.16. Christ's Doves should flock together. There be many that cannot love a man, unless he be of their Opinion, or a Member of their Church, tho' he be a Member of Christ. Every man hath a good opinion of his own Opinion: but alas, Beloved, it is not this opinion or that opinion, this way or that way, will bring a man to Heaven, without faith in Christ; and he that hath faith in Christ, hath right to all the Ordinances of Christ, and Promises of Christ, & Priviledges of Christ; therefore let me beseech you to love every man that is a godly man, let him be of what way and form he will: And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one soul, Acts 3.21.

XIX. Love Christ with a love stronger than life, who loved us with a love stronger than death: Therefore do [...]ny Father love [...], because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down my self, I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again, Joh. 10.17▪ 18. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save [...]rs, 1 Tim. 1 15. Christ's love to us was stronger than death; he died for love; he laid down his life to save our lives; he loves us as the Father loves him, Job. 15.9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I [Page]loved you; continue ye in my love. Oh the Scripture hath exceeding high expressions of his affection to us. Now Beloved, if he died for us, & suffered for us, & set his heart upon us to love us, and to delight in us, how ought we then to love him again! Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with: all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, Mat. 22.37, 38. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, Psal. 73.25. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, 1 Pet. 2.7. O let our hearts be full of love and affection to Christ. Love will breed courage, and cast out fear, slavish fear before God, and carnal fear before men: God can keep us from the torments of men, but men cannot keep us from the torments of God. Whilst we stand for godliness, God hath promised to stand by us. Therefore be not afraid of any one that stands in opposition to the authority of Christ. None can promise us better than Christ can: None can threaten us worse than Christ can. Can any man promise us a thing better than Heaven? Can any man threaten us with a worse than Hell? Heaven is promised to those that love him, and Hell is to be the portion of those that hate him. Oh my dear Brethren, let us love Christ with a love stronger than death: So did Paul. and the rest of the Apostles: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Rom. 8.35. Love is stronger than death; many waters cannot quench it, neither can the floods drown it, Cant. 8.6, 7.

XX. Be every day as serious in your Preparations [Page]for Death, as if it were in your last day. At the days of my appointed time will I wait until my change come, Job 14 14. This night thy soul shall be required of thee, Luk. 12.20. For what is your life? it is even a vapour, that appeareth a little time, and then vanisheth away, Jam. 4.14. [...] hold, thou hast made my days as an hand breadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee: Verily, every man at his best state is altogether vanity, Psal. 39.5. As no Saint knows when that time & hour shall be, so no wicked man knows when it shall not be To live without fear of death, is to die living: to labour not to die, is labour in vain: Men are afraid to die in such and such sins, but not afraid to live in such and such sins. Oh the Hell of horrors and terrors, that attend those souls that have their greatest work to do when they come to die! Therefore as you would be happy in death, and everlastingly blessed after death, prepare and fit your selves for death Did Christ die for us that we might live with him, and shall not we desire to die and be with him? A Believer's dying-day is his crowning-day: And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labour, and their works do follow them, Rev. 14.13. Oh I beseech you my dear Brethren, every day spend some time in preparation for, and meditation of Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven and Eternity: Eternity is a sum that can never be numb [...]ed, a line that can never be measured: Eternity is a condition of everlasting sorrow, or everlasting joy. O think of this, and prepare [Page]for this every day, before the night death comes. And thus, my Beloved, I have given you these twenty precious Directions for your Souls. I shall leave this Book with you as a Legacy of my dearest love: my desire in all this, is your happiness here, and your blessedness hereafter. My earnest and humble desire of you is, that you would mind this Book, & my former Treatise; not only read them, [...] reform your lives by them: O do your duty, love your duty, and live your duty, that you may be made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light: Which is, and shall be the earnest and constant Prayer of one that esteems it a most glorious priviledge to be of the number of those who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

William Dyer.

Follow the Lamb.

REVEL. 14.6.

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

THe Title of this Book tells us it is the Revelation of John; and John tells us, [...]h. 1.1. it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ: Christ's Revelation to John, and John's Revelation to us.

The Command of this Book is set forth, Ch. 1.19. Write the things that are, and the things that shall be hereafter. And into these two Parts this Book is divided.

[Page]1. A Revelation of the things that are re [...] red to the Seven Churches of Asia.

2. A Revelation of the general State of the Church to come; and that from John's time unto the second coming of the Lord.

The Words of this Book are the true Sayings of the true God; they are therefore true and faithful, Chap. 22.6. The Matter of this Book so much concerns the Good of the Church, that Jesus Christ commandeth every one that hath an ear to h [...]r, to hearken what the Spirit of God saith unto the Church; and [...]o shew how carnest Christ Jesus is to have all his Members and Servants acquainted with the things revealed in this Book, this Charge he repeats eight times over, as this Book shews, Chap. 2.7, 11, 17, 29. and Chap. 3.6, 13, 22. and Chap. 13.9. A Blessing is pronounced upon the Reader, Hearer, and Doer of the things written in this Book, Ch. 1.3. O what can be said more, or more effectually, to stir us up to hear and read, than Blessedness? And blessed is he that keepeth the words of the Prophesie of this Book, Chap. 22.7. But how shall we keep them, except we know them? And how shall we know them, except we read them?

The excellency of this Book is such, as neither Man or Angel, none in Heaven or Earth, or under the Earth, was found worthy so much as to look into it, till Jesus Christ went and took it out of his Fathers hand to open it to us, Chap. 5.3. The blessed Saint John could not but weep for fear [...], lost this Book should have been kept close from him and the Church; so earnest was he to know those things, which [...] [Page]neglect to know, Chap. 5.4. This Book is a most precious Jewel, which Christ hath bestowed upon his Church in the latter days; & it is our great duty to look into it, and read it, study it, open it, and expound it, that all the people may be acquainted with it: For in these latter Ages, is, and shall be the very heat of the War, and brunt of the Battel betwixt God and Belial, betwixt Christ and Antichrist, betwixt the Lambs followers, and the Beasts followers, betwixt the righteous and the wicked. Now this Book layeth all open, and plainly telleth us, what shall be the issue and success in the day of Battel? which side shall have the victory, and which side shall go down, Ch. 17.19. and certainly the sons of Belial shalt not prevail: the date of their Reign is almost out, and the time draweth on apace, wherein they shall be laid in the dust. This Book sheweth us the rising of the Beast, the declining of the Beast, and the ruin of the Beast, Chap. 18. Our Lord Jesus hath shewed us in this Book, the sorrows, and sufferings, and afflictions, and tribulations, which the Church was to meet withal in the latter times, Chap. 11.17. and Chap. 12.14, 15. and Chap. 13.7. This Book sheweth us likewise the true state of the true Church upon Earth; what she is, where she is, how she is, and what she shall be hereafter; and that before the slaying, under the slaying, and after the slaying.

1. Before the slaying time, the true Church in [...] the Wilderness, Where she hath a place prepared her of God, that they should feed her there a [...] hundred and threescore days, Chap. 12. [Page]2. Before the slaying of the Witnesses the true Worshippers of God are in a low condition, in heaviness and sadness, in sackcloth & ash [...] in a mourning and suffering state; being scattered and dispersed here and there, as Israel was of old. But though this be the condition of the poor Woman in the Wilderness, yet she [...] not without comfort: she may take comfort in three things.

1. That God prepared a place for her.

2. That God nourished her, and locked her up in his Chamber of Providence.

3. That God numbered her days of suffering. The tribulation of the Saints of the Old Testament is reckoned up still by years; as the bondage of Egypt four hundred & thirty years, and the Captivity of Babylon seventy years, but under the New Testament by days, Ye shall have tribulation [...]n days, Chap. 2.10. And the two Witnesses shall lie dead three days and a half, Chap. 11.9. So the Woman was to be in the Wilderness a thousand two hundred and threescore days. The Church is compared to a Woman for four Reasons.

First, As a Woman is weak and feeble, so is the Church, and can do nothing without Christ, Joh. 15.5. Secondly, Arm Woman is useful and fruitful, so is the Church, Joh. 15.2. Thirdly, As a Woman is fair and beautiful, so it the Church, Ezek. 16.13. Fourthly, As a Woman is full of love and affection, so is the Church, Cant. 2.5.2. Under the slaying time, the true Worshippers of God, and Witnesses of Jesus Christ, lie dead in the street of the great City, which is spiritually called S [...] and [...] [Page] Chap. 11.8. That is, in Antichrist's Kingdoms and Dominions. The woman which thou sawest, is that great City which reigneth ever the Kings of the Earth, Chap. 17.4. She is called Sodom, for her filthiness and wickedness; and Egypt for her cruelty and oppression, Chap. 17, 18. The true Servants of God, and Members of Jesus Christ, that bear witness for him against [...]e evils of the Beast, and against the evils of the World, are here called two Witnesses.

1. Because of the fewness of them.

2. Because two is a number sufficient to bear a witness, Joh. 8.17.3. Because Antichrists Beasts are called two, chap. 13.4. They are called Witnesses for six Reasons.

1. Because their work is to bear witness for Christ and his Truth, against the World, the Flesh and the Devil. A true Believer is to bear a threefold testimony, to and for Christ; a word-testimony, a life-testimony, and a bloody testimony, Heb. 12. Job. 5.33.

2. Christ's Members are called Witnesses, because they stand up for Christ, to maintain his Name, his Honour, his Cause, his Truth, his Worship, his Glory in the World, Da [...]. 3.16, 17. and chap. 6. ‘And ye killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the [...]d whereof we are witnesses, Acts 3.19. Be i [...] known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of N [...] zareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole, Acts 4.10, 11, 1 [...]’

3. The Lambs followers are called Witnesses, because they [...]ep the testimony of Jesus [Page]Christ, Rev. 12.16. ch. 6.9. A testimony of all the Offices, Works, and Kingdom of Jesus Christ, as King of Saints, and King of Nations.

4. Gods chosen and precious ones are called Witnesses, because they do appear boldly and openly for his Truth; they own it, they love it, they publish it, they hold it fast, and su [...] for it, who through the teachings of the Spirit in the Word, and by the power of the same Spirit, are found in the practice of Christ's a [...] pointments; they cannot deny the Truth, which is a testimony to it, Acts 24.14.

5. The true Worshippers of God are called Witnesses, because they do bear witness against the Beast, and all the whole mystery of iniquity; against the Whore of Babylon, who hath committed fornication with the Kings of the Earth, and made her self drunk with the blood of the Saints, Rev. 17.6. Christ's faithful Witnesses bear an eminent testimony against all her abominations, and filthiness, and wickedness,

6. Christ's redeemed ones are called Witnesses, because in dying they bear witness for him; for to die for the Truth, is a living standing testimony to it. He who for Christ's sake loves not his life unto the death, dies a most glorious witness of Christ, Chap. 12. And they loved not their lives unto the death. And the beast that came out of the bottomless pit made war against them, and overcame them, and killed them, Chap. 11.7, 9.

Antichrist riseth in a double Beast; in hi [...] Civil Power, and his Ecclesiastical Power.

1. In his Civil Power; so he makes up one Beast with the ten Kings, Chap. 17.12, ‘And [Page]this is the Beast that riseth up out of the se [...], which hath seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head the name of blasphemy: And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; & the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, & [...]eat authority, Chap. 13.1, 2.’

2. In his Ecclesiastical Power; so he makes [...]p another Beast; and this is that Beast that [...]ose up out of the Earth: He [...]ath two k [...]rns [...]ke a Lamb, and he spake like a dragon, v. 11.

Now these two monstrous Beasts slay the faithful Witnesses of Jesus Christ, and rejoyce over their dead bodies, and make merry, and send gifts one to another, ch. 11.10. Oh how will graceless, faithless, Christless men rejoyce at the afflictions and calamities of God's people! saying, Where is now your God, and Christ your King? Psal. 42.10. As touching the nature of the Witnesses death, we are not to conceive thereof as though the same were to be a corporal killing or slaying, but a civil killing or slaying, not so much their bodies, as their testimonies, depriving and stripping them of their liberty of Worship, Ordinances, Religion, and the free exercise of their Gifts, suffering not a servant of Jesus Christ to bear an open testimony against the abomination of the Kingdom of Antichrist, nor against her wickedness; but making Laws against them, and lying in wait for them, stopping their mouths, and imprisoning their bodies, hating and hunting them up and down, afflicting and tormenting [Page]them, and taking possession of their possession: Killing and slaying them all the day [...] and accounting them as sheep for the slaughter, [...] 8.33. This is to be broken in the place of dragons, and covered with the shadow of d [...] Psal. 44.29. This is to be killed all the [...] long; and upon this account the Witnesses [...] said to be slain: ‘And after three days and [...] half, the spirit of life from God entred [...] them, and they stood upon their feet, & gr [...] fear fell upon them that saw them, ch. 11.’ [...] A spirit of b [...]dness and courage, zeal and undauntedness, and resolution to appear [...] Christ, and his cause against Antichrist & the whole brood. Therefore rejoyce all ye Saints, and be glad all ye upright of heart; tho' [...] Witnesses be dead, they will not always [...] dead, but rise again.

3. After the slaying time, the true Church is with the Lamb on Mount Sion, chap. 14.1. ‘And I locked and loe a Lamb stood on mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty & four thousand, having his Fathers Nam [...] [...]ritte [...] in their foreheads; which notes a fixed state. Those which trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion, which cannot be removed, Psal, 12.5.’ Before the slaying time the Church is very low, but under the slaying time lowe [...]; but after the [...]ng time the Church is very high, she is rejoycing, shining and triumphing on Mount Sion; ‘and they sung as i [...] were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders, & no man could learn that song but the hundred forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from [Page]the earth.’ The true Church having gotten [...] glorious presence of the Lamb in the midst [...] her, and having gotten some victory over [...] Beast, they do rejoyce mightily: And I [...]d a voice of harpers harping with their harps. [...] this is not till after the Resurrection of [...] Witnesses, and when Witnesses are risen, the Church is exceedingly joyful. This Chapter, out of which my Text is taken, con [...]eth six principal things:

1. A lovely description of Jesus Christ; [...] he is described by the similitude of a lamb: Lo [...], a Lamb stood upon mount Sion, v. 1. And, behold the Lamb of God, Joh. 1.19. He is called a Lamb in a double respect.

1. In respect of his Innocency, 1 Pet. 1.19. 1. In respect of his Meekness and Patience, Acts 1.32.

2. A lively description of the Church, the Lamb's Wife, and that from Verse 1. to v. 5.

3. A glorious description of the Churches Ministers: As the Church is in this Book called Heaven, so her Ministers are called Angels: And I saw another Angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, ver. 6. And there followed another Angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, ver. 8. And the third Angel followed him, saying with a loud voice, &c. ver. 9.

4. Here is set down the Doctrine which these Angels preach and publish.

The first Angel published the free Grace of God in Jesus Christ openly, against all the inventions of men: saying with a loud voice, Fear [Page]God, and give glory to him, and worship him th [...] made heaven & earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water, v. 7. Namely, That men should once fear God, and worship him, & give all glory to him, none to Creatures, none to Images, none to Antichrist; he that worshippeth the Beast, worshippeth the Dragon and the Devil, ch. 13. The second Angel proclaimed the utter ruine of Babylon, & the destruction thereof, over the Word, saying, Babylon [...] fallen, is fallen, the great city, because she hath made all nations drink of the wine of her wrath of her fornication, v 8. The third Angel doth seriously & solemnly give warning to all those who shall yet adhere to the Beast, shewing the danger and misery of it: If any man worship the Beast, and his Image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire & brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb, ver. 19, 20.

5. A sweet word of heavenly consolation to the Saints & People of God: And I heard a voice from heaven f [...]ying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them, ver. 3.

6. The Judgment and Vengeance which shall be executed upon the Wicked: the Spirit doth set it forth by a double similitude, the one by rendring, the other by gathering, and [Page]that from v. 16. to the end. God will as it were rain. Hell out of Heaven upon Babylon, he hath fire and brimstone for this spiritual Sodom, judgment without mercy, and fury without compassion.

I shall now come to the words of my Text, Those are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. This Text is one of the golden Characters of the hundred forty & four thousand, which stood with the Lamb upon Mount Sion. In these words are three things:

1. The Subject, [these.]

2. The Act, [follow.]

3. The Object, [the Lamb.] whithersoever he goeth.

I shall gather this Observation from the words: That it is the sweet temper & frame of Souls truly gracious, to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

In the handling of this Point I shall shew you five things:

1. What it is to follow the Lamb.

2. Why they follow the Lamb.

3. The Excellency of following the Lamb.

4. The Misery of them that follow not the Lamb.

5. How the Lamb's followers may be known from the Beast's followers.

1. To follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, is to follow him in four things:

1. In his Commandments: If you love me, keep my Commandments, Joh. 14.15. Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you, [...] 15.14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the [...]ee of life, Rev. 22.4. Oh Beloved, we cannot follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes, unless we [Page]follow him in his commands; ‘Then shall not be ashamed, (saith David) when I have respect to all thy Commandments, Psal. 119. 6.’ Christians should take as much delight [...] those Precepts that enjoyn Holiness, as in th [...] Promises that assure Happiness.

2. In his Teachings: ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow [...] Joh. 10.27. A stranger they will not follow, but will see from him, for they know not the voice of strangers, v. 5.’

3. In his Providences; through all afflictions, all straits, all discouragements and sorrows whatsoever, tho' it be a way of blood. We must forsake all to follow a cruci [...] Christ, a condemned Christ, in bloody paths of sufferings, if he call us to it: ‘Yea th [...] I walk thro' the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, Psal. 23.4. For (faith Paul) I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.’ We must be willing to venture the loss of all for him; Liberty, Estate, Relations, and Li [...] it self: We have forsaken all, and followed thee, Mat. 16.27.

4. In his Example, ‘For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you, Joh. 13.5. That, Because Christ hath suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, 1 Pet. 2.2 [...]. [...]2.’ So that to follow Christ's steps, is to take [...] an example: we must walk in th [...] [...] [...]pirit, in the same steps, and in the same [Page]obedience: we must not follow wicked mens examples, Who walk in the broad way that leads to [...]th and are of their father the Devil, and his [...] they do, Joh. 8.11. But we must follow our head Christ, who went up and down doing good, Acts 10. [...]3. Now this is to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. In his Commands. In his Teachings. In his Providences. In his Example.

1. To follow the Lamb whithersoever be g [...]eth, is to follow him truly, without Hypocrisie; and constantly, without Apostacy.

1. Truly, without Hypocrisie. Many follow the Lord, as Beggars follow a man, only for an Alms: they price the wages of Religion, above the work of Religion: ‘You seek me not because of the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled, Joh. 6.16.’ Oh Beloved, God abhors an Hypocrite more than a Sodomite; And Hell is provided on purpose for Hypocrites, Mat. 24.51. My Beloved, following the Lamb fully, is to have the heart fixed and resolved for God: ‘My soul follows hard after thee, saith David, Psa. 63.8. And, as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.’ All the faculties of his soul are working after God. ‘My soul, and all that is withme praise the Lord, saith holy David.’

2. Constantly, without Apostacy. A true Believer, after he begins to follow the Lamb, he never leaves following him, but followeth him whithersoever he goeth: ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or samine, [Page]or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am perswaded, that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Power nor things present, nor things to come, [...] heighth, nor depth, nor any creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ O Beloved, he doth not follow the Lamb whithersoever be goeth, that follows the Lamb earnestly for a while, but afterward forsaketh him when a storm riseth: ‘Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of t [...] word, by and by he is offended, Mat. 13.2 [...].’ Nor he that follows the Lamb in some things and the Beast in other things: ‘They fea [...] the Lord, and served their own gods after the manner of the nations.’ Nor he that followeth the Lord in a dull heavy manner, & a lukewarm temper: ‘I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou we [...] cold or hot, ch. 3.15. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be ye very desolate, saith the Lord; for my people have committed two evils, they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water, Jer. 2.12, 13.’ O this is no [...] a following the Lamb: They that follow th [...] Lord fully, abide in the Lord, and cleave [...] the Lord, and continue constantly in God [...] ways, unto the end of their days. ‘Th [...] righteous holds on in his way, Job 17.9 Then shall we know, if we follow on [...] know the Lord, Hos. 6.3.’ The righteous m [...] [Page]holds on his way, he follows the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

1. Speedily.

2. Truly.

3. Undividedly.

4. Zealously.

5. Humbly.

6. Chearfully.

7. Diligently.

8. Constantly.

9. Faithfully.

10. Transcendently.

Now this is to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Now I shall shew you why Believers follow the Lamb.

1. Because they are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by traditions from your fathers; but with the precious bloud of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot, 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. He paid a price for our redemption, that so he might discharge the debt of our sins. And they sang a new-song, saying, thou [...] worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeem'd us to God, by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, & people, and nation, Rev. 5.9. There are three things called precious in the Scriptures:

1. Faith is called precious, 2 Pet. 1.2.

2. The promises are called precious, v. 4.

3. The blood of Christ is called precious, 1 Pet. 1.19. O! his blood hath redeemed us from six Enemies.

1. From the World, Gal. 1.4. Rev. 21.4.

2. From the Curse, Gal. 3.13.

3. From Sin, Rom. 6.18, 22.

4. From the Devil, Heb. 2.18. Acts 26.17, 18.

5. From the sting of Death, 1 Cor. 15.55,56.

6. From Hell, 1 Thes. 1.10. Rev. 2.12.

Oh his blood, his precious blood; his blood hath slain our Enemies; he hath purchased by this blood Reconciliation with me Father, Union with the Son, and Communion with the Holy [Page]Ghost: Ye that were sometimes afar off, are [...] nigh by the bloud of Christ, Eph. 2.13, 16.

2. They follow the Lamb because they [...] washed in the blood of the Lamb: He hath l [...]ts, and washed us from out sins in his blood, Rev [...] These are they which come out of the great trib [...] on, and have washed their robes, and made [...] white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7.14. The [...] of Christ cleanseth us from all sin, 1 Joh. 1.7. Ch [...] blood washeth away our bloody sins; I s [...] to thee, when thou wast in thy blood, Live, Ezek. [...] For as soon as we were united with Christ, [...] sins are upon him, and his righteousness [...] us. It is Christ that gives us life, and puts [...] cellent ornaments upon us to cover our na [...] ness, and decketh us with Jewels and Gem [...] Gold: so we become beautiful in his sight, [...] 16.10. That he might present it to himself a glor [...] Church, not having spot nor wrinkle, nor any [...] thing; but that it should be holy, and without blem [...] Ephes. 5.21.

3. Believers follow the Lamb, because the [...] are risen with the Lamb. ‘If ye then be rise [...] with Christ, seek those things which are abo [...] where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God Col. 3.1. Therefore we are buried with h [...] by baptism into death; that like as Christ [...] raised up from the dead by the glory of [...] Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. 9.4.’ Every man besides Believer is a dead man, Dead in trespasses and [...] Eph. 2.1. Therefore are they exhorted to [...] from the dead, Eph. 5.4. They must rise fr [...] evil to good; from earthly-mindestness heavenly-mind [...]s; but now Believers [Page]sith are risen from darkness to light: ‘For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light, Eph. 5.8. Rise, shine, for thy light is [...]ome, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, [...] 60.’ When the Lord shineth forth upon his people in glorious discoveries of himself, he calls them away from their former condition. When the Lord discovered himself in a Go [...] [...] dispensation, his people were no longer [...] under dark clouds of legal Ceremonies [...] follow the Lamb whithersoever he go [...]

4. They follow the Lamb, because they ar [...] enlightened by the Lamb: ‘God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath mined in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4.6. But we all with open face beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord, 2. Cor. 3.18. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and d [...] count them but dung that I may [...] Christ, Phil. 3.8.’ Divine and Heavenly knowledge brings a man near to God, it gives a man the clearest and the fullest sight of God; and the nearer any man comes to God, the clearer vision he hath of God, and the more communion with God. The reason why others do not follow the Lamb, is, because they see not the worth and want of the Lamb: ‘Having the understanding darkness, being alienated from the life of God, [Page]through the igneronce that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts, Eph. 4.1 [...].’ Where there is a Vail cast before the eyes of Knowledge, there is a bar set before the hands of Practise. An ignorant person neither knows what he is doing, nor doth he know whither he is going: He doth nothing but undo himself by doing, carnal men see no preciousness and loveliness in Christ: Oh! what is thy beloved more them another beloved, Cant. 5.9. If th [...] [...] the gift of God, and who it is that as kith, [...] [...]ldest have asked of him, and he would have, given the [...] living water, Joh. 4.10. Christ goes, undesired in the World, because he goes undisc [...]ned by the World; But the natural man re [...]th not the things of the Spirit of God, for they [...]i f [...]s [...]ness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned, 2 Cor. 2.14. But now Believers being enlightned by the Spirit of God, and by the Word of God, they see themselves what they were before Faith, and what they are by Faith, and what they shall be at the end of Faith, they see Christ to be all precious, precious in his Ordinances, precious in his Discoveries, precious in his Graces, precious in his Gifts; precious in his promises, precious in his Members, precious in his Ministers, and precious in himself, 1 Pet. 2.8. Therefore Believers cannot but love him, and follow him.

5. They follow the Lamb, because they love the Lamb: Grace be with all them that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6.25. They love him with a superlative love. Whom have I in Heaven but thee? And there is none upon Earth [...]at I desire [...]sides thee, Psal. 73.25. The Spouse [Page]of Christ looks upon what she is, as not great enough for his remembrance; and what she does, as not good enough for his acceptance: Look [...] upon me because I am block, because the Sum hath [...]od upon me: My mothers children were angry with [...]: they made me the keeper of the vineyard, but [...] own vineyard I have not kept, Cant. 1.6. The Church is never more fair, than when she judgeth her self to be most deformed; never more happy, than when she accounts, her self most miserable; never more holy, tha [...] when she [...]kens her self most polluted; she is never richer, than when she seeth her self to be poorest of all. The soul that loves much, is a soul that works much, the Commands of the Gospel are not grievous to him, but precious to him, Tell me (O thou whom my soul loveth) wh [...] the [...] fudest, Cant. 1.7. A soul that loves Christ, hath his eyes upon Christ, and his desire is after Christ. The desire of our soul is to thy Name, and to the remembrance of thee: with my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit will I seek t [...]be t [...]rly, Isa. 26.9. True believers love Christ more than they love themselves, They loved not their lives unto the death, Rev. 12.11. Christ is d [...]arer to them than their lives, they slighted, contemned, yea, despised their very lives, when they stood in competition with Christ and his Glory, and chose rather to suffer the greatest misery, than he should lose the least dram of his honour. The love of Christ hath made his Saints & Witnesses yield all the parts and members of their bodies to the cruel and merciless instruments of bloody persecutors; their backs to be whipp'd, their eyes to be boared, & their tongues [Page]to be out out of their mouths, Heb. 11.38. Oh how strongly did these love! The measure of loving Christ, is to love him without measure. Who shall seperate us from the love Christ? Tribulation shall not, Persecution [...] not, Famine and Nakedness shall not, Peril [...] Sword shall not: For I am perswaded, that nother Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principe [...] ties, nor Power, nor things present, nor things [...] height, nor depth nor any other cre [...] shall be able to separate us from the love of [...] is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ro. 8.35, 38, 39.

6. They follow the Lamb, because the are married to the Lamb, Jer. 4.14. 1 [...] married [...] you, Rev. 21.9. I will shew t [...] the Bride, the Lawbs Wife. Cant. 2.19. [...] is mine, and I am his. Here I will [...]ew you two things: 1. How Christ come to be ours. 2. How we come to be Christ [...] i [...] Christ is ours by the free donation and gift of the Father: God so loved the World that be gave his only begotten Son, Joh. 3.16. [...] Christ freely gave himself unto us, [...] that Christ is ours by his own consent; he hath as it were passed over himself unto us: Christ loved me, and gave himself for me, saith the Apostle, Gal. 2.20. 3. Christ hath passed himself over unto his Church by marriage, and therefore she is called his Quod, his Spouse, his Bride, and his Wife, Psal. 25. 9. Although we had nothing to bring to him but poverty, shame, sorrow and misery, yet he took us, and loved us, and [Page]married us. 4. Christ is ours by communicating his own spirit to us. 2. The saints are Christs four ways.

1. By the donation of the Father: God hath made him both Lord and Christ. Act. 2.36. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head ever all things in the Church, Eph. 1.22. And no [...] (saith Christ) behold I, and the children whom thou gavest me; thine they were, and thou gave [...] them me, Joh. 17.6. God the Father gave us to God the Son, that he might redeem us; and God the Son gave us to God the Father, that he might sanctifie us, and ke [...] us from the evil of the world, iv. 19.

2. We are Christ's by choice; I have chosen you out of the world. And the Saints are said to be chosen in Christ, Eph. 1.4. And they are called, A chosen goveration, 1 Pet. 2.9. And chosen and faithful, Rev. 17.14.

3. The Saints are Christ's by purchase; we were in our enemies hand, and under their power, and could not free our selves from the bondage of the Law, Sin, Satan, Death, and Hell; therefore saith the Apostle, we are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6.26. For in respect of God's Justice, we are bought by Christ.

4. We are Christs by combination and covenant: I entred into covenant with thee, and thou beca [...]est mine, Ezek. 16.18. That is, I did make a solemn Covenant or Stipulation with thee, I would take thee to be my people. So that it is no wonder Believers follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; they are [Page]married to him, he is their Head and Husband.

7. They follow the Lamb, because they have the Spirit of the Lamb: We have [...] the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we may know the things that are [...] God; and we have the mind of Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 2.11, 12, 16. And we know that [...] abides in us, by the spirit which he hath [...] ven us. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The Spirit th [...] the Lord Jesus gives to Believers, is a fealing Spirit, a lively Spirit, and an enlightning Spirit, and a leading Spirit; it leads us from all evil to all good. And all the Lambs followers are in the Spirit of the Lamb: and therefore they pray in the Spirit, and with the Spirit, and by the Spirit, and for more of the Spirit: Now all tru [...] Believers have the Spirit of the Lamb, therefore they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

8. Believers follow the Lamb, because all their Priviledges come from the Lamb: they are all Kings and Priests, Rev. 1.6. Rev. 5.10. And Sons and Heirs, 1 Joh. 3.1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. Rom. 8.17. If Children, then Heirs, Heirs with God, and Joint-Heirs with Christ. Tho' Believers have not a Crown in life, yet they are Heirs to a Crown of Life, God puts the greatest honour upon his own people, Prov. 12.16. All the honour that other [Page]men have, is not worth the having: that which makes a man great in the eye of the world, makes a man nothing in the eye of God, men are never the better for their greatness, if they are not made better by their greatness: But now Believers greatness and honour comes by Christ, the faithful & true witness, the first begotten of the Dead, & the Prince of the Kings of the Earth: He hath made us unto our God, Kings and Priests, & we shall reign in the earth, Rev. 5.10. All the light, and life, and hope, and joy, and peace, & beauty, & honour, & riches, Believers have, they have it all by Christ, and from Christ: He given them rich grace, and rich glory, & all thing. richly to enjoy, 1 Tim. 6.17. Take a man that is out of Christ, and he hath none of all this: Eph. 2.12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenant of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, (yea) he is wretched, miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, Rev. 3.17. O this is the condition of every graceless, faithless, and Christless person: But now a Believer, tho' he be never so poor in the Worlds eye, he is rich in Gods eye; for all things are his, and he shall inherit all things, 1 Cor. 3.22. Rev. 21.7. He that overcometh, shall inherit all things. But how comes it to pass, that the Believer hath so much, & all others so little: He hath is all from Christ: Of his fulness have we all received grace for grace. Therefore Believers do [Page]glory in Christ, because they have all the [...] glory by and from Christ, 1 Cor. 2.1. He hath enough to glory in, that hath a Christ to glory in; Now Believers cannot but cleave to him, and follow him, because all their good things come by him.

9. They follow the Lamb, because their Names are written in the Lamb's Book, Rev. 13.3. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; and there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abo [...]tion, or maketh a lie: but they which an [...] written in the Lambs book of life, (Rev. 21.7.) All the rest, all the Worshippers of the Beast, and all Ʋnbelievers shall be cast into that La [...] of fire which burns and flames for ever, Rev. 19. There be a great many that fellow the Beast, worship the Beast, receive the mark of the Beast, and admire the Beast, ch. 13.3, 4. But what are they? Are they any that have their names written in the Lambs Book of Life [...] No, no: For this see Rev. 17.8. The Beast that thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless Pit, and shall go into Perdition, and obey that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life. So that you see what that cursed crew are that follow Babylon, viz. the wicked & prophane World; they are such whose names are not written in the Book of Life. But they that have their Father's Name written [Page]in their forehead, and their Names written in the Lambs Book, they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; And they that are with him, are called and chosen, and faithful, Rev. 17.14.

10. And lastly, Precious ones follow the Lamb, because they shall be for ever with the Lamb: Then we which are alive & remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall [...]e be ever with the Lamb: Wherefore comfort [...]e another with these words, 1 Thes. 4.17, 18. Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple; and he that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the Sun light on them nor heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, Rev. 7.15, 16, 17. How troublesome soever a Saints beginning is, his ending is joyful. When Believers change Earth for Heaven, they do not lose their happiness, but compleat their happiness, Joh. 12.17.24. Father, I will that they also whom thou gavest me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Not only with me for ever, but with my Saints with my Angels, & with my Father, and with all that are with me. To be with God and Christ for ever, implieth these seven [Page]things:

1. The presence of God.

2. The happy union with God.

3. The blessed vision of God.

4. The glorious communion with God.

5. The fruition of God.

6. The rest that the Saints shall have [...] God.

7. The enjoyments of themselves [...] God.

Oh how unspeakable is the glory [...] Heaven; Oh how infinitely glorious is the Lamb: Now true Believers follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, because they shall be for ever with the Lamb in fulness of glory, and endless felicity, Ro. 8.17. Thus have I shewed you why Believers follow the Lamb. Now I shall shew you the Excellencies of following the Lamb. The first Excellency is, they that follow the Lamb, have the presence of the Lamb with them. The hundred forty and four thousand that stood upon Mount Sion had the Lamb with them; Psa [...]. 46.5. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, ver. 8. God is in the midst of his Church, not only to behold her, but to uphold her. Tho' the Churches Enemies may be waves to toss her, yet they shall never be Rocks to split her, because God is in the midst of her. This is that which comforted and strengthened David: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art nigh me, Psal. 2 [...].4. When thou possess through the wa [...]. I will be with th [...]: and th [...]row the rivers, they shall not[Page]overflow thee; when thou walkest th [...]row the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Isa. 43.2. Oh they that follow the Lamb, shall stand before the Lamb, have the presence of the Lamb, his glorious presence, his precious presence, his comforting presence, his protecting presence, his quickening and sanctifying presence. The Second Excellency is, that they that follow the Lamb shall [...]how the mind of the Lamb: It is given unto you to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, [...] to them it is not given: And blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear, Mat. 13.11, 16. Henceforth I call you not Servants, for the Servant knoweth not what his Lord doth, but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you, Joh. 17.6, 7, 8. Jesus Christ that lies in the bosom of his Father, he unbosoms, and unbowels the heart of the Father to Believers; they know his Secrets, his Mind, his Counsel, and his Will, and none knoweth it but them; I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes, Mat. 11.25. But they that walk with God, know much of the mind of God, and the Mysteries of the Gospel. The third Excellency of following the Lamb is, They that follow the Lamb may come boldly to the Lamb's Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need, Heb. 6.14. A Soul that hath an interest in Christ, may come boldly to Christ, and speak boldly to him, and to his Father, for any mercy he needeth; he may go to the Throne of Grace, for Grace, & open his heart [Page]to God, as one friend to another. Oh what▪ liberty hath Believers; Oh what a priviled [...]e have they, that they may go to God with a holy boldness. The wicked proud ones of the Earth are so high, that the poor Saints cannot come boldly and freely to them; but they may come boldly and freely to the Lord their God: Ma [...]. 11.28. Come unto me all ye that labour & are hea [...] laden, and I will give you rest.

The fourth Excellency is, They that follow the Lamb shall have all their wants supplyed by the Lamb: Phil. 4.19. But my God shall su [...] all your need, according to his riches in glory, by Jesus Christ. They that follow the Lamb shall want no good thing: ‘Oh fear the Lord all ye his Saines, for there is no want to them that fear him. The young Lyons do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing, Psal. 34.9, 10. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, Psal. 23.7.’ Delight thy self in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desire of thy heart; thou shalt have whatsoever thou desirest to have. He that hath the chiefest good shall want no good. ‘Whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; and he that cometh to me shall never hunger, Joh. 6.35.’ Oh who would not follow and believe in the Lamb; Oh happy are all they that love the Lamb.

The fifth Excellency is, They that follow the Lamb shall share with the Lamb.

1. In his Divine Nature. ‘Whereby are given unto us exceeding great & precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption [Page]that is in the world through lust, 2 Pet. 1.4.’ That is, of those Divine qualities, whereby we are made like unto God in wisdom and righteousness, and true holiness, Eph. 4 24.

2. In his Conquests. The poor Saints share with Christ in all his noble and honourable Conquests (1 Cor. 15.55.) over the World, Death, & Hell, and over Sufferings: In all these things we are more than conquerers, through him that loved as, Rom. 8.37.

3. They share with Christ in his Graces Of his fulness have we all received grace for grace John 1.16. As a child receives member for member; as the Paper from the Press receives letter for letter; as the Wax from the Seal receives print for print; or as the Glass from the Image receives face for face; so do Believers receive from Christ grace for grace, that is, for every grace that is in the Lamb, there is the same grace in us in some measure.

4. Believers share with Christ in his glorious Titles. He is called a Son, so are they; a King, so are they; a Priest, so are they; an Heir, so are they, R [...]m. 8.17. Rev. 5.10. Rev. 1.5, 6.

5. They share with Christ in his Glory. ‘I go to prepare a place for you▪ I will come again a receive you unto my self, that where I am, there ye may be also, Joh. 14.23. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one as we are one, Joh. 17.22. My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me, and I gave unto them eternal life, Joh. 10.28.’ The Saints have the same glory which Christ himself hath; the Saints in Heaven are not only glorified with Christ (which is a great [Page]exaltation) but they do enjoy the very same glory which Christ himself doth; the same for kind, tho' not for degree. The Head and Members are glorifi'd together with the same kind of glory: God hath not one Heaven for his Son and another for his Saints, but one and the same for both. Believers shall be as truly glorious as Christ is, and eternally glorious as he is. ‘Our vile bodies shall be fashioned like unto his glorious body, and we shall be glorified together with him, and appear with him in glory, Rom. 8. Col. 3.’ Oh here is the excellency of following the Lamb; they that follow him, share with him.

The sixth Excellency of following the Lamb is, They that follow the Lamb, shall be protected by the Lamb: ‘He suffered no man to do them wrong; yea, he reproved Kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not mine Anointed, and do my Prophets no harm, Ps. 105.14, 15. which are his Saints. Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? And if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terrour, neither be troubled, 1 Pet. 3.13.’ ‘Fear them not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: yea, I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, Isa. 41.10. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will not I forget thee, Isa. 40.15.’ Who can harm a man, if God be with him and for him? He that hath the love of God, needs not care for the anger of men▪ A true [Page]Believer hath the love of God, the love of Christ, the love of good Angels, the love of good men, and the love of all whose love is worth the having. God protects men in his way, but not out of his way; when men appear for God, God appears for men; he is good to them in affliction, and he doth them good by affliction.

The seventh Excellency is, They that follow the Lamb, shall not feel the wrath of the Lamb: ‘Rev. 2.11. He that overcometh, shall not be hurt of the second death, 1 Thes. 1.10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit, Rom. 8.1.’ O how sad is the condition of those who live and die without Christ, they are sent to Hell, Psal. 9.17. ‘The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forsake God: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power, 2 Thes. 2.9.’ They shall feel and suffer the wrath of the Lamb, because they despised the truth of the Lamb. ‘Because I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, & would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at yo [...] calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh, when your fear cometh as desolation, your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you: then [Page]shall they call upon me, but I will not answer, they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me, Prov. 1.24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Do you hear this, sinners? If God will shew you no mercy, if ye live in your sins, and die in your sins, bef [...]re Hell will shew you no mercy;’ new the Believer shall feel and suffer none of this, he is in a happy state and condition.

The eighth Excellency is, They that follow the Lamb shall reign with the Lamb: and this is another Excellency of following the Lamb. True Believers do reign now over the Creatures, over the pomp and pride of the World▪ and over sin & sufferings▪ but besides all this, they shall reign with Christ, and over those that have persecuted them: Rev. 5.10. And we shall reign on the earth: ch. 20.4. And they lived and reign a with Christ a thousand years. And as the wicked tread down the Saints under their feet now, so shall the Saints then tread down the wicked under their feet, Mal. 4.3. The Lord hath promised that the meek shall inherit the Earth Doth not the Scripture say, that in the l [...]st [...]ovs the mountain of the L [...]ra's house shall be lif [...]d up above the [...], and shall be established in the [...] of the mountains, Isa 2 2 And that the kingdoms of the wo [...]ld must become the kingdoms of our Lord Jesus, Rev. 11 15. And he that loves to see the face of his Church beautiful, will e're long wipe away those tears: it is not long before you will triumph and say, (Cant. 2 11, 12.) Loe; the [...]i [...]ter is past, the rain is over and gone, the s [...]ow [...]s appear on the earth, the time of the Sing [...]ng of birds is come.

The ninth Excellency is, They that follow [Page]the Lamb, shall sit upon the Throne with the Lamb, Rev. 3.20, 21. ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, Mat 19.28.’ Oh what an honour is this! what a glory is this! to sit upon the Throne with Christ! Is it not honour & glory enough for us to be in Heaven with God, and Christ, & Angels, but we must sit upon a Throne there? Oh what an honour is this! & yet this honour shall all the Lamb's followers have.

The tenth Excellency of following the Lamb is. They that follow the Lamb, shall judge the World with the Lamb. If you consult sacred Records, you shall find that both God & Christ, and the Saints are said to judge the World: The Ordination is God's, the Execution is Christ's, the Approbation is the Saints. When the Apostle would stop the sinful suits among the Corinthian Brethren, that did not want men of Eminency to put a period unto Controversies, saith, ‘Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the World? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matter? 1 Cor. 6.2. Enoch the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his Saints, to execute judgment upon all, Jude 14, 15. When the Son of man shall sit [...]in the throne of glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Mat. 19 28.’ Now the wicked may judge the Saints, but then the Saints shall judge the Wicked: now [Page]they may judge and condemn Christ in his Members, but then they shall be judged and condemned by Christ and his Members: For as the Wicked cannot endure God himself, so neither can they endure God in the Saints; and the more God dwells in the Saints, the more the wicked World afflicts the Saints: but they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, shall then sit upon those that now sit upon them. Thus have I shewed you the Excellency of following the Lamb.

4. The Misery of those that follow not the Lamb, but the Beast: O their Misery is great in this life, but it will be greater in the other!

The first Misery of them that follow the Beast is, They that follow him shall share with him in all his Plagues: ‘And the third Angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the Beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or on his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wr [...]th of God which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, & he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Lamb, Rev. 14 9, 10.’ O the plagues, the terrible plagues that shall fall upon the Beast! Death, and Mourning, and Famine, and Fire, chap. 18.8. The judgments shall come upon all parties, and upon all degrees and conditions of men that joyn with the Beast: All those that do partake of his sins, shall share of his plagues. So that all that worship the Beast, and receive his mark, and belong to him, (viz. those that live profane lives) whether they be [Page]high or low, rich or poor, if they do not come off from him, they shall share with him in all his plagues: Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, Rev. 18.4.

The second Misery of them that follow the Beast is, They shall cry to the Rocks and to the Mountains of the Earth: ‘And the great men, and rich men, and the chief captains, & the mighty men, and every bond-man, and every free-man, hid themselves in the dens, & in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? Rev. 6.15, 16, 17.’ The wicked, tho' here cloathed in Silk and Velvet, shall wish for the Mountains to cover them, which would be but a poor shelter: For the mountains melt at the presence of the Lord, and the rocks rend asunder when be is angry. They that made others flie away from them, as innocent Lambs from devouring Wolves, shall be afraid of the wrath of the Lamb that sitteth on the Throne. Oh how will any of those dare to appear before his Tribunal, that have stained the Sword of Authority with the blood of Innocency, by turning its back against the Vicious, and whetting its edge against the Righteous: Every unjust Judge, that has sit confidently upon the Bench, shall then stand trembling at the Bar: Oh how will they be able to lift up their heads before Christ, who have lifted up their heads against Christ? The Kings of the earth stood up, and the Rulers were [Page]gathered together against the Lord, and against [...] Christ, Acts 24.26. Rev. 17.14 Instead of helping the Lord against the mighty, they help the mighty against the Lord, Psal. 2.2. Oh [...] many great men have there been that [...] made no other use of their greatness, but [...] be great in wickedness! Great Swearers, gr [...] Drunkards, great Sabbath-breakers, great [...] secutors, great Adulterers, great Atheists; who instead of denying or forsaking the De [...] and all his works, have followed the Devil [...] all his works; who have sinned with conte [...] and have been contented with their sins: Th [...] Princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves, Is [...]. 1.23. But the great God, against whom they sin, is greater than the greatest; ‘Before whe [...] all the nations of the world are but as a drop of a bucket, and as the small dust of the ballance, Isa. 40.15. Who will not fear thee, O King of Nations, forasmuch as there is now like unto thee, O Lord? Thou art great, and thy Name is great, and thy power is great, Jer. 10.6.’ He toucheth the Mountains, and they smoak, before whom the Devils fear and tremble. Therefore, woe, woe, be to them that forsake him, and follow the Beast; they shall cry and call for help, but there will be none to help them.

The third Misery of those that follow the Beast is, They shall be cast into a lake of fire with the Beast: ‘And the Beast was taken, and with him the false Prophet, that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the Beast, and them that worshipped his image, these [Page]both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone, Rev. 19.20. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presene of the Lord, and from the glory of his power, 2 Thes. 1 7, 8, 9.’ Oh what a dreadful thing is it, to lie under the wrath of God, to lie in burning flames, and for ever to be banished from the presence of God, and his holy Angels! This will be the portion of the [...]east's followers. O will they not wish then they had never been born? and that they might be turned into stocks and stones? but alas, all their wishes will do them no good? Christ will say to them then, Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels, Mat. 25.41, 42, 43. O ye Rulers and Great Ones of the Earth, it will be no dishonour to your Honours, to lay your Honours at his feet, in whose presence the Angels vail their faces; and before whose Throne the Elders cast their Crowns, Isa. 6. Rev. 4.10. O is it not better then with patience to suffer with Si [...] a while, rather than joyn with the wicked, & be ruined with them in the end? Rev. 14.10. Here is the patience of Saints. Ye shall suffer a while, and be trodden down by them: and you must stay for the full accomplishment of this promise for your deliverance: But I will surely come, and will recompeno [...] all your patience: And therefore be not discouraged and faint in your minds, let not your hearts turn back again unto Agypt.

[Page] 5. I shall shew you now how the Lamb's followers may be known from the Beasts followers.

1. You may know them by their number; they are in number the fewest, Many are, called, but few are chosen, Mat. 20.16. Though all Isracl be as the sand of the sea, yet but a remnant shall be s [...] ved, Rom. 9.27. And Christ calls his flock, a little flock, Luk. 12.32. And truly Beloved, they are but few that follow the Lamb, and believe in him. Believers, though their natures are the sweetest, yet their number is the smallest: [...] Heaven are the best, but in Hell are the mo [...] O dear Christians, there are but few upright Christians; there are many Thorns, but few Lillies. Many almost, but few altogether Christians.

2. By their Characters you may know them. You have nine lovely Characters of them in this fourteenth Chapter.

1. They stand with the Lamb upon Mount Sion.

2. They have their Father's Name written in their foreheads.

3. They sing a new Song, which none can learn, but only the hundred and forty and four thousand.

4. They are such as are redeemed from the Earth.

5. They are Virgin-Saints, not defiled with women.

6. They follow the Lamb whithersoever [...] goeth.

7. They are redeemed from amongst men.

8. They bring their first-fruits unto God, [...] to the Lamb.

9. And in their mouths w [...] found no guile; for they are without faul [...] before the throne of God. O how holy, how heavenly, how gracious, how lovely and spiritual are these; they live in the Lord, on th [...] Lord, to the Lord, and with the Lord; They are [...][Page]chosen generation, a royal priesthood, in holy nation, a peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2 9.

3. By their Spirit; they have another spirit, Numb. 14.24. All the Lamb's followers are in the spirit of the Lamb, Rom. 8 9.16. And by that spirit they are led and taught; a spirit of holiness; a spirit of meekness, a spirit of love, a free spirit, and a true-humble and faithful spirit too, and for the Lord. Now as the Lamb's followers are in the spirit of the Lamb, so the Beast's followers are in the spirit of the Beast, which is [...] other than the spirit of the Devil, Eph. 2.2. [...]ding to the Prince of the power of the air (the [...] that now worketh in the children of disobedi [...]e? [...] a spirit of lording and domineering, a spirit of cunning and craftiness, a spirit of deceit, a spirit of superstition, a spirit of persecution and cruelty; and in this spirit are all the Followers of the Beast. Now by this you may know the Lamb's followers from the Beast's followers.

4. By their Name; they have another name, [...] n [...]ne, [...]ev. 3.12. God gives his people honourable titles, though the Beast giveth them [...]proachful titles; God calls them, The dearly [...] of his soul, Jer. 12.7. And, The apple of his [...], Zech. 2.8. And his Jewels, Mal. 3.17. His glory, his portion, his bride, his friends and children! but the Beast calls them seditious deceivers and deluders, blasphemers, and fools, & [...] men, as if they were not worthy to have [...] being amongst men: but tho' they are Ravens [...] the World's eye, yet they are Doves in God's eye; yea, they are such Worthies, Of whom this [...]orld [...] not worthy, Heb. 11.38. Now dear [Page]Christians, by this you may know the Lamb's followers from others, by the nick-names the World giveth them, and by the glorious [...] that God giveth them.

5. By their Graces they may be known. Such as are the Lamb's followers, are full of faith, [...] of love, full of grace and goodness, they are [...] ry fruitful, and bring forth much fruit, Joh. [...]5. They are called heavenly, because of their [...] venliness, Rom. 8.1. And holy, because of th [...] holiness: Spiritual, because of their spiri [...] ness; and faithful, because of their faithfulness There is much of God to be seen in them, [...] their words, works, duties and conversatio [...] Phil. 3.20. For our conversation is in heaven. Th [...] seek heavenly things, and walk by a heavenly Rule; they eye heavenly objects, and are [...] by a heavenly Spirit; they submit to a heavenly government, and imitate heavenly ones there is much of heaven in them, and much [...] them in heaven: When I awake, I am still wi [...] thee, saith David. But now the Beast's followers they are full too, but it is with blood a [...] swearing, cursing, stealing, lying, blasphemi [...] rebellion, and all manner of abominations [...] filthiness, Hos 4.2. Rom 3. Rev. 13. Now Belov [...] by this you may know Christ's precious o [...] from the Beast's filthy ones.

6. The Lamb's followers may be known from the Beast's followers, by their keeping [...] Commandments of God, and the Faith of [...] Rev. [...]4.1 [...]. Here is the patience of the Saints; [...] are they that keep the Commandments of God, [...] the Faith of Jesus. So Rev. 12.17. The [...] was wrath with the Woman, and made war [...]aith [...] remnant of her seed, which [...]eep the commandments[Page]God, having the testimony of Jesus Christ. True Believers cleave to the Lord, and follow him fully: But my servant Caleb hath followed me fully, Numb. 4.45. And Enoch walked with God, Gen. 5.25. And Noah walked with God, Gen. 6.9. L [...]t us also walk in the spirit, Gal. 5.25. And they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, they hear his voice, they profess his worship, and obey his Doctrine, they abhor Antichrist, they follow not the Beast, nor receive his mark, but keep their beautiful Garments of Gospel-innocency, and will not touch beastly Babylon, viz. will not associate themselves with the wicked.

7. By their company; the Lamb's followers keep company together; Being let go, they went [...] their own company, Act. 4.23. So they are said to stand upon a Sea of Glass together: And I [...] as it were a sea of glass, mingled with fire, and them that had gotten victory over the beast, & over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of Glass, having the harps of God, Rev. 15.2. So they that are with the Lamb upon Mount Sion, are together, and keep together, and follow the Lamb together. Christ's faithful Witnesses do not hear with Antichrist's hearers, nor worship with them which worship the Beast; for they are come out of Babylon, ch. 18.4. Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: Wherefore come out from amongst them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, saith the Lord, 2 Cor. 6.17. The children of God will not keep company with the children of Wrath, for they cannot agree: ‘For what fellowship hath righteousness [Page]with unrighteousness? & what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? 2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16.’ Therefore Believers keep together, walk together, & worship God together And they that believed were of one heart, and one soul, & continued in the Apostles doctrine & fellowship, Act. 4.32. Act. 2 42. By this the Lamb's followers are known by, to wit, their company.

8. By their language they are known, tru [...] Believers spake the language of Canaan, their language is Scripture-language; you may know them by their speech, as Peter was known by his speech: Surely thou art one of them, for th [...] speech bewrayeth thee, Mat 26.73. Their words are holy & heavenly, they speak of God, & to God and for God; and he heaveth them, Mal 3.16. But the Beast's followers spake wickedly. proudly, [...]a [...]ingly, and blasphemously, ch 13.4. And he opened his mou [...], blaspheming God, his Son, his Name, his [...], and they that [...] in heaven, v 6. Men are known who and what they are, & to whom they do belong, by their language; if they are of God, and in God, they cannot but speak much of God.

9. The Lamb's followers are known by this, they are more afflicted with the Churches heaviness, than they are affected with their own happiness. ‘The King said, Why is thy countenance sad? This is nothing else but forrow of heart, seeing thou art not sick. Why should not my countenance be sad, when the City, the place of my Fathers, lieth waste, and the [Page]gates thereof are consumed with fire? Neh. 2.3.’ How can Sions Sons be rejoycing, when their Mother is mourning? tho' they were the Jews desolation, yet they were Jevemiab's lamentation. How can such rejoyce in her standing, that do not mourn for her falling? When the Churches Adversaries make long furrows upon her back, we should cast in the seed of tears. Remember them that are in bonds, as being bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being your s [...]ves also in a body, Heb. 13.3. Sympathizing with others, makes an Estate that is joyful more happy, and an Estate that is doleful less heavy. The righteous perish, and no man layeth it to heart, Isa. 5.7. We may draw up that charge against many now, Amos 6.46. ‘They lie upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon Couches, and eat the Lambs out of the flock, and the Calves out of the midst of the stall: that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief Oyntments; but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph.’ Oh that there were not too many such now-a-days, that eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and are not troubled for Sions troubles: instead of sympathizing with them in their misery, they are censuring of them for their misery; but the true servants of God are tender & broken-hearted, they weep & mourn, and wring their hands for Sions sins, for Sions breaches, for Sions calamities, and wait for Sions deliverance; and thus they do, and will do, till they see Sion on Mount Sion with the Lamb to be. 10. The Lamb's followers are known by their love to Christ, and sufferings for Christ, they chuse the worst of sorrows, [Page]before they will commit the least of sins: ‘For thy sake we are killed all the day long, and counted as sheep for the slaughter, Psal. 44. Rom. 8.36. And ye shall be hated of all men for my Names sake, Mat. 10.22. Blessed are ye wh [...] men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you fal [...]y for my sake, Mat. 5.10.’ Love can walk on the water without drowning, and lie in the [...] without burning. How shall we land at the Haven of Rest, if we are not tossed upon the S [...] of Trouble? A Believer should live above the love of life, and the fear of death. Though [...] cannot live without afflictions, yet let us liv [...] above afflictions. None are so welcome to th [...] spiritual Canaan, as those that swim to it th [...] the Red-Sea of their own blood. In suffering the offence is done to us; in sinning the off [...] is done to God. In suffering we lose the favour of men, in sinning we lose the favour of God: therefore Damiel chose the Den of the Lion, rather than he would forsake the Cause of the Lamb, Dan. 6. And the three Children chos [...] rather to suffer sadly, than to sin foully, Dan. 3. And Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, Heb. 11 29. It is better to be [...] Martyr than a Monarch, it is better to be a Prisoner for Jesus Christ, than to be a Prince with out Christ, or against Christ. O how precious, how glorious, how lovely, and how sweet is Jesus Christ to believers! O they love him entirely, uprightly, they love his glorious Person and the beauty of his Holiness, and his Name, his Honour, his Cause, and his Members; they [Page]will suffer for him, and die for him, because he suffered and died for them, Rev. 12.11. And they loved not their lives unto the death. Now by this all men may know the Lambs followers from the Beasts followers, viz. by their sorrows and sufferings for Christ, for Truth, for Righteousness, and for Conscience sake, Heb. 10.34. And they took joyfully the spelling of their goods, Heb. 11.35.

11. The Lamb's followers are known by this, They seek the publick good of others, above the private good of themselves: I have great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart: for I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, Rom. 9.2, 3. And now, O Father, glorifie thy Son, that thy Son may glorifie thee, Joh. 17.7. He prayed for glory more for the Father's sake, that bestowed it, than for his own sake that received it. A true Christian doth not desire grace only for this end, that God may glorifie him, but he desires grace for this end, that he may glorifie God. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye thro' his poverty might be rich, 2 Cor. 8.9. Oh that the Lord Jesus should not only in pity save us, but in love die for us! And David after he ha [...] se [...]ved his own Generation by the will of God, fell asleep, Act. 33.26. His Generation did not serve him, but he served his Generation, not the Generation that was before him, for they were dead before he was living; nor the Generation [Page]that was behind him, for they were living after he was dead; but his own Generation; and not by his own will, but by the will of God. Old Ely mourned more for the loss of his Religion than for the loss of his Relations, 1 Sam. 4.18. So Moses, Exod. 32.10. No [...] therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax [...] against them, and that I may consume them, & I will make of thee a great Nation. He was no self-seeker, but a life-preserver. Grace doth not only make a man carry it like a Man to God, but to carry it like a God to man: Reason makes a man a man, but Grace makes a man a Christian. Every gracious spirit is publick, though every publick spirit is not gracious. As we are not born by our selves, so we are not born for our selves. But the Beasts followers and Babylons Merchants are for themselves, and seek themselves: Yea, they are greedy dogs, which can never have enough, & they are shepherds that cannot understand; they all lock to their own way, every one to his gain from his quarter, Isa. 56.11. And teaching things they ought not, for si [...]y lu [...]c s [...]ke, Tit. 1.11. Wo to you Scribes and Pharisees, for ye dev [...]ur widows houses, and for a pretence make [...]ng prayers; therefore ye shall [...]e [...]e [...]e the grea [...]er damnation. Mat. 23. Th [...]se make not gain to stoop to godliness, but godliness to stoop to gain. 12. And lastly, The lambs followers may be known from the Beasts followers by this, they are more for power th [...]n form, for heart than art, for matter than method, for substance than shew: Ha [...]ing a form of godliness, but denying the power[Page]thereof; from such turn aside. 2 Tim. 3.5. As they who have the power of godliness, cannot deny the form, so they who have the form of godliness, should not deny the power. Alas, what is hearing without doing, and praying without [...]act [...]sing, and preaching without reformis [...] [...] [...]od loves to see the Plants of Righteousness loaded with the Fruits of Righteousness: He be [...]r [...]th greater respect to our hearts, than he doth to our works. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your l [...]dies a living sacrifice, holy & acceptable unto God, Rom. 12.1. The Formalist he is all for outward actions, and for nothing of inward sincerity: he is for a body without a soul, and a shew without a substance: but it is not a shew of outward piety that will excuse inward hypocrisie. For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly, neither is that Circumcision which is outwardly in the flesh: but he is a Jew which is one inwardly, & Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men but of God, Rom. 2.28, 29. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of, the Synagogue of Satan, Rev. 2.9. They are better in their outsides than they are in their insides, but Believers are better in their insides than they are in their outsides: The Kings Daughter is all glorious within, her cloathing is of wrought gold, Psal. 45.13. The one bows but his knee at the Name of Jesus, the other bows his heart to the Truth of Jesus; the [Page]one only signs with the Cross, the other carries the Cross. Oh what would not hypocritical men do for Heaven, if they might have He [...]ven for their so doing? but they that fail i [...] this rotten bottom, will surely sink in the Oce [...]n [...] hath acquired this at your hands, to tread my [...]? To what purpose is your sacrifices unto me saith the Lord? I am full of the burnt offerings of Rams, and the fat of fed beasts, and I delight not in the blood of Bullocks, or of Lambs, or of He goats. It was not in the Clay and Spittle that cured the blind man, but Christ anointing his eyes. It was not the troubling of the waters in the Pool of Bethesda, that made them whole, but the coming down of the Angel. Alas, the dish without the meat will not feed us. Man may spread the Net of Duty, but it's God must take the draught of Mercy. Now by this, Beloved, you may know the Lamb's followers from the Beast's followers. And thus I have briefly and clearly shewed you these five things:

1. What following the Lamb is.

2. Why gracious Souls follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

3. The Excellency of following the Lamb.

4. The Misery of following the Beast.

5. How the Lamb's followers may be known from the Beast's followers.

I shall make some use of this:

1. For Examination and Self tryal: Oh Friends for the Lord's sake, and for your souls sake examine your selves, and try your selves by this, that you may know whose you a [...] [Page]and to whom you do belong: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom they obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Rom. 6.16. Oh who do ye follow? If men, verily you have your reward; if sin, you will have sins wages, which is eternal death; woe and misery in this life, and hell & destruction in the other life: but if God, then you shall have eternal life. Therefore be not deceived, mistake not your selves, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows that he shall [...]eap. Oh Beloved, examine yourselves, and try yourselves: what is it you mind? what is it you seek? what is it you do? do you follow the Lamb in his Commands, in his Teachings, in his Appointments, and in his Examples, and thro' Sufferings & Reproaches? have you forsaken all & followed him? Mat. 19.29. Have you taken up his Cross and denied your selves? Mat. 16.24. Have you learned of him to be meek and lowly? Mat. 11.29. have you visited & clothed his Members? Mat. 25.35. Have you kissed the Son, & made your peace with him? O Beloved, are you new Creatures? are you in Christ? are you in Faith? Know ye not, if Christ be not in you, ye are reprobates? 2 Cor. 13.5.

The second Use is of Exhortation. O Beloved, let me beseech you for your precious and immortal souls sake, to come out of Babylon, from the company of wicked men, from the Beast's Image, and from his Worship, & from his Mark, that you may not be defiled: O come away to Jesus Christ, Arise, my love, [Page]and come away, Cant. 2.10. Come unto me all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11.28. O sinners, he calls you to come to him, will you not go? We must forsake sin, in embrace vertue; put off the Old man, and put on the New-man; we must have repentance and mortification, a dying unto sin, and a living unto righteousness; from the love of earthly things, to the desire of heavenly things Our bodies and souls must come away unto Christ; our Souls, because they are the Spouse of Christ; our bodies, because they are the Temples of the Holy Ghost: We must come away from the enticements of the Flesh, the allurements of the World, and suggestions of the Devil, Rev. 18.4. that ye may walk with God, before God, after God, in the Name of God, and in the Spirit of God; and that we may live in Christ, as Christ lives in the Father O what more happy than to live for ever, and so to live for ever as Christ himself liveth: Surely that is a blessed & glorious life. This is a Believer's Life.

2. Labour more and more to be like those that follow the La [...]b fully; they are very holy and pure; they are called Virgins.

1. For their Chastity: That I may present you as chaste Virgins unto Christ, 2 Cor. 11.2. These love Christ with a chaste, but not with an adulterous love.

2. For their purity; they are Virgir-Saints, they are not in the least defiled, but have kept themselves from Idolatry and Superstition, and from sin and wickedness: And is their mouth was found no guile. Believers are [...]itled & titled Heaven: Christ's M [...]bers are glorie [...]s Members; [Page]they are called Heaven for two Reasons.

1. Because there is much of Heaven in them.

2. Because there is much of them in Heaven.

1. There is much of Heaven in Believers, much of God, much of Christ, and much of the Spirit: Of his fulness have all we received grace for grace, Joh. 1.16. The glory of God, the knowledge of God, the presence of God, the love of God, the holiness of God, the joys of God, these are the things that make Heaven to be Heaven. Now there is much of these in Believers, therefore they are called Heaven. We are taken into communion with Angels; and our communion with the Angels in a great measure doth consist in bearing a part with them in praising God; it is the action of Heaven: Believers are holy ones, and they have glorious Titles.

1. The Lords portion, Deut. 32.9.

2. His pleasant portion, Jer. 12.10.

3. His Inheritance, Isa. 19.25.

4. The dearly beloved of his soul, Jer. 12.7.

5 God's treasure and peculiar treasure, Exod. 19.5.

6 His gl [...]ry, Isa 46.13.

7 The house of God's glory, Isa 60.7

8 A Crown of Glory, Isa 62 3.

9 A royal diad [...]m, in the same place.

10 The glory of God, Jer. 3 17.

11 Golden candlesticks, Rev. 1.12.

12 Kings, Rev. 5.10. And in my Text, Heaven.

There is much difference between the Church of God and other men, as there is betwixt Gold and Dirt, as betwixt Diamonds and Pebbles, in the Lords esteem; they are to God above all people! The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour, Prov. 12.26. O how precious, how happy, how blessed and glorious are Believers? they are called Heaven.

2. Believers are called Heaven, because there is much of them in Heaven.

[Page]

1. Their Thoughts are in Heaven, Psal. 139.18.

2. Their Desires are in Heaven, Psal. 73.25.

3. Their Affections are in Heaven, Col. 3.2

4. Their Hopes are in Heaven, Tit. 2.14.

5. Their Conversations are in Heaven, Phil. 3.20.

6. Their Hearts are in Heaven, Mat. 6 21.

7. Their Aims are in Heaven, Luk. 10.20.

Oh there is much of Believers in Heaven: their Souls are in Heaven, when their Bodies are walking upon the Earth: they live in Heaven whilst they are on the Earth, and they come to Heaven when they leave the Earth, Eph 2.6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The Saints are s [...]t in heavenly Places, heavenly Dignities, heavenly Priviledges, heavenly Prerogatives. The Saints of the High God are set in high place [...]. The true Church is that Spouse that is fair and beautiful, Cant. 2.14. Oh the Church of Christ is lovely and glorious.

1. Glorious in her Head

2. Glorious in her Titles.

3. Glorious in Gifts and Graces.

4. Glorious in her Offices.

5. Glorious in her Priviledges

6. Glorious in her Members.

O the Church of Christ is a holy Church, and a glorious Church; ‘That he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish, Eph. 5. [...]7. They are not defiled, they are Virgins, [...]nd in their mouths are found no guile;’ N [...] [...] that hath [...] [...]ar to hear, let him hear.

I shall exhort you that are Members of this heavenly Church:

1. To seek heavenly things [...]re and above all things else: Let your [Page]hearts be filled with heavenly knowledge, and heavenly riches.

2. Delight in heavenly things; let it be your heaven upon earth, to serve the God of Heaven.

3. Act by heavenly Principles.

4. Have a holy dependance upon God: For Direction: For Protection: For Assistance: For a Biessing.

5. Eye heavenly Objects, God, Christ, and the Spirit

6. Imitate heavenly ones; follow them that follow Christ.

7. Walk by a heavenly Rule; walk according to the Laws of heaven.

8 And lastly; Live much in Heaven; your Father is in Heaven: your Head is in Heaven: your Husband is in Heaven: your King is in Heaven: your Treasure is in Heaven: your Crown is in Heaven: your Wages are in Heaven: And where should you be but in Heaven? Knowing in your selves that you have in heaven a better, and an enduring sub [...]ance, Heb. 10.34. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, and a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, 2 Cor. 5.1. Oh these are blessed & holy ones; And they that are with him we called, and chosen, and faithful, Rev. 17.14.

Oh labour to be like those in purity, and piety, in holiness and humbleness, in meekness and pati [...]uce, in faithfulness and uprightness, in spiritualness, and in all godliness. O poor sinners, if you have any love to your souls, if you have any mind to be saved, follow the Lamb, that you may be saved by the Lamb.

He leads you from darkness to light; from de [...]th to life; from vice to vertue; from Satan to God; from poverty to plenty; from sorrow to joy: from misery to glory; from an earthly Kingdom to a heavenly Kingdom. Come [...][Page]blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom, Mat 25.34.

O the Kingdom which Christ leads poor Souls to, is,

1. A rich Kingdom:

2. A peaceable Kingdom:

3. A righteous Kingdom:

4. A blessed Kingdom:

5. A glorious Kingdom:

6. A satisfying Kingdom:

7. An universal Kingdom:

8. An everlasting Kingdom.

O follow the Lamb, follow the Lamb, that you may be for ever glorified with the Lamb, and by the Lamb.

CHRIST'S Voice to LONDON: AND The Great Day of God's Wrath.
Being the substance of two Sermons, Preached in the City in the time of the sad Visitation: Together with the Necessity of Watching and Praying. With a small Treatise of Death. By William Dyer, a Servant of Jesus Christ.

Rev. 3.20.

Behold, I stand at the door & knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

THe Holy Scriptures are the Mysteries of God, Christ is the Mystery of the Scriptures, [Page]Grace is the Mystery of Christ. 1 Tim 3.16. The Lord Jesus is our life, and the way to life, 1 Cor. 2.7. To know him savingly, believingly, and experimentally, is life eternal, Joh. 17.3. I am the way, faith Christ, Joh. 14 6. The old and good way, Jer. 6.16. The new & living way, Heb. 10.20. The strait & narrow way, Mat. 7.14. And because poor sinners are by nature the Children of Wrath, and all gone out of the way, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, thro' the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts, Eph. 4.18. are become wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, like to the L [...]diceans, spoken of in this Chapter, v. 27. Therefore the Lord Jesus who is full of love, full of grace, and full of pity to poor lost Sinners, doth graciously invite them to come to him, that he may enrich them with his Gold, cloath them with his white Rayment, and anoint their eyes with his Eye-salve, that they may see, v. 18. And further, to shew his willingness and readiness to save souls, he tells us in the Text, That he stands at the doors and knocks, that if any man hear his voice, & opens the door, he will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

In these words you have three general parts.

1. God's gracious offer to man, B [...]hold, I stand at the door and knock

2. Man's duty in relation to God's gracious offer, If any man hear my voice, and open the door.

3. God's gracious pro [...]ise in relation to Man's duty, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

The words being thus opened, there flows [Page]from them these four points of Doctrine.

Doctrine 1. That there is a marvellous willingness in the heart of God and Christ, to save [...] receive poor l [...]st Sinners.

Doctrine 2. That the hearts of poor Sinners, are barr'd and bolted against the Lord Jesus.

Doctrine 3. That it is the duty and great concernment of all men whatever, to hear God's voice, and to open the door.

Doctrine 4. That whosoever will but hear Christs Voice, and open the door, he will come in [...] them, and sup with them, & they with him.

Neither [...]ime nor strength, Beloved, will give me leave to handle all these Doctrines [...] part, therefore I shall insist but upon one [...] them, which is the second; That the hearts of poor Sinners are barr'd and bolted against the Lord Jesus. In the prosecution of this point, I shall do three things:

1. Open it, that you may see it:

2. Prove it, that you may believe it:

3. Apply it, that you may receive it.

First in the opening of it, there are three things to be explained:

1. The Barrs:

2. The Voices:

3. The Doors.

1. I shall shew you what the Barrs are that bolt the doors of Sinners hearts against Christ.

Beloved, they are six:

1. The Barr of Ignorance:

2. The Barr of Unbelief:

3. The Bar of Self-conceitedness:

4. The Barr of Earthly-mindedness:

5. The Barr of Prejudice:

6. The Barr of Hardness of Heart.

These (my Beloved) are the cursed Barrs [Page]which barr God and Christ, and the holy Spirit out of the Heart.

I shall begin first with the Barr of Ignorance, and in that I shall shew you these three things:

1. What Ignorance is:

2. What Sinners are ignorant of:

3. The mischievousness of this Sin of Ignorance.

And first, What Ignorance is: Ignorance is the want of knowledge, or darkness of the understanding; for so saith the Apostle Paul, Eph. 4.18. Having the understanding darkned, being alienated from the life of God, thro' the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. Here you may see what Ignorance is; the Apostle calls it darkness and blindness: So likewise in 2 Cor. 3.4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, [...] whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them, which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God, should shine unto them. So that Ignorance is darkness of mind, blindness of heart, and want of knowledge and spiritual understanding in the Soul.

Secondly, What are Sinners ignorant of?

Answer 1. They are ignorant of God, they are ignorant of Christ, they are ignorant of the Spirit, they are ignorant of the Word, they are ignorant of their own Misery, they are ignorant of the necessity of a Change, of being born again, of being new Creatures, of being converted and turned from darkness to light, from death to life, and from the power [Page]of Satan to the living God; such things as these, I say, they are ignorant of; and this is that which keeps poor souls from going to Christ. O Beloved! we have many of those amongst us, who are thus ignorant. It was said of the Priests the Sons of Eli, that they were Sons of Belial, and knew not the Lord, 1 S [...]. 2.8. So in the Prophesi [...] of Jeremiah, chap. 2. [...]. It is said, the Priests said not, where is the Lord? and they that handle the Law, know me not. So the Pharisees were blind leaders of the blind, Mat. 15.14. Would to God there were [...] such amongst us this day: May not that charge be drawn up against us now, as was against Is [...]el? [...]os. 4.1. Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land; by swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood; therefore the land mourneth, and my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee; seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children: they eat up the sins of my people, and set their hearts on their iniquity. Thus men err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God, Mat. 22.29.

Thirdly, The Mischievousness of this Sin of Ignorance.

1. Ignorance is that which keeps men from knowing of God:

2. Ignorance is that which keeps men from pleasing God:

3. Ignorance is that which keeps men from coming to God:

4. Ignorance hinders men from having a propriety in God:

5. Ignorance is that which hardens [Page]the heart against God.

O cursed & mischievous Ignorance! What sin like unto this? This is that which darkens, which hardens, which blinds and barrs the door of Sinners hearts against Christ. O that thou hadst known (saith our dear Lord) the things that belong to thy peace, Luk. 19 42. But because they are a people of no understanding; therefore he that made them, will have no mercy on them: & he that formed them, will shew them no favour, Isa. 27.11. Thus (my Beloved) I have shewed you what a wretched and miserable state such are in, that are thus ignorant.

Secondly, The second Bar is Unbelief, which bars and bolts Christ out of the Heart: this is that which makes men.

1. That they give no credit to the report of the Gospel. 2. Neither do they yield that loving and loyal subjection to Christ as their Lord, where Unbelief is. Where Unbelief is, it keeps off the heart from confidently depe [...] ing upon Christ: for that which is to be ha [...] in him, and so keeps Christ out of our souls; it is that which clips the wings of his mercy, Heb. 3. [...]l [...] it is that which holds the hand of his power, Mat. 3.18. And he did not many mighty works there, because of their Unbelief. It [...] that which lets the soul into perdition, John [...]. 24. Rev. 21.7. The Unbelieving shall have their portion in the Lake of fire, which is the Seco [...]d Death. Unbelief is that which hard [...]ns the [...]eart, and causes it to depart from God, Heb. [...].12. Take heed, Brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, [Page]while it is called to day, lest any of you [...] hardened. O Beloved! Unbelief is that [...] which gives God the lie: he that believeth [...] God, hath made him a lyar, because he belie [...] eth not the record that God gave of his Son, 1 J [...] 5.10. They believe not his promises, fear [...] his threatnings, nor hearken to the voice of [...] Word; though he sets life and death befo [...] them, Heaven and Hell, bitter and sweet, y [...] they go on in the imagination of their h [...]a [...] to add sin to sin, putting the evil day far away, but draw Iniquity with cords of Vanity and Sin, (as it were) with a Cart-rope. O Belo [...] ed, this is the state and condition of Unbelievers, and this is one of the Bars that bolts Christ out of the Heart; as all Believers are in a stat [...] of Salvation, so all Unbelievers are in a state [...] Damnation; for be that believeth not is e [...]de [...] [...]d already, Joh. 3 18.

Thirdly, The third Bar is Self-conceitedness, which bars and bolts the Lord Jes [...] out of the Heart.

1. A self-conceited Man is one which supposes himself to be what he is not, Gal. 6.3. If [...] man think himself to be something when he is [...] thing, he deceiveth himself.

2. A self-conceited man is one that glorieth [...] his works and despiseth others, Luk. 18.9, 10. And he spake this Parable unto certain which trusted in themselves, that they were righte [...] and despised others. The Pharisee stood [...] prayed thus with himself: God, I thank [...] that I am not as other men are, Extortioners, Un [...] Adulterers, or ev [...]n as this Publican. But the [...] li [...]n, whom he despised, went away rather [...] stified: [Page]for every ou [...] that exalteth himself shall be a [...]sed.

3. A self-conceited man is the farthest from Heaven of any man: Verily I say unto you, that Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdom of Heaven before you, saith our Saviour to the self-conceited Pharisees, Mat. 21.31,

4. A self-conceited man is one that liveth the most securest in a stare of sin and misery. And it shall come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he shall bless himself in his heart, saying: I shall have peace, though I [...]k in the imagination of my heart, to add drun [...]ness to thirst, Deut. 29.19.

5. A self-conceited man is the hardest to be wrought upon, and convinced of the state and condition that he is in, of any man; because [...] thinks himself righteous and holy enough, [...] good and sound enough. Thus it was [...] the Scribes and Pharisees, who had such [...] thoughts of themselves, that they thought themselves to be the most holy persons in [...] world: Mark what Christ saith to them, Joh. 9.12. The whole need not a Physician, but they that are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance: So also it is said, Joh. 7.48. H [...] any of the Rulers or of the Pharis [...]es believed [...] him? Note, these were very hard to be con [...] [...]ed, and brought to own the truth.

6. A self-conceited man is one that thinks that God is made up of nothing but Mercy, & therefore he lives in his sins, and pleaseth himself with this, that God is merciful, he lying [...]ill in the Ditch of sin, and crying, God help, but never endeavoureth to come out; but tho' [Page]the Lord waiteth to be gracious, yet the L [...] is a God of Judgment, Isa. 30.18. O! this is [...] sad and miserable condition of a self-conce [...] man: This is that which keeps him from [...] sing with Christ: this is that cursed Bar [...] bolts the Doors of Sinners hearts against Chr [...]

The fourth Bar is Earthly-mindedness.

1. An earthly-minded man is one that mi [...] the things of this World, more than he [...] Jesus Christ; this was the case of that your man in the Gospel, which came to Christ, [...] askes him, saying, What good thing shall I do [...] inherit eternal life? Jesus bids him keep [...] Commandments; 'He saith unto him, All th [...] [...] have I kept from my youth up: what lack yet? Jesus saith unto him, If thou wilt be p [...] [...]ect, sell all that thou hast & give to the poo [...] and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: [...] being an earthly-minded man, would [...] Counsel of Christ, but went aw [...] sorrowful; for he had great possessions, [...] 21, 22.

2. An earthly-mined man is one that wi [...] leave the Work of God, to embrace the prese [...] World; this was Paul's complaint of Demas, Tim. 4.10. 'For Demas hath forsaken me, havin [...] [...]oved this present World. So also in Phil. [...] he saith, That all seek their own, not the thi [...] that are Jesus Christ's.

3. An earthly-minded man is one that [...] preach false Doctrine, for the love of Mo [...] and filthy lucre's fake, 1 Tim. 7.10. For the lo [...] of Money is the root of all Evil; which wh [...] some have coveted after they have erred f [...] the faith, Ti [...]. 1.10, 11 For there are many [...] [Page]and [...]in Talkers and Deceivers, which teach things they ought not, for filthy lucres sake, 1 Pet. 2.15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Ba [...], the son of Bos [...]r, who loved the wages of [...]righteousness. O Beloved! I could wish that this were not too much practised in this our day; but alas! what shall I say? Such is the [...]thly mindedness of many of the Priests, that I may say of them, as the blessed Apostle Paul said of some of his days, Phil. 3.19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their sh [...]e, who mind earthly things.

4. An earthly-minded man is one that trust [...]th in his Riches, and not in God, Prov. 11.28. [...] that trusteth in his riches shad fa [...]l, Psal 49.6. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves [...] the multitude of their riches, none of them can by [...] means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ran [...] for him [...] therefore if riches do increase, set not [...]y heart upon them, Psal 62.11. The blessed Apostle Paul, doth charge them that be rich in [...]his World, that they trust not in uncertain [...]iches, but in the living God, Who giveth us all [...]hings richly to enjoy, 1 Tim. 6.17. Thus you may [...]e, my Beloved, that whosoever trusteth in uncertain riches, more than in God, is an earthly-minded man; it is that which barrs men out [...]f the Kingdom of Heaven: they are the words [...]f Christ to his Disciples, Mark 10.24, 25. How [...]d is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into [...] Kingdom of God? It's easier for a Camel to go [...]ugh the eye of a Needle, than for a rich man to [...] into the Kingdom of God. O Beloved, it is [...]re, it is Idolatry, Col. 3.5. And Coveteousness, [Page]which is Idolatry, it is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6.10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: Th [...] earthly-mindedness, or covetousness, is anot [...] great sin, that keepeth souls from going [...] Christ for life and salvation: And they all wi [...] one consent began to make excuse: The first said [...] him. I have bought a piece of ground, and I [...] needs go and see it, I pray thee have me excused. [...] another said, I have bought five yoke of Oxen, [...] go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused. [...] another said, I have married a Wife, and theref [...] I cannot come, Luk. 14 18, 19, 20.

The fifth Bar is Prejudice, which bars Chri [...] out of the heart; wicked and sinful men [...] a gre [...]t prejudice against Christ, that is, again [...] these three things of Christ.

1. They have a Prejudice against his Do [...] rine or Worship; Many therefore of his Discip [...] when they heard this, said, This is an hard sayi [...] who can bear it? F [...]om that time ma [...] of his dis [...] ples went back, and walked no more with him, J [...] 6 60, 66. And they questioned among themselves, s [...] ing, What thing is this? what new Doctrine is this Mat. 11 11. Sinners have a great prejudice gainst the Doctrine & Worship of Christ, th [...] think it too pure, too spiritual, and too po [...] [...]ful for them to bear.

2. They have a great prejudice against t [...] Ministers (or Ambassadors) of Christ: th [...] say of them, as Ahab did of Mi [...]ai [...]k; I hate [...] for he never prophesies good of me, 1 King 22.8. in 1 King. 18.17. Ahab said unto Elisah, Art th [...] that [...]bleth Israel? So Jeremiah complain this, saying, I am in derision daily, every one mo [...] [...], because the word of the Lord was made a rep [...][Page] [...]nto me, and a derision daily, Jer. 28▪7, 8. So in Act. 24.5. it is said of Paul, For we have found this [...]an a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout all the world, and a ring-leader of the Sect of the Nazarens; and this is according to the words of our blessed Lord, Mat. 10.22. And ye shall be hated of all m [...]n for my Name sak [...].

3 Sinners have a great prejudice against the Members of Christ; and that for four Reasons.

1. Because they are poor, Luk. 11.22, 23. 1 Cor. 1.26, to 30 1 Cor. 1.2. Or despise ye the Church of God, and shame them that are poor.

2. Because they are but a few, Luk. 1 [...].32. Mat. 7.14. Deut. 7.7. For ye were the fewest of all people, Rev 3.4. Thou hast a few names in [...]dis, which have not defiled their garments.

3. Because they are unlearned in the account of men: this is said of Christ, Joh. 17.15. How know [...]th this man Letters, having never learned! Also of Peter and John it is said, Act. 4.13. 'And when they perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marve [...]led; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Are ye also deceived; Have any of the Rulers, or of the Pharisees bel [...] ed on him? But this people, who know [...]th not the Law, are cursed, Joh. 7.47, 48.

4. Because they will not conform to humane [...]nventions: See 2 Chron. 11.13, 14. And the [...]riests, and the Levites, that were in all Israel, [...]sorted to Reho [...]am, out of all their Coast; for they left their Suburbs, and their Possessions, became to Judah & Jerusalem; for Jereboam & his [...]as had cast them off from executing the [Page]Priest's Office before the Lord: and after them out of all the Tribes of Israel, such as set th [...] hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel; came [...] Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their Fathers, Verse 16. See Dan. 3.18. ‘Be it known unto thee, O King, that we will not serve thy God, nor worship the golden Image that th [...] hast set up. Also in Mat. 15.2. Why do thy Disciples transgress the tradition of the [...] ders, for they wash not their hands wh [...] they eat bread? But Jesus said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? See also Act. 5 th, 29. Did not we straitly command you, that you should teach no more in his name? And behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your Doctrine, and intend to bring this mans blood upon us. Then Peter, and the other Apostle [...] answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than man. See Col. [...].21, 22. Touch not caste not, handle not, which all are to peri [...] with the using, after the Commandments and doctrines of men.’ O my dear Brethren, thi [...] cursed sin of Prejudice is that which keeps sinners from receiving the truth in the love of it and a Bar which bolts Christ out of the heart.

The sixth Bar is hardness of Heart, whi [...] bolts the Hearts of sinners against Christ, and they are hardned.

1. Against God, Joh. 9.4. Who hath hard [...] himself against him, and prospered?

2. Their hearts are hardned against his m [...] ny, that it doth not draw them, Rom 2 4, 5. despisest thou the riches of his goodness, [...] forbearance, and long-suffering, not know [...] [Page]that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance; but after thy hardness, and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the Day of Wrath, and Revelation of the righteous Judgment of God.

3. Their hearts are hardned against his Judgment, that they do not tremble at them, as it is said, Exod. 8.32. And Phar [...]h hardened his heart [...] this time also, neither would he let the people go: And it is also said, Jer. 5.22. Fear ye not me s [...]ith the Lord, and will ye not tremble at my presence?

4. Their hearts are hardned against his Word, that it doth not reform them, Prov. 29.1. ‘He that being often reproved, hardneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy, seeing thou hatest instruction, & castest my Word behind thee, Psal. 50. See in J [...]. 44▪16. As for the Word which thou hast spoken to us in the Name of the Lord, we will not hearken to thee, but we will certainly do whatsoever cometh out of our own mouth.’

5. Their hearts are hardned against the Spirit of God, that it doth not melt them, Gen. 6.3. My Spirit shall not always strive with man. As Stephen said to the Jews, Act. 7.51. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always [...]sist the Holy Ghost; as your Fathers did, so do ye.

6. Their hearts are hardned against all the means of Grace, or gracious Invitations from [...]he People of God; 'But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, & stopped the ear, and made the heart like an Adamantstone, lest they should hear the Law, and the words which the Lord of Hosts sent to them by his Spirit in the former Prophets, Zath. 7.11, [Page]11, 12. They are like the deaf Adder, that stoppeth his ear, which will not hearken to the Voice of the Charmer, charming never so wisely, Psal. 54. 4, 5. O dear Friends, this is another Ba [...] which bolts Christ out of the hearts of poor sinners: Thus, Beloved, I have shewed you what the Bars are that bolt the door of out Hearts against Christ, that we do not h [...] his voice, and open the door.

2. The second thing which is here to be explained, is, What this Voice is which s [...] ners are to hear: It is the Voice of Christ, [...] is speaking to poor sinners to open the do [...] of their hearts, that he may come in and fi [...] with them. There are two sorts of Voices by which Christ speaketh to the Soul; Inward Voices, and Outward Voices.

1. Inward Voices.

1. The Voice of Conscience. The Lord Jesus speaks to sinners by their Consciences; [...] is said of the Jews, Job. 8.9. They were convicted by their own Consciences: So P [...] saith, Rom. 9.1. My Conscience beareth me [...] [...]ost. And of the Gentiles, Paul saith, Rom. [...]. 15. That they did by nature the things contain [...] in the Law, their Consciences also bearing th [...] witness: and as Paul saith, 2 Cor. 1.12. Our [...] Joycing is this, the testimony of a good Conscien [...] O Friends, God preach'd to you many ti [...] by your Consciences. which speaketh to [...] secretly and powerfully, condemning and [...] proving you for your Iniquities: O there [...] hear the Voice of Conscience for it is the Vo [...] [Page]of Christ; hear (I say) and hearken to it, & let Christ in, that he may sup with you.

2. Christ speaks to us by the Voice of his Spirit, as he did to the old World; Gen. 6.3. My spirit shall not always strive with man; and as he did to the Jews, Act. 7.51. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did so do ye: So in John 16.8. Christ tells us, that the Spirit should convince the world of sin, of righteousness, & of judgment. O! the ever blessed God speaks to the World by his blessed Spirit, striving with them, convincing of them, & reproving them for their Iniquities, that their souls may believe in him, & live with him to Eternity. 2. There are outward Voices, by which Christ speaks to Sinners.

1. By the Voice of his Word, which is the Preaching of the Gospel, that is, the Word of Reconcilation: O Sinner, when thou hearest the Word read, thou hearest the Voice of Christ, Col. 1.5. Whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; as Christ saith; Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for they are they that test [...]e of me. The Voice of the Scriptures is the Voice of Christ; and as Christ speaks to us by them here, so he will judge us by them hereafter, Rom. 2.16. God will judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus, according to my g [...]spel, Joh. 12.48. Where Christ saith, The word that I have sp [...]ken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

2. Christ speaks to Sinners by the Voice of his Rod, by Afflictions and Tribulations, & [Page]Judgments, Mic. 6.9. The Lord's voice cryeth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall s [...] thy Name; hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

3. Christ speaks to Sinners by the Voice of his servants, as in Isa. 50.10. Who is there among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servants? So in 2 Cor. 5.20. New then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled to God: So in Mat. 18. He that heareth you, heareth me. O Sinners! Christ speaks to you by the Voice of his Servants, by his Ministers and Members, who beseech you, & intreat you to be reconciled, that you may have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Having thus briefly shewed you what the Voices are,

3. I shall in the Third, place come to shew you what the Door is that Christ stands and knocks at, which Sinners are to open, and let him in.

1. The first door which Sinners should open unto Christ, is the door of their Thoughts: I say, we must open the door of our thoughts to him, that God may be in our thoughts & Christ in our thoughts, and the Spirit of Life and Power in our thoughts, and Eternity in our thoughts, Heaven and Judgment in our thoughts: Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of thy heart, 1 Chron. 29.1 [...] How precious also are thy thoughts unto mo [...] O God How great is the sum of them, Psal. 129.17. [Page] the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul, Psal. 94.19. O! this is the first Door of our Hearts, which Believers open to their beloved Lord.

2. The second is the Door of Consideration, which Sinners should open to Christ: O that they were wise, and understood this, That they would consider their latter end, Deut. 32. 29. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib, but Israel doth not know; my people doth not consider, Isa. 3.1. The tabret, and pipe, and harp, and wine are in their feasts, but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands, Isa. 5.12. But now those that have opened this Door to Christ, they consider their ways: The upright considereth his ways, Prov. 21.29. and the wondrous works of God, Job 37.14. and what great things God hath done for him, 1 Sam. 1.2.24. Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Consider your ways. Hag. 1.5. And this is the second Door of the Heart.

3. The third Door is the Door of Affection, which Sinners should open to Christ: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, Deut. 6.5. If any man love not the Lord Jesus, let hin be Anathema, Maranaths, Cor. 16.22, Grace be with all them that love [...]u [...] Lord Jesus Christ in truth and sincerity, Eph. 6. 24. Set your effections on things above, and now on things beneath, Col. 3.1. This door of Love & Affection must be opened to Christ, that he may come in to your hearts, and be your [Page]nearest and dearest, your joy and delight, that you may have reconcilation with the Father, union with the Son and communion with the Holy Ghost: And this is the third Door of the Heart.

4. The fourth is the Door of Desire, which must be opened to Christ, or else he cannot come into our hearts, and sup with us: O sinners, you must desire and thirst after Christ vehemently, and say as the Church doth, in the last of Canticles, ult. ‘Make hast, my beloved, and be thou like to a Roe, or to a young Hart upon the mountains of Spices: So in Rov. 22.20. Even so come Lord Jesus come quickly. So with the Psalmist, Psal. 73.25. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth to be desired besides thee? And with the Church, Isa. 16. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early; for the desire of my soul is to thy Name, and to the remembrance of thee: So Paul, I desire to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2.’ This is the fourth Door of the Heart, which you must open to Christ, without which there is no supping with Christ, no [...] Christ with you.

5. The fifth is the Door of Estimation, which Sinners must open to Christ: that [...] to prize him, and to value him as more precious than all other things besides: So to Believers, [...] Ʋnto [...] therefore which [...] lieve,[Page]he is precious; and with Paul, to count all things but dung and dirt to gain him; and also with Meses, to esteem the repreach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of AEgypt, Heb. 11. 25. O! those blessed souls that have open'd this door to Christ, he is to them all lovely, the chiefest among Ten thousands; yea he is better than Rubies, and all the things thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto him, Prov. 3.15. So must it be with you, poor souls; you must look upon Christ as most lovely, most precious, most desirable, and most glorious; thus he is to the Father, to the Holy Angles, and to the Saints: And this is the fifth Door of the Heart.

6. The sixth is the Door of a good Conversation, which Sinners as well as Saints must open to Christ: ‘For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus, Phil. 3.20. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, and teacheth us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, and godly, and righteously in this present world, Tit. 2.11, 12. Seeing then that these things shall be dissolv'd, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2 Pet. 3, 11. Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ, Phil. 1.29. And to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I shew the salvation of God.’ This is the sixth Door of the Heart, to wit, a good [Page] Conversation; this also must be open'd to Christ, that he may come in, and sup with us, & we with him, that our souls may have fellowship & communion with him. And thus I have briefly [...]ed you. Beloved, [...]al the Doors are that must be opened to Christ. Now, having done with the Explanation, I come to the Application of the point; and as I have open'd it to you, that you might see it, and prov'd it to you, that you might believe it, I shall now apply it, that you may receive it. It is so, Beloved, that the hearts of Sinners are thus barr'd and bolted against the Lord Jesus?

Use 1. First, By way of Information; This may be of use to Inform us of the sad and miserable condition of all unconverted persons; they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, & blind, and naked; they are without Christ, being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the Covenant of Promise, having no [...]pe, and without God in the World, Eph. 2.1 [...]. Oh Sinners, this is your condition, who a [...]aceless and Christless persons; and th [...] [...] [...]e sad, yet this is not all; for your heart [...] are barr'd and bolted against the Lord of [...]e and Glory. O thou that hearest, or readest this, how canst thou but tremble to think that thy heart should be thus barr'd and bolted against Jesus Christ with Ignorance with Unbel [...]e [...], Self-conceitedness, Earthly-mindedness, Prejudice, and Hardness of Heart; and yet all this open to Sin and Satan [...]nd to the World, which are cruel Enemies to the Soul! That I may hasten you out of this condition, if it be the will of God, (as the Angel did La [...]y [Page]out of Sodom, Gen. 19.) I shall turn my Discourse into an Exhortation.

Use 2. And first of all, let me exhort you whose hearts are thus barr'd & bolted against Jesus Christ, to hear his Voice, & to open the Door.

1. To hear his Voice: O Sinners, Christ speaks to you by your Consciences, by his Spirit, by his Word, by his Rod, and by his Servants: O you men and women of this City, God hath spoken to you by all these Voices, but you have turn'd the deaf ear to Christ. The Voice of the Lord cryeth to the city, (& the man of wisdom shall see thy Name) hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it, Mic. 6.9. O London, London! God speaks to thee by his Judgments: and because thou wouldest not hear the Voice of his Word, he hath made thee to feel the Voice of his Rod. O great City! How hath the Plague broke in upon thee, because of thy abominations? Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions, & [...]e Plague broke in upon them, Psal. 106.29. O you of this City! how is the wrath of the Lord kindled against you, that such multitudes of thousands are fallen within thy borders by the n [...] some Pestilence, God's immediate Sword: O London! how are thy Streets thinned, thy Widows increased [...] and thy Burying places filled, thy Inhabitants fled, thy Trade decay'd! Oh therefore lay to heart, you that are yet alive, all these things, and turn from your wicked ways, that the cry of your Prayers may out-cry the cry of your Sins, and be like unto the City of N [...]noveh, who believed God, and gave c [...]d [...]t to J [...]ah his words, who humbled [...]homsel [...] and fasted, and cried mightily unto the Lord, J [...]. [...]. 5. O let not Heathens out-strip Christians; Did [Page] Nineve [...] repent, and turn from their wicked ways, and shall not London? May be you may think (my Brethren) that all is well now, & that God is friends with you, because the Sickness decreaseth and abateth; I say, Blessed be God for it, but be not deceived, God is not mocked: to whomsoever God bestows grea [...] mercies, if they abound in great wickedness, he will inflict great punishments upon them. Alas, Beloved, do your sins decrease? And doth that abate? Is here a turning from sin, and a [...]rning to God? Is there a reformation and amendment of life amongst you? if this be so, then you may hope that God hath done afflicting you? ‘If my people, which are called by my Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I forgive their sin, and heal their land, 2 Chron. 7.14.’ But if you remain still as prophane as before, a [...] superstitious as before, as carnal as before, as luke-warm as before, as hard-hearted and cruel as before, as proud and vain as before: I say, if it be thus with you, God hath not yet done with London. but hath o [...]er Judgments to pour out upon you, tho' he cause this to cease. Do but see how God dealt with the Jews in this case, Amos 4.6. ‘I have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your Palaces, ye [...] have you not returned unto me, saith the Lord, I have also with-holden the rain from you, yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have smitten you with blasting and mildew, yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have sent among yo [...] [Page]the Pestilence, after the manner of Egypt; your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses, and I have made the stink of your camels to come up into your nostrils; yet have you not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, & ye were as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, p [...]epare to meet thy God, O Israel.’ Therefore my dear Brethre [...], for God's sake, for Christ's sake, and for your souls sake, hear Christs voice that you may be prosperous on Earth, and glorious in Heaven.

2. Let me exhort you▪ and O that I could prevail with you to pers [...]ade you of this City to three things.

1. That you would throughly [...]urn from your evil ways, and amend your doings, that God may repent him of the evil which otherwise he may bring upon you. O see what the Lord saith, Jer. 26.30. ‘If so be they will hearken and turn every man from his evil may, that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do unto them, because of their doings, see v 13. There fore now amend your ways, and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will repent him of the evil [...] he hath purposed against you. Also mark what the Lord speaketh by the Prophet, Jer. 7.3. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel, amend your ways and your deings, and I will cause you to [...] in [Page]this place, v 5.’ If ye throughly amend your ways and your doings. O Beloved, the Lord our God is willing to heal, willing to hear, & willing to forgive. Great Cities are places which are usually guilty of great sins, great provocations, and great abominations, & for this cause God hath destroyed and overthrown many Cities, as the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19.24. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord out of hea [...]en. Also Adwah and Z [...]boim, Hos. 11 8. H [...] shall I make thee as Admah, and set thee as Z [...] boim? So Jerusalem and other Cities were destroyed by God for their sins and wickedness, 2 Chron. 35.19. Jer. 52.13, 14. Now see what the Apostle Peter saith of this, 2 Pet. 2 2. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with [...]n overthrow, waking them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly O London, repent, that it may not be so with thee. O ye people, rent your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord, who is willing to receive you, that so his Judgments may b [...]diverted, your former mercies restored, and his blessings poured down upon you.

2. That you would dearly love, and highly prize those precious Saints and Servants of the Most High God, which are amongst you. These are they of whom the world is not worthy, Heb. 11.38. God prizes them as his Jewels & Treasure, M [...]l. 3.17. Ex [...]od. 9.5. God calls them the dearly beloved of his soul, Jer. 10.7. They are a chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, an holy Nation, a peculiar People, 1 Pet. 2.9. O therefore he suffereth no man [...] do them wrong [...] [Page] [...], he rep [...] Kings for their sakes, Psal. 105.14. O Be [...]ov [...], Nations, and Cities, and Kings are blessed for their sakes, s [...]e Gen. 12.2, 3. And thou shalt be a blessing; I will bless them that bless thee, & curse him that curseth thee O London, in this thou are happy, yea, more happy than any one City upon the face of the Earth (that I know, or have heard of) because thou hast within thy borders more righteous, more Saints, more true Believers, who are still sighing ond mourning for thy sins, praying for thy peace, and seeking and desiring thy eternal good.

3. And lastly, let me exhort you to open the door and let Christ in, into your thoughts, into your minds, into your affections, into your desires, into your estimations, and into you conversations. O Beloved, keep Christ out no longer, but let him into yo [...] hearts and souls, that he may make you rich; [...]ich in Faith, rich in Knowledge, rich in Assurance, rich in Priviledges, rich in Experiences, and rich in good works O therefore, let not sin be let in, and Christ shut out. O let Jesus Christ into your hearts; for if [...]ou shut the door against Christ, he will shut the [...]r against you.

1. The Door of Mercy.

2. The Door of Acceptance.

3. The Door of Salvation.

1. The Door of Mercy will be shut against you: such who Christ calls to, and they will n [...]hear, they shall call, but Christ will not hear, Prov. 1.24. ‘Because I have called, and ye have refused, I have stre [...]d [...]t my hand, and no man regarded, v. 28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not [...]swer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me, mine eye [Page]shall not spare, neither will I have pity; a [...] though they cry in mine ears with a lou [...] voice, yet will I not hear them, Ezek. 8 i [...] Therefore, thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall no [...] be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them, J [...] 11.11. Because they have behaved themsel [...] [...] ill in their doings, Mic. 3.4.’ Thus, my Belov [...] you see how the door of God's Mercy' will [...] shut against you, if you shut the door of yo [...] hearts against Christ.

2. The Door of Acceptance will be shut against you, if you shut the door of your hearts against Christ: ‘Thus saith the Lord unto the people, Thus have they loved to wander, therefore the Lord doth not accept them: when they fast, I will not hear their cry; and wh [...] they offer burnt-offerings and oblations, I will not accept them, Jer. 40.10, 12. To what purpose cometh there to me incense from S [...] ba? and sweet cane from a far Country? Your burnt-offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me, Jer. 6.29. I hate, I despise your Feast-days, and I will not smell in your solemn Assemblies; and tho' ye offer me offerings, I will not accept them, Amos 5.21, 22.’ O Beloved, those that will not accept of Christ, shall not be accepted in Christ: W [...] [...]th made us accepted in the Beloved, Eph. 1.6.

3. The Door of Salvatio [...] will be shut a [...] you, if you strut the d [...] of your hearts agai [...] Christ. He that mad [...] you, will not save yo [...] and he that formed you, will shew you no [...] vour: but as you have [...]sed to open the [Page]doors of your hearts to your Saviour, so he will refuse to own you as his people, and to open the door of Salvation for you; see the words of our blessed Lord himself, Luk. 13.15. ‘When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us; and he shall an [...] [...] say [...] you, I know you not, whence you a [...]; depart from me all ye workers of miquity. Then shall be weeping and gnashing of [...]th, when ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, and ye your selves thrust out. Consider what hath been said, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.’

[The End of the First Sermon.]

THE Great Day of his Wrath.

Rev. 6.17.

For the Great Day of his Wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?

EVery mans thoughts run now like N buc [...] nezzar's, with a desire to know what shall come to pass hereafter or what things time will bring forth, Dun. 2.19: There is nothing in the womb of time, but what was first in the womb of God. Now this Book of the Revelations shews is these three things▪

1. The state and condition of the true Church of Christ upon earth, under the power [...]ign of Antichrist.

2. The [Page]Rise, the Reign, and Rage of Antichrist in the World.

3. The quiet, blessed and glorious state and condition of the true Church here below, after the ruin and downfal of Antichrist. The coming of Christ will be the ruin of Antichrist, 2 Thes. 2.8. Whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. This is decreed in Heaven, and declared on Earth.

This Chapter, out of which my Text is taken, shews us three things.

1. You may see what Gods dreadful judgments are, by which he cuts off and destroys the Inhabitants of the Earth, for their sin and wickedness; they are likened (or compared) to Horses, as you may see from v. 4. to v. 8. Here you have a red Horse, the Sword; a black Horse, the Famine; a pale Horse, the P [...]ilence (or Plague) which leads to death. Horses are Creatures which run to and fro, and so do God's Judgments, from House to House, from Street to Street, from City to City, from Town to Town, and from one Parish to another: And the Lord said, go ye after him through the City, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity, Ezek. 9.5. so Jer. 5.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Horses are Creatures which are very swift in their motion, they run many miles in a little time: and therefore men ride them Post. God's Judgments are also very swift, they do much E [...]ecution in a little time. So the Lord sent a Pes [...]ilence upon Isr [...]h from the morning, even t [...] the time appointed; and there died of the people, from D [...] even to Beer shed [...] seventy thousand men, 2 Sam. 2 [...].15. 2 Chr [...]n. 2. [...] You may also see a proof of this, by what Go [...] hath done to London, when there fell of the p [...] ple [Page]above a thousand a day.

2. You may see here, where all the holy Martyrs and Witnesses of Jesus Christ are, who have been slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus, they are under the Altar, v. 6. that is, under the glorious protection of Christ in Heaven. They are before the Throne of God, serving him day and night, and the Lamb leads them to the living Fountain, and God wipes away all tears from their eyes, Rev. 15.16, 17.

3. You may see also the cause for which these blessed Souls were slain; for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ, v. 9.

4. Here you may see that all the Saints precious blood, which hath been spilt from time to time by the Whore of Babylon, viz. by cruel and blood thirsty men, crieth aloud day and night to God for vengeance upon Babylon, v. 10.

5. You have here the Answer of God, in relation to the Saints cry: And it was said unto them, That they should rest yet for a little while, until their f [...]llow-servants also, and their brethren that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled, v. 11.

6. You may here see what dreadful and terrible things followed upon the opening of the Sixth Seal, v. 12. ‘And lo there was a great Earthquake; and the Sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the Moon became as blood, and the Stars of Heaven fell upon the Earth: And the Heaven departed as a serowl when it is rolled together, and every Mountain and Island was moved out of its place.’ These are the visible Judgments of God, which [...] come upon the Antichristian Crew.

7. And [...], this Chapter shews us what will be the [...]e and condition of those men at that day, who [Page]are found Enemies to God and his People, V [...]t. 15. ‘And the Kings of the earth, and the great men, & the rich men, & the chief captains, and the mighty men, & every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens, and in the rocks of the mountains, v. 16. And said to the mountains & rocks, Fall on us, & hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.’

Now this brings me to the words of my Text, which shews us the Reason of this great Out-cry, For the great day of his wrath is come, & who shall be able to stand?

The words of my Text contain two things; a Reason, and a Question.

1. The former part of the Ground (or Reason) of this Out-cry here made by the Kings, and great men of the Earth, together with every Bondman and Freeman; For the great day of his wrath is come. The latter part is a Question proposed about standing at that day, And who shall be able to stand? The Point of Doctrine which I shall lay down from these words, is this:

Doct. That the greatest part of m [...] and women will not be able to stand in the great day of Gods wrath. In the handling of this Point, I shall shew you four things:

1. That there are some days greater than other.

2. The nature and property of this great day

3. Who they ar [...] that will not be able to stand in the day [...] Gods wrath.

4. The Use and Application.

In the first place I shall shew you, [...] that there are some great days spoken [...] Scripture: First, see Jer. 30.7. Alas, [...] da [...] is great, so that none is like it; it is even [...] [Page]time of Jacob's troubles, but he shall be saved out of it. The second great Day you have it in Ibs. 1.11. ‘Then shall the children of Judah, and the children of Israel be gathered together, & appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.’ The third great Day you have [...] Joel 2.31. ‘The Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. The fourth great Day you have in Mal. 4.5.’ ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The fifth great Day is this in my Text; For the great day of his wrath is come, & who shall be able to stand?’ The sixth great Day you have in Rev. 16 10. ‘For they are the spirits of Devils working miracles, which go forth unto the Kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. The seve [...]h and last great Day, you have in the Epistle [...] v. 6. And the Angels which kept not th [...] [...] estate, but left their own habitation, he [...] reserved in everlasting chains, under d [...] unto the judgment of the great day. Th [...] [...] oved, you see that there are some Days greater than other, which the Scripture calls great days, because of the greatness of the work which God doth and will do in those days.’

2. I shall now shew you the nature and pro [...]y of this great day in my Text, which is [...], The great Day of Gods W [...]ath. O my Bre [...], this will be a very dreadful and terrible [...] to the Wicked, who call evil good, [...] [Page]good evil; who put darkness for light, & light for darkness, and put far from them the ev [...] day, which is now hastning upon them. Fir [...] of all, this day will be a day of astonishment [...] the wicked and ungodly; as it's said, Deut. [...] 28. The Lord shall smite them with madness, & bli [...]iness, and astonishment of heart. O it will be with the wicked as it was with Nebuchadnezzar, D [...]. 3 24. who was astonisht to behold the works [...] wonders of God, which the Lord wrought s [...] the deliverance of those which put their tru [...] in him. ‘Then Nebuchadnezzar the King [...] astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake and said unto his counsellors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the King, True, O King. He answered and said. Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the sire, and they have no hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.’ O Sinners, do but see here how the proud Nebuchadnezzar was astonished at the beholding of this sight; here a [...] three [...]ings that did astonish this great King

1. To see the Fire, whose nature is to burn and consume, to have no power to seize upon the bodies of these men: Fire is one of the cruelle [...] Creatures; it is a merciless Creature, and therefore the torments of Hell are set forth by Fire. Mat. 25 41. Go [...] cursed into everlasting fire prepa [...] for the Devil and his Angels.

2. The second thi [...] which did astonish Nebuchadnezzar, was to [...] the Servants of the Lord walk in the fiery [...] nace: Did not we cast three men bound into the [...] of the fire? Lo, I see four men loose, walking i [...] [...] of the flame: These were cast in bound, [...] [Page]now they are loose. Now that the fire should have power on their bonds, and not on their bodies, O this caused astonishment in Nebuchadnezzar.

3. The third thing that did astonish him, was to see their number not decreased, but increased: Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? and lo, I see sour men walking in the midst of the f [...]re, and the form of the fourth is like unto the Son of God.

And this did astonish this great King: New as it was with Nebuchadnezzar here, so it will be with the wicked in this great day. O you that now speak proudly, look highly, and walk contemptuously, it will astonish you to see God's Judgments pouring down upon you, and his wrath wax h [...]t against you, till there be no remedy. O do but see that Text, Jer. 51 37. And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for Dragons, an astonishment and an hissing without an inhabitant. Thus it will be with the ungodly at that day.

2. It will be a day of terror to those that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of Christ, the terrors of God will be upon such, as it was upon those Cities, Gen. 35.5. O ye graceless persons, that now fear not God, nor tremble at his Word, he will make you then tremble, as he did B [...]lshazzar, when he beheld the Hand-writing, Dan. 5.6. Then the King's counte [...]e was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joynts of his loines were loosed, and his [...] [...]te one against another. O ye Drunkards [...] Swearers, you that despise reproofs, & ha [...] instruction, and set at nought all God's counsel, [...]ow this, that the day of Gods wrath will be, [...] day of terror to you, which will make your [Page]hearts to sink within you, your countenance [...] change, your joints to be loosed, & your ears [...] tingle, when the terrors of the Almighty s [...] themselves in array against you. Therefore saith the Apostle, 2 Cor. 5.11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we perswade men.

3. This day of Gods wrath will be a day [...] distress to the wicked, ‘when your fear sh [...] come as desolation, and your destruction a [...] whirlwind; when distress & anguish come upon you, Prov 1.27. So see that in Zep [...]. 1.1 [...]. That day is a day of wrath, a day of troub [...] and distress, a day of wastings and desolation a day of darkness & gloominess, a day of cloud & thick darkness. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men because they have finned against the Lord, their blood shall be poured out as dust, & the flesh as the dung; neither their silver, nor the gold shall be able to deliver them in the day the Lord's Wrath.’ O the distress that ungo [...] ly persons will be in that day, which will m [...] them cry to the Rocks and Mountains to [...] on them, and hide them from the face of h [...] that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wra [...] of the Lamb. The God of Heaven will bri [...] distress upon all sorts of men, which shall found ungodly, and their honour shall not [...] liver them, nor their gold deliver them, [...] their silver deliver them, nor the greatness their multitudes deliver them, but Distress [...] come upon them, as it did upon Saul, 1 Sam. [...] 15. ‘And Saul answered, I am in sore distre [...] the Philistines make war against me, and G [...] is departed from me, & answereth me neith [Page]by Prophets, nor by dreams, see Luk. 21.23.’ And there shall be great distress in the Land, and wrath upon this people. Can you hear this and not tremble at it, O ye that are profane?

4. This Day of Gods Wrath will be a day of great contempt to the ungodly, the Lord of Hosts hath proposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth, Isa. 23.9. O the enemies of the Lord, and such as oppose his truth, will he then hiss at. O do but see that place, Jer. 51. [...]. And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for Dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an Inhabitant. The Lord will pour contempt upon all sorts of men, who have sided with the Whore of Babylon, (viz. the profane Antichristian state of the world) and drunk of her Cup, they will not know whither to go, nor where to hide their heads; but every one will hiss at them, and have them in derision, saying. These are they who said, it is in vain to serve the Lord, and what profit is there in the keeping of his Ordinances, and in walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? who counted Saints Sots, and Godliness to be Madness, therefore will they be contemptible before the Lord, Angels and good men. O think of this, you that speak proudly and blasphemously against God and his People; know assuredly, that God will speak to you in his wrath, and vex you in his sore displeasure: He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have you in derision, Psal. 2.3, 4.

5. This Day of Gods Wrath will be a day of great destruction: Have ye not asked them that go [Page]by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, that the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction, they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath, Job. 21.29, 30. In this day the Lord will destroy both evil persons, & evil things: men and their Idols, men and their Inventions, every Plant which is not of Gods planting shall be pluckt up, & the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, and the Idols he shall utterly abolish; in that day a man shall cast away his Idols of silver, and his Idols of gold, which they have made each one for himself to worship, to the Moles and to the Bats to go into the clifts of the Rocks, and into the tops of the ragged Rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his Majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth [...]sa. 2.18, 20, 21. All false Ways, false Worship, and false Doctrines shall fall in that day: this will be a reaping day; God will empty the earth as the Prophet Isaias speaks, chap. 24 1, 2, 3. ‘Behold the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, & turneth it upside down, & scattereth abroad the Inhabitants thereof, & it shall be as with the people, so with the Priest; as with the servant, so with the master; as with the Maid, so with the Mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him; the land shall be utterly emptied, & utterly spoiled, for the Lord hath spoken this word See Joel 3.13, 14. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; come get you down, for the Press is full, the Fats overslow, for the wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is [Page]near in the valley of decision.’ So in Rev. 14.15. The Angels are appointed to reap down the Earth. O let every one that hears (or reads) these Sayings, let them hear, and fear, and tremble at them, for this will be a day of great destruction to the wicked and ungodly.

6. And lastly, this will be a Day of great Wrath, as it is said in the words of my Text, For the great day of his wrath is come: But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he app [...] eth? For he is like a refiners fire. O Beloved, this is not the day, of mans Wrath: Men have had their day of reigning, and raging, and lording it over God's people; but that's over and gone, & now God's day is come, and this is the day of his wrath, and wo to the Earth, and wo to the Sea, and wo to all the workers of Iniquity, for the hour of their Judgment is come. O Beloved, God's wrath will be very terrible to the wicked.

1. It will tear them in pieces like a Lion. For I will be unto Ephraim as a Lion, & as a young Lion to the house of Judah: I, even I will tear, and go away, I will take away, and none shall rescue him, Hos. 15.14. So Job 16.9. The Lord teareth me [...] his wrath. So Psal. 50.28. Now consider this, ye that forget God, least I tear you in pieces; and there be none to deliver.

2. It consumes like Fire. ‘For behold the day cometh that shall burn like an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble & the day that cometh shall burn th [...] up, faith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch, Mal. 4.1. The [...] fore have I poured out my indignation up [...] them, I have consumed them with the fire of any wrath, Ezek. 22 31.’

[Page] It follows up like a Dragon: He hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath swallowed me up like a Dragon, Jer. 51.34. Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger; the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, & the fire shall devour them, Psal. 21.9. O the wrath of the Almighty is that which tears like a Lion, consumes like Fire, & swallows up like a Dragon; and therefore it is called (in the Scripture) fierce wrath, 2 King. 23.26. See Psal. 78.49. He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, & indignation and trouble. So in Rev. 16.19. it is said, And the great city was divided into three parts, & the cities of the nation fell, & great Babylon came to remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Thus Beloved, I have shewed you the nature & property of this great Day spoken of in my Text.

1. A day of Astonishment.

2. A day of Terrour.

3. A day of Distress.

4. A day of Contempt.

5. A day of Wrath.

I shall now come, in the third place, to shew you who they are that will not be able to stand in this great Day.

1. Such as are profane, will not be able to stand in this great day, but say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us, Luk. 23.30. Because they have filled the midst of thee with vi [...], & thou hast finned, therefore I will cast th [...] [...] [...]ne out of the mountain of God, & I will de [...] thee, O Covering Cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire, Ezek. 28.16. So R [...]m. 2.9. Tribulation & anguish upon every soul of man that[Page]doth evil O ye profane, ye that now wallow in your sins, as the Sow in the mire, & eat up sin as they eat bread, & drink up iniquity like water: O let me tell you, you will not be able to stand in the day of Wrath, nor in the day of Judgment, but destruction will be your end, & everlasting misery your portion. O that such would but consider these two places of Scripture, Phil. 3.19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, whose Glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. So also in 1 Cor. 69, 10. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor eff [...]inate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor reviders, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. Though these men may now carry it out with a high hand, as if they had made a Covenant with Death, & with Hell they were at an agreement; But your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your covenant with Hell shall not stand, when the overflowing scourge shall pass thorough, then ye shall be trodden down by it, Isa. 28.15, 18.

2. Such [...]s are ignorant will not be able to stand in this great [...] of God's wrath when ‘the Lord Jesus [...] [...]e revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, & that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power, 2 Thes. 17 8, 9.’ O you that are ignorant and blind, do you hear this? You are some of those who will not be able [Page]to stand in this great day, but say to the Rocks, ‘Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the Throne, & from the wrath of the Lamb.’ Beloved, I told you in the morning, That Ignorance is one of those cursed sins that bar and bolt Christ out of the heart; it is that which shuts them out from having mercy and favour with the Lord: See Isa. 27.11. For it is a people of no uncerstanding, therefore he that made them, will have no mercy on them; and he that formed them, will shew them no favour.

3. Such as have sided with Antichrist against Christ, will not be able to stand in this great day; such as be drunk of the Whores Cup of Fornication, shall drink of the Cup of Gods Indignation, which is poured out without mixture; ‘If any man worship the beast, and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is pour'd out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire & brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, & in the presence of the Lamb, Rev. 14.9, 10.’ O Beloved, all those who have been partakers with her in finning, shall be partakers with her in suffering; therefore come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye [...]r c [...]ve not of her plagues, Rev. 18.4. All that cursed brood of profane ones, with all the Antichristian. crew, will not be able to stand in this great day of Gods wrath, but will be consumed like fuel, and devoured as stubble fully dry, Neh. 1.9, 10. What do ye imagine against the Lo [...] he will make an utter[Page]end, aff [...]ction shall not rise up the second time; for they b [...], folded [...] ther as tho [...]n [...], and while they are drunk n [...]as drank ard [...], they shall be devoured as stutble [...]ully dry: So that all those who have assisted Antichrist against Christ, against his Government, against his Gospel, against his Spirit, against his Worship, against his Ministers, against his Members, and against his glorious Cause I say, they will not be able to stand in this day of Gods wrath; but cry to the Rocks and the Mountains to fall on them, and to hide them from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, Rev. 19.19 20, 21. 4 Such as have a form of Godliness, & dery the power thereof, will not be able to stand in this great day of Gods wrath; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such [...]urn away, 2 Tim, 3 5. All idle and slothful Professors, who have nothing of God, nor nothing of Christ, nor nothing of the Spirit, nor nothing of the Power of the Word in them, having only a Notion or formal Profession; such I say, will not be able to stand in this Great Day: See Rom. 2.17. ‘Behold, thou art called a Jew, & restest in the Law, and makest thy boast of God, & art confident that thou thy self art a guider of the blind, an instructer of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law.’ But mark what God saith to such, v. 23. ‘Thou that makest thy boast of the Law, thro' the breaking of the Law, dishonourest thou God? For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles thro' you.’ O! are there not many among us, who profess God in words, but deny him in works? [Page]who have a name to live, & are dead? who have a form, but not the power? who have all without, and nothing within? like those in Ma [...]. 7. there spoken of by Christ, v. 22. Many will say to me in that d [...]y, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy Name, & in thy Name have c [...]st [...]ut Devils, & in thy Name done many wonderful works? v. 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never know you, Depart from me ye that work iniquity.

5. Such as are idle Shepherds, and blind Guides, will not be able to stand in this great day of Gods wrath, but will cry to the Rocks and the Mountains to fall on thear, & to hide them from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For this, see a few Scriptures amongst many, what the Lord speaketh against idle Shepherds, & blind Guides, who feed themselves, and not the Flock of Christ. See Ezek. 34.2, 3, 4. Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds, We be unto the Shepherds of Israel, that do feed themselves should not the Shepherds feed the flock; Ye eat the fat, & ye cloath you with the wooll; Ye kill them that are fed, but ye feed not the flock: The diseased have you not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, weither have ye sought that which was lost, but with force & with cruelty have ye ruled them. Therefore, O ye Shepherds hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I am against the Shepherds, & I will requite my stock at their hand,[Page]& cause them to cease from feeding the flock, neither shall the Shepherds feed themselves any more, for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them, v. 9, 10. For both Prophet & Priest are prephane, yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord of Host, concerning the Prophets, Behold I will feed them with Wormwood, & make them drink the water of gall, for from the Prophets of Jerusalem, is prophaneness gone forth into all the land, Jer. 23.11, 15, 16. See also Hos. 4. from v. 1. to 11. Mark also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith, Mat. 23. of idle Shepherds, and blind Guides, v. 14. Wo unto you Scribes & Pharisees, Hypocrites; for ye devour widows houses, & for a pretence, make long prayers; therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation Thus you see, Beloved, that the Scriptures with open mouth do speak forth the desolation & calamities which will befall idle Shepherds, and blind Guides, in that day; and if they cannot stand when his wrath is kindled but a little, O what will they do when his wrath shall come upon them to the utmost, even the fierceness of his wrath? Then will they not be able to stand.

6. Such as are Hypocrites will not be able to stand in this day of Gods wrath, but desire, if it were possible, to hide themselves in the Dens & Caves of the Earth. And the people shall be as the burning of lime, as thorns cut up shall they be burnt in the fire. Hear, ye that are afar off, what I have done; and ye that are near,[Page]acknowledge my might: The S [...]mers in Zion are afraid fe [...] fulness hath surpize [...] the Hypocrites: Who amongst us shall dwell [...]th devouring fi [...]e? who amongst us s [...]all dwell with everlasting burning? See Jo [...]. 8 13. So are [...]e paths of all that forget God, and the Hyp [...]es [...]pt shall pe [...]sh: v. 14. Whose hope shall [...]e cut [...], & w [...]se trust shall [...]e [...]spide [...]s we [...]: v. 15. He [...] wan up [...]n his horse [...]t it shall not stand [...] shall hold it fest, but it shall not endu [...]e. O thou Hypocrite, whoever thou art, notwithstanding thou hast got the talking part of Religion, and makest a shew of Godliness, yet all this while thou art a dissembled in thy heart: See Jer. 42 20 21, 22. For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the Lord your God, saying, Pray for us unto the Lord your God, & according unto all that the Lord our God shall say, so declare unto us, & we will do it. And now I have this day declared it to you, but ye have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God, nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you. Now therefore know certainly, that ye shall die by the Sword, by the Famine, & by the Pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn. Do ye hear this ye that are Hypocrites, that God hates such, & will punish them with great punishments, he will cut them asunder, and give them their portion with Reprobates, and Cast-aways, in everlasting burning, Mat. 24.51.

7 And lastly, All such as love not the Lord Jesus Christ in truth & sincerity, will not be able to stand in this day of God's wrath, whether [Page]they be Turks or Jews, Papists or Protestants, bond or free, all is one, for they will not be able to stand if they love not the Lord Jesus Christ: See 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man loves not the Lord Jesas Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. Oh, Beloved, all those who shall be found unbelievers, unconverted, and unregenerate in this day of Gods wrath▪ be they Kings, or Great Men, Rich Men, or Chief Captains, or Mighty Men, or Free-men, they shall cry to the Mountains and Rocks, saying, Fall on us, & hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, & from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come.

Thus Beloved, I have shewed you briefly in Seven Particulars, who they are that will not be able to stand in the Day of Gods Wrath;

1. The Prophane.

2. The Ignorant.

3. They that side with Antichrist against Christ.

4. The formal Professor.

5. The Idle Shepherds and blind Guides.

6. The Hypocrites.

7. And lastly,

They that love not the Lord Jesus in sincerity and truth.

Obj. But Beloved, it may be you will say, If none of these will be able to stand, who then will?

Answ. I answer, All those who shall be found having on their Wedding-garments, & in the Spirit of the Lamb, will be able to stand in this Day, and they are these:

1. They that overcome, Rev. 2.10. ch. 2.21. ch. 12.11. ch. 11.7.

2. They that keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ, Rev. 12.17. ch. 6.9.

3. They that stand before the [Page]Lamb, Rev. 14.1. ch. 17.14.

4. They that have their Father's Name written in their Forehead, Rev. 14.1.

5. They that sing a new song, 14.3.

6▪ They that are redeemed from the earth, v 3.

7. They that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, v 4.

8. They that are not defiled [...] the pollutions of the wicked, & in their mouth is found no guile, v. 5.

Now Beloved, these are they who will be able to stand in that great day of God's Wrath, when others will not be able, but call to the Rocks and Mountains to fall on them. I shall now proceed in the fourth place to the Use and Application of this point.

Use 1. And first of all by way of Information. If▪ it be so, that the greatest part of Men and Women will not be able to stand in this day of Gods wrath, then this may inform us of 3 things.

1. That as Men have had their day, so God will have his day: Men have had their day of sinning, God will have his day of Punishing: Men have had their day of treasuring up of Wrath, God will have his day of pouring out of Wrath: Men have had their day of defiling, God will have his day of refining: Men have had their day of Fornication, God will have his day of Indignation: For the day of the Lord as near upon all the Heathen; as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee; thy reward shall return upon thy own head, Obad. [...]5.

2. That though God beareth with sinners in the day of his Patience, yet he will not bear with them in the day of his Wrath, Go thro' the City, & smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity, Ezek 9.5. O Beloved! in the day of God's Patience, he beareth with you, & wait [...]th to be [Page]gracious: O how many hundred years hath God bore with wicked & profane men, notwithstanding their great provocations and wickedness; but now in the day of his wrath the Lord will [...]ot spare them, nor shew pity to them, but pour out his wrath & indignation upon them, to the utmost: Therefore shall their plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine, and th [...]y shall be utterly burnt with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth them, Rev. 18.8. O see that terrible word, Isa 42.13, 14 The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealous [...]e l [...]ke a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. I have long time holden my peace: I have been still, and refrained my self: Now will I cry like a travelling woman; I will destroy and deliver at once. Do you see this, Sinners, how God is resolved to proceed against you in the day of his Wrath, though he bear with you in the day of his Patience?

3. This day of Gods wrath will be a very dreadful and terrible day to the wicked, as appears by what hath been said. O Sinners! it will be a day of astonishment, a day of terror, a day of distress, a day of contempt, a day of destruction, and a day of wrath! O! it will be a day of darkness & gloominess, a day of clouds & thick darkness, Joel 2.2. The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, & hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord; the mighty man shall cry there bitterly; that day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble & distress, a day of wasting and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Zeph. 1.14, 15. O who is able to express the Terrour of the [Page]Almighty, in this Day of his Wrath! O that every soul that hears me this day, would lay to heart, and consider with themselves, that they may be able to stand in this day of Gods wrath. And so much for this Use of Information.

Use 2 By way of Examination and Self-tryal.

O Friends! how much doth it concern you and me, to examine our standing, that we may be able to stand in the day of Gods Wrath, which is coming so fast upon us. O you see how that his Wrath is but a little kindled, & yet how hard a matter is it for men to stand, & to abide it; Thousands have been sent to their Graves by it, and many hundreds have left their Habitations, because of it, and are fled out of the City, into several parts of this Kingdom for refuge. O what a sad and doleful place hath this City been for several weeks past! The greatest Trade which bath been here amongst us, was to bury the dead, and tend the sick. O now my Brethren, if this little be so much, what will it be when the great day of his wrath is come! Who will then be able to stand? O therefore examine your selves, & try your faith, examine your faith, whether it be true; your knowledge, whether it be sanctified; your hope, whether it be purified; your love, whether it be sincere; your evidences, whether they be sound; your hearts, whether they be gracious; your desires, whether they be holy; your ends, whether they be right; & your conversations, whether they be heavenly, that you may be able to stand in the day of Wrath, in the day of Death, and in the day of Judgment, 2 Cor. 13.5.

[Page] Use 3. By way of Exhortation. And I shall be brief, lest I should intrude too much upon your patience; but I hope you will not think the time long, for it may be the last Sermon that I may preach, or you hear. Well (Beloved) is it so, that the greatest part of men and women will not be able to stand in the day of God's wrath? Give me leave therefore to exhort you to these three things:

1. You that are Sinners, to repent of your sins; For he that confesseth and forsaketh, shall have mercy, Prov. 28.13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but he that confesseth & forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardneth his heart, shall fall into mischief. O sinners, you have grievously sinned against God, you have deserved as many Hells, as you have committed Sins; you have sinned against his Mercies, you have abused his Patience, you have resisted his Spir [...]t, you have not obeyed his Gospel, you have made light of his Ministers, & you have hated his Members. O sinners, all this have you done, and yet the Lord hath spared you; and though you have sinned at so high a rate, yet God hath given you space to repent: O let his goodness lead you to repentance, that you die not in your sins. O therefore, for God's sake, and Christ's sake, be ye prevailed withal; why will you die, seeing God would have you live? why will you damn your selves? why will you go to Hell, seeing God would have you go to Heaven? O do but see what the Lord saith, Is [...]. 1 18. Come sinner, (saith the Lord) and let thee and I reason together, tho' thy sins be as [Page]scarlet, they shall be as snow; tho' they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool Verily, if you have not hearts of stone, methinks these words should melt you, to see the love, the pity, the mercy, and willingness of God to do your souls good.

2 Let me exhort you, to get [...]n Interest in the Lord Jesus, that you may be able to stand in the day of his wrath: O sinners' there will be no standing before Christ, without an Interest in Christ. O sinners! go to Christ, his Promises are open to you, his Arms are open to embrace you, his Spirit is ready to assist you, and his People are ready to own you, and his Angels are ready to attend you, & Heaven it sel [...] [...]s ready to receive you. O sinners! if you will but come to Christ, you shall be reconciled to the Father, justified by the Son, you shall be sanctified by the Spirit, you shall be delivered from Wrath, you shall be made the Children of God, you shall have your Names enrolled in the Book of Life: & finally, you shall be received into everlasting Glory at the end of your days. O therefore let this prevail with you to go to Christ for Light, for Life, for Grace, for Strength, & for Comfort and Peace, that of his fulness you may receive grace for grace, Joh. 1.16.

3. And lastly, Let me now exhort you (who are dead to sin, separated from the world, espoused to Christ, reconciled to the Father) to walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory, 1 Thes. 2.12. O ye precious Saints, let me exhort you to keep your Lamps burning, your Loins girded, your Lives holy, and your Hearts upright, your Judgments sound, your [Page]Consciences pure, and your Garments unspotted; and be not troubled at Gods dealings and dispensations, tho' he take away from you those that are precious to you: for as he sends the Wicked to Hell, that they may dishonour him no more; so he takes away the Righteous to Heaven, that they may glorifie him more. There seems to be four Reasons why God swept away the Righteous with the Wicked by the Pestilence.

1. Because they have finished their Work.

2. From the evil to come.

3. For the humbling of the rest which remain behind.

4. For the hardning of the Wicked.

Therefore ye precious Saints, you ought to be quiet, and to submit to the Will of God, & to say, with David, I was dumb, & opened not my mouth, because thou didst it, Psal. 39.9. Now, I beseech you, both Saints & Sinners, to consider of these things, and the God of Heaven give you understanding in all things which concern his Glory, and your Eternal Good

[The End of the Second Sermon.]

Watch and Pray.

Mark 14.18

Watch and Pray, lest ye enter into Temptation.

AS Christ is the Churches Friend, so Satan is the Churches Enemy: Her greatest Enemy: Her cruellest Enemy: Her worst Enemy: Her continual Enemy: He that makes War against the Remnant of his Seed which keeps the Commands [Page]of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus, Rev. 12.17.

The Devil envieth our Happiness, & seeks our Ruin:

1. By tempting of us, 1 Cor. 5.7.

2. By [...]ersecuting of us, Rev. 2.10.

3. By accusing of us, Rev. 12.10.

4. By hindring of us, 1 Thes. 2.18.

5. By beguiling of us, 2 Cor. 11.3.

O Beloved! The Devil is the great Troubler of Saints; the great Deceiver of Nations; the great Devourer of Souls; the great Enemy of all Mankind, who goeth about like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5.9. But now here is the Churches Happiness, that Christ is her Friend, Cant. 5.16. Her greatest Friend, her dearest Friend, her loving Friend, her best Friend, her constant Friend, her sympathizing Friend, her mighty Friend. By his Blood she overcomes the Devil; by his Graces she resists the Devil; by his Might she treads him under her feet; and by his Faith in his Word she quenches all the fiery Darts of the Devil. Oh! tho' Satan hate us, Christ loves us; tho' Satan condemns us, Christ justifies us; tho' Satan accuse us, Christ clears us; though Satan tempts us, Christ strengthens us; though Satan seeks to destroy us, Christ preserves us; tho' Satan buffets us, Christ assists us:

1. By his Spirit.

2. By his Promises.

3. By his Graces.

4 By his Presence.

5 By his Word.

6 By his Intercession.

7 By his Power.

8. By his Ministers.

9. By his Examples,

10. By his Prayers O!

the Lord Jesus hath a great love to us, and a care for us, & therefore he counsels us, in the words of the Text, To watch and pray, l [...]st we enter into Temptation. These are the words of our Lord [Page]Jesus to his Disciples, they having been slumbering and sleeping, when Christ had commanded them to Watch. They contain first, A Supposition of their entring into Temptation, upon which Christ grounds a Mandatory Exhortation, shewing them the way how to avoid it, in these words, Watch and Pray, &c. Hence we may raise these two Points of Doctrine:

Doct 1. That a Child of God is attended with Temptations.

Doct. 2. That the only way to avoid the evil of Temptation, is to watch and pray.

For the first of these, we may observe this Method.

1 Of the Tempter.

2. Of the Temptation.

3. Of the manner of their working, with Reasons why they have so much Power:

1. We have four several Tempters in Script [...]re 1. God tempting Man, i. e. trying and provi [...] Man, as in Deut. 8.2. Thus God tempted Abraham, Gen. 22 1. which is interpreted, Heb. 11.17. By faith Abraham, when he was tri [...]d, offered up Isaac, &c. This tempting is not to evil, nor for our hurt; but God tempts upon these Accounts: 1. For the trial of his peoples Fear; as in that of Abraham, Gen. 22.12. For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not wit [...]-hold thine only son from me. 2. God tempts for the trial of their Faith, he proves them in something that's near and dear to them: perhaps deprives them of some special necessary Mercy, to see whether they can trust him, and believe in the want of it; whether they can live by Faith upon the God of Mercies, when the Mercies are gone, as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Heb. 2. 4. Rom. 1 17. And it is said of Abraham, Wh [...] he[Page]was tried, he offered up Isaac, Heb. 11.17.3. Again thirdly, the Lord tempts for the proof of their Obedience: and thus the Lord speaks to Abraham after that trial: And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed? Why? because thou host they'd my voice. In all this the Lord seeth what is in our hearts, as he said to Israel of old, Deut. 8 2.2. We may find Man tempting God too, that is, provoking God to jealousie and wrath; this did the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah, Deut 6.19. Ye shall not tempt the Lord thy God, Exod. 17.2. Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? But first of all, we tempt God when we doubt of his Power; as when we are in any streight or difficulty, we mistrust the Power of God to deliver us, or bestow any Mercy upon us which we stand in need of; as that Lord did, on whose hand the King leaned, who said, If the L [...]rd would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? when God had promised, in time of famine, that on the morrow there should be plenty, 2 King 7 2.2. We tempt God when we doubt of his Mercy, for God is Mercy in the abstract, and it is a part of his glorious Style; therefore he cannot endure to lose so great a part of his Honour, but is provoked by it. 3. When we call his Faithfulness in question: What greater disparagement or more disgraceful thing can there be to a man, than to be wrongfully accused for falsifying his word? Then how much greater provocation is it to the great God, to be impeached for breach of promise; & counted unfuthful who cannot lie, Heb. 6.18. Lastly▪ When we murmur at the hand of God at any of his Judgments; thus Israel did at Meribah, Exod. [Page]17.2, 3. & this doth exceedingly inflame and excite the wrath of God: we cannot dispose for our selves, and yet we are angry at the Providence of an All-wise God: we sin, & are not troubled that God corrects us for sin. 3. In the next place, ou [...] Lusts are Tempters, as Jam. 1.14. Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own hearts lusts, and enticed. Our Lusts strive within us to be sinfully satisfied, and the flesh wars against the spirit, the Heart sometimes alluring; & this comes to pass,

1. By representing some sinful object: It is not good to nourish such Conceptions, but strangle them in their first appearance, else sinful Thoughts grow upon us.

2. By presenting some desirableness in the object; but be quick-sighted; sin, however it seems fair under some colourable pretext, is indeed, upon good deliberation, not at all to be desired; but sometimes it comes cloathed in such a glorious garb, as if it meant no harm, that you must be fain to fly to God by Prayer against this Temptation.

3. There's a perswasion to consent to the Sin; but be not easily perswaded to offend your Father; Oh! how will our Lusts gain upon us, if we do not resist? strive with all your might; the greater your allurements to sin is, the greater the sin is. I appeal to Saints experience.

4. In the fourth and last place, We have the Devil tempting Man; he is called the Tempter, Mat. 4.1, 3. Mar. 1.13. And indeed this is the grand Tempter, that makes [Page]use of our Lusts as a subservient Organ or Instrument for his Temptations against the Soul; and indeed, were it not for our Lusts, it would be in vain for Satan to tempt: As we see in Christ, there was nothing within for Satan to take hold of, Christ being without sinful Lusts; but Satan must come by word of mouth to tempt him, as Mat. 4.1, 3. But here it might be enquir'd, How shall I know when Satan raised the Temptation.

1. I answer, first, When it comes strongly and forcibly upon the soul, as it were, with a double power, even overthrowing the soul (almost) at the first Encounter. There's a double strength in the stroke. 2. When it is of long continuance, as that was which Paul besought the Lord twice for, 2 Cor. 12.8. Satan stirs up the heart afresh, and the lusts of the heart! When the fire is ready to die and go out, he blows it up again, adds life & strength to the Temptation, which else could not last long. The Lusts they are the combustible Matter, and Satan he inflames and sets them on fire. 3. The Temptation when, though it may be weak at first, yet at length, by degrees, it grows stronger and stronger. Satan begins to reason with, and perswade the soul by plausible arguments. 4. We may perceive the working of the Serpent, the Devil: when the temptation is full of wiles. & subtil delusions, Eph. 16.11.2 Tim. 2.16. Rev. 2.24. The more intricate & full of subtilty the temptation is, the more cause there is to suspect. Satan [Page]is very busie for the ensnaring of the Soul.

5. Lastly, The more it is in direct opposition to God in his Commands, or the like, we may be the more sure it is of Satan's framing; for the heart, and its lusts, seek for satisfaction, & then are still, (if Satan joi [...] not) tho' God be not so directly opposite: But the Devil strikes always at God in his temptations; or if not always, yet most frequently.

Thus much for the Tempter; now for the Temptation it self There are several sorts of temptations; but to reduce them all to these three Heads, they do concern, and strike at. First of all, God; this being Satans great aim, to oppose God; as two enemies, always in direct opposition to one another; and thus he tempts either: 1. As to the Being of God, calling in question the very truth of the Essence of the great God, causing the soul to doubt whether there be a God or no, like Pharaoh, Who is the Lord, &c Exod. 1.5.

But secondly, Some Temptations touch upon the nature of God, as to the manner of his Being, the Mystery of three distinct Persons, as to their Offices & Operations, in the individual God-head, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; and yet all but one God blessed for ever. Again, As to those Divine inseparable Attributes of God, his independency, purity, immutability, greatness and eternity; his goodness, grace, mercy, love, patience, & justice. I say, sometimes as doubting of these things is our temptation; yea, & could Satan prevail, we should flatly deny his Being, Nature, Properties & all. Look sternly on, & resist strongly [Page]such Temptations as these, which do immediately & presumptuously intrench upon God's Soveraign & Just Prerogative. And, if I mistake not, a great device of Satan's in this stratagem, is, to perswade the Creature from all dependency upon a Creator, that so being left to her self, and standing upon its own strength, he may more destroy it. For what's the Creature without the Creator's power?

Again, some Temptations touch our Spiritual Being. Such as are an evil heart of unbelief, mistrusting the grace of God, despairing of the goodness of our Condition. Satan would fain raze the very Fountain of Spiritual Existence, Adoption, Justification, & hopes of Salvation; it is his great design to shake the very groundwork of this Building, & to perswade, that all's false. But this temptation is fruitless, when we build aright upon a right foundation, by Faith accompanied with repentance from dead works, upon Christ Jesus, as the alone Author & Meritorious Cause of our Justification & Eternal Clarification.

3. Lastly, Satan by his fiery Darts strikes at our well-being to disturb our Peace by the omission of some Duty, or commission of some Sin; when he finds he cannot prevail to destroy out being, then he would deprive us of well-being, our joy & comfort. But know, tho' these Temptations may trouble us, yet shall they never destroy us. Now for the manner of these Temptations, how they work.

1. When we fall under any want, strait, change of Providence, or the like; then is a time for temptation to work; as when Christ had fasted & was an hungred, then comes the [Page]Tempter, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones may be made bread, Mat. 4.3.

2. When we are first turning from sin to God, then we are sure to meet with a Tempter, Satan will be busie.

3. When we are troubled, dejected, disconsolated, either to the outward or inward estate, then beware of Satan's temptation, he will be furthering our disquietments.

4. When we are arrived to some good hopes, thro' Grace, to some Confidence in the Mercy of God the Father, thro' his Son Jesus Christ; then also shall we find the battering Assaults of Satan to shake our Confidence: but be sure always, that the grounds of your Confidence be good, established upon that Everlasting Rock, Jesus Christ. For, if I mistake not in my observation, there are two great Rocks, which Satan strives to split a Soul upon, Presumption and Despair: Sometimes endeavouring to cause Souls to flatter up themselves, & think Grace is theirs, Christ is theirs, and all is theirs, when it is nothing so, but by this he might carry them blind to Hell, hood-winking their Souls so, that they never come to see throughly, that they are in a bad condition, but think always their condition good. The other Rock is Despair; Satan striving, if he cannot blind them, as he doth the other presumptuous Souls, yet to make them go sorrowing all their days, thinking they shall never obtain that Mercy which others think they always had.

5. Satan suits his Temptations to our Dispositions; he hath various Objects for divers Spirits; for the proud haughty Soul, for the lustful [Page]Heart, for the covetous Worldling, for the Prodigal Son, for the rash giddy Brain, for the sluggish Drone, for the melancholly Person, for the light chearful Spirit; especially these two, either sinking the one in the terrible Waves of black and dreadful Thoughts, or tossing and listing up the other with the Wind of foolish Fancy. Oh! what black Apprehensions shall the one have of it self & God? and what light and slight Thoughts the other, of the present State, and of Eternity.

Lastly, Satan aims to lull the Soul asleep in carnal security: And to this end, presents great sins as small, & little sins, (if any there be) as none at all: But sometimes he will add by temptation, as it were a multiplying-glass, to the soul, so that then every sin looks with a ghastly countenance, is thought to be the sin against the Holy Spirit, an unpardonable Sin.

Having thus shewn how, and upon what occasion Satan works; I shall take occasion to enquire, why they have so much power, as many times to prevail.

1. Because of the Tempters Power, he is perhaps too strong for the soul.

2. Because of the Tempters Policy; if he cannot prevail by open force, the soul being well & strongly grounded; then he invades by subtil devices, & secret stratagems, so that the soul cannot escape by strength only; and therefore ( [...]wanting wisdom to evade his cunningly framed Arguments) is baffled by him, & overthrown.

3. The enticing Nature of the Tempter's Baits; As, to instance in one case, Oh how many poor sincere souls, yet guilty of too much [Page]curiosity, have been intangled by curiously glorious, & gloriously curious Tenets, which were no better than the devilish temptation of that Hellish Tempter! How many, (which yet is strange to think, tho' there is no reason to fear it) nay, after their seemingly comfortable, really, comfortless, wandring walkings in thought-ways of truth, have cause to fit down, & set down their steps, marking for every step a sin; & for every sin, letting fall a tear of blood.

4. Temptations often prevail by reason of the strength of Corruptions, which the Tempter works upon. Were there no Corruptions, there would be few or no Temptations; I am sure, they should not prevail.

5. Lastly, The Tempter's prevalency proceeds from the weakness and low estate of the inward man: Sin is never at a higher flood, than when Grace is at a low ebb: It is a hard matter (believe Experience) to keep the Soul from sinking at such a time. Nothing more easie than to thrust one under water, when the depth of the water is more than the heighth of the man.

Obj. But now to make sure the Doctrinal part, I shall lay down some Reasons, why the People of God are thus attended with Temptations: for it is a natural Objection against this Point, Why will the Lord, who is so mere. ful of his People, suffer them to be thus used and buffeted by Temptation?

Answ. I answer in general, on Gods behalf, that he is never the less tender in it, as will appear in particular, thus:

1. Because one end seems to be this, that they might know themselves the better, & see what [Page]they are naturally; were it not for Temptation, we should not come to know our own corruption; we see by this, what lust is most prevalent in us, according to that in Heb. 12.1. The sin that doth so easily beset us; & what Satan makes most use of against us; we learn by this our own weakness to resist, without assisting Grace.

2. Again, It is for a Saint's Exercise: This Tempted Condition, is God's Artillery, his School of Arms, wherein God brings up his Children, trains them, & instructs them how to clasp on their Helmet of Salvation, to put on the Breast plate of Righteousness, to hold out the shield of Faith, to brandish the Sword of the Spirit: In a word, how to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, even our whole Armor of Righteousness.

3. That we might know our Enemies, that we may be the more watchful over Satan, Sin, & the World.

4. That we might long to be at home with our Fathers, that we might be weaned from the Milk; and drawn from the Breasts of this present World.

5. Lastly, The Lord doth it to beat down our pride, & keep us humble, we should else be too much listed up through our continued spiritual prosperity; & thus it was with Paul. 2. Cor. 10.7 8. This Doctrine may afford us this useful Application.

1. By way of Information.

2. Reprehension.

3. Examination.

4. Consolation.

5. Exhortation.

1. Information. It may inform us,

1. Of the Devil's Enmity, who is so much the Saints Foe, as that he will not let them be quiet. This old Serpent at first deceiv'd Adam, and deprived him of Paradise; yea, & ever since be hath been [Page]& still is very busie to dispossess the Saints, if possible, of their spiritual Paradise.

2. We may learn hence the remaining seeds of corruptions that are in the best of Saints; without which (as I noted before) the Devil would always tempt in vain.

3. We may perceive what is the Saints state here below, it hath indeed many fair pleasant prospects to the Christians eye, (I mean the eye of Faith) but the way is a tempted, troublesome, dangerous way, Act. 14.22.

4. It may teach us the Wisdom of God, and his great Care of the Saints, who make use of Satan's Enmity, and our Corruptions, to do us good withal.

2. Reprehension; & thus it reproves those who think it an easie matter, a thing of nothing, to be a Christian. 2. It reproves such who censure poor tempted, afflicted ones.

1. Under their Temptations, though not overcome.

2. When fallen; and Oh how rash, uncharitable, & unchristian-like are they.

3. It is an occasion of Rebuke to those who think it strange, that either themselves, or others should be tempted.

3. Examination. This in these Particulars.

1. To examine who is the Tempter.

2. To examine the Temptations.

3. To examine the Frame of our Hearts, under Temptations, whether we carry it lightly, and indifferently, or are grieved & troubled for them.

4. Consolation. From these Arguments: Arg. 1. A tempted condition is frequent among the Saints, yea, & so usual, that I may Confidently question,[Page]whether ever he were truly a Saint, that is not tempted? And for this Assertion, there's a cloud of Witnesses in Scripture; one in 1 Cor. 13. Arg. 2. God hath promised Assistance to the tempted ones, 2 Cor. 12.9. My grace is sufficient for thee, &c. God is as able to help, as thou canst be weak when thou art tempted.

Arg. 3. Christ was tempted, that he might know how to succour these that are tempted, Heb. 2.27, 28. read from ver. 9.

Arg. 4. It is a blessing, or a blessed thing, to endure temptations, James, 1.12. & 5.11.

Arg. 5. The Saints temptations are needful for them, 2 Pet. 1.6. Thou canst not be without them.

Arg. 6. They are but for the trial of Faith, 1 Pet. 1.7. Jam. 1.3, 4. And should we be grieved, that our Faith is proved? The Goldsmith rather useth, than avoideth the fire, for the trying his Gold: Neither is the Gold dimin [...]shed, but rather its worth is more fully known, when the dr [...]ss is gone. This is the trial that doth try all the Faith of every Child of God. Arg. 7. God hath promised the burden shall not be too great for us to bear, 1 Cor. 10.13. This is ground of comfort, to know we shall not be overmatched by the temptation.

Arg. 8. A great comfort [...]t is, that God thinks upon us at such a time▪ we are sure of this, both because of the temptations, & also the support we have under them. Arg. 9. It is a great sign of God's love, else he would never take ca [...]e to t [...]y and purge us.

Arg. 10. Many times is gees before some signal Providence. And we may take it as a great sign, that God is about to do some great thing for us, or [Page]we must be employed in some great work for him, Thus he did with Israel, proved them forty years before he gave them to possess the Land.

Arg. 11. Be not disconsolate; strong & long enduring Temptations, when meeting with resistance, are a strong Argument of a strong Faith, & especially of the growth & encrease of Faith. But (to be brief.)

Arg. 12. Consider the Saints condition here is not their best state; there's Heaven to come yet, where there's no Tempter.

Arg. 13. We have not been so much, nor so often tempted, as we our selves have tempted God.

Arg. 14. The Devils Temptations, though they be evils, yet are not the Saints evils, unless they are overcome by them.

Arg. 15. It is a great sign, as of Gods love, so of Satans hatred; & so consequently a token that thou art none of his, but Gods; else he would never rage thus, The Devil makes no such ado with wicked ones.

Arg. 16. As our Temptations now abound, so shall our Joy (in time) much more abound.

Many Arguments, for Consolation, I might make use of, & much more enlargement upon these; all which (for brevity sake) I here omit.

5. For Exhortation.

1. Beware how you tempt the Devil to tempt you; how you give an occasion by indulging any sin or lust. When you are tempted, be not cowardly, but courageous, do not flie, but resist, Jam. 4.7.

2. Beware of Pride, when delivered out of temptation; this may make us fall into dangerous relaps. Having finished this Point, I proceed to shew in the next Observation, how we may avoid the evil of Temptation.

[Page] Doct. 2. The only way to avoid the evil of temptation is to Watch and Pray,

In the handling of this Doctrine, we may consider these four things:

1. What it is to Watch.

2. What it is to Pray.

3. The proof of the Point.

1. How Watching and Praying may conduce to our escape from the evil of Temptation.

Concerning the Duty of Watching, observe

1. What Watching implies.

2. How we do to Watch a Whatching implies,

1. A continual waking, like the Spouse, Can 5.2.

2. A diligent hearkning. Thus the Watchman, Isa. 21.7.

3▪ A constant readiness: Peter exhorts under a Metaphorical Expression, 1 Pet 1.13. Gird up your loins, i. e. be ready; it is taken from the Jews long garments, which they used to gird up about them, that they might run with less interruption.

2 How we may do to Watch; I shall but name the particulars.

1▪ Let the heart be continually fixed upon God. Oh, how will this cool our affections to the world, & kindle the fire of love to God.

2. Let the eye be much upon himself: this will keep us low in spirit: And blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5.3.

3. Beware of drowsiness: We should shake it off by Prayer.

4. Be well resolved in spirit: mind that of the Prophet, 1 Kin. 18.21.

5. Be sure all be well within; be sure thy foundation be Christ: let there be no sin unrepented of that will breed sorrow: harbour no enemy, no lust in the soul, Pro. 20.9.

6. Trust not thine (no, no, not thine own) heart, but regulate it by the Word of God; for the heart is deceitful, Jer. 17.9. And he is a fool that trusts his heart, Pro. 28.26.

7. Keep therefore a narrow eye to the heart, Prov. 4.23.

8. Call thy [...]eart often to 2 strict account, Ps. 4.4. Examine [Page]diligently, What have I done? What do I now? What am I about to do?

9. And if there be any thing out of order, tarry not, but repair it suddenly, lay sin upon Christ, & then mourn over it.

10. Let nothing be suggested, & presently entertained, but first brought to trial: See if it be the will of God, if it be for his glory; it is not his will, &c.

11. Be sure to keep Conscience clear; a little filth (here) stops all the Channel. It is dangerous to know of but of one sin, and not confess it; much more dangerous to know thy sin, & wink at it.

12. For this end keep an open car to Conscience, let it speak

13. Let the mouth be stopped to sin, & the hands tied from wickedness. David prays, that a watch may be set to the doors of his lips; & certainly it is very needful.

14. Let the whole armour of God be on, Eph. 10, to 18.

Thus much concerning Watching; now concerning Prayer. Consider

1. What Prayer is.

2. The several kinds of Prayer.

3. The manner how we are to pray.

1. Prayer is the outward enlargement of the Souls inward breathings; it is a work of God's Spirit, & so flows out of the spirit & heart of man, Zech. 12.10. Ro. 8.26, 27. Jude 20. 1 Cor. 14.19. Ps. 62.8. & 42.4. Prayer is a talking of the heart & soul with God, & of such a heart as is prepared by God, Jer. 29.13. Ps. 27.1. & 10.17.

2. And thus it is either mental, in the heart only, Exe. 14.15. a S [...]m. 1.13. or else vocal, uttered by the voice, Psa. 77.1. Again, this is secret Prayer, when we pray alone; Thus Daniel did, when he set upon his windows, Dan. 6.10, 11.

Or more publick, when we pray with others in the Family, Congregation, &c. And here let some Preparatives to Prayer be added. 1. Pray that you may pray: lift up your eye and your heart to God, when about to pray; thus did David, Psal. 14.1.1, 2.

[Page] 2. Meditate,

1. On God's sufficiency, & especially his Promiser, Psal. 50 15. Mal 7 7. This will make you confident in Prayer.

2. On thine own wants & vileness, that thou mayest be fervent; so did Ezra. 9 6, 7.

3. On the great Majesty of God, to beget humility & lowliness of spirit, Eccl. 5.2. Gen. 3 2 9, 19.

On the Relation thou standest in to God, by Christ, as thy Father.

3. Now how are we to pray?

1 We must pray what we understand, and understand what we pray, 1 Cor. 14 15.

2. We must pray in the holy Spirit, be directed by it, Jude 20. Rom. 8.26.

3. In the Name & Mediation of Christ, i. e. relying upon the Merits of his, not our own Righteousness, Joh. 14 13, 14, Joh. 16.23.

4. With Faith, believingly, that God will give us what is good for us, Jam. 1.6, 7.

5. With humility & acknowledgment of our own unworthiness, Psal. 10.17.

6. With an heart willing to be cleansed by the blood of Christ, Jam. 4 6. from every pollution, Heb. 10.12. Psal. 66 18.

7. With love to the Saints, Mat. 6.14, 15.

8. With zoal & fervency, Jam. 5.16.

9. Do not give off but wrestl [...] with God for a Blessing, with unwearied constancy, Luk. 18. [...] 9. Mat. 15.

10. Pray, for heavenly things, first & most: seek earthly things in the second place; the one absolutely, the other conditionally, Mat. 6.3 [...].

11. Pray for things agreeable to God's Will, 1 Joh. 5.14. Mat. 20.21, 22.

12. Take heed you love not long prayers, & think to be heard because they are long, Mat. 6.7.

Now I come to the proof of this point: That the only way to avoid the evil of Temptation, as to, watch & pray. This is clearly stated in the Text; so that it scarce needs more confirmation; only take that of Paul, when buffetted by Temptation: For this, saith he, I besought the Lord thrice, 2. Cor. [Page]12.8 There is great need of Watching & Praying: 1. Before we fall into Temptation. 2. When we are under Temptation. How Watching & Praying conduceth to the anticipating the Assaults of Satan, frustrating Temptation. First of all, for Watching.

1. It sets us in readiness for an Assault: When we are expecting, we shall not be taken unprovided.

2. It adds resolution, to stand, it out against Satan: We know suddenness strikes us into a fear, when expectation & deliberation encreaseth courage.

3. It is a countermine to all Satan's stratagems: It will deceive the Deceiver, to find us watching with spiritual diligence, when he would have us sleeping in carnal security.

4. Watching secures us from much evil that might be added, in case we were drawn to the Temptation: for security is no better than a temptation, especially at such a time. Secondly, for Prayer: This conduceth to avoid the evil of Temptation, because it fetcheth help from God, in whom is all our strength: for it is Gods promise, Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, & thou shalt glorifie me, Psal. 50 15. It is a great comfort, under temptation, to have a God to go to, especially one that is able & willing to help.

This may instruct us. 1. Then there is great need of watching. It is certainly a universal necessary duty for all Saints, at whatever time, to watch: So saith Christ our Saviour, What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch, Mar. 13.27. The great end of this duty, is the coming of the Lord Jesus. Watch, saith Christ, for you know not what hour your Lord doth come, Mat. 24.42, 44. There are three Considerations may move us to watch. 1. Let us consider whom we offend & dishonour by our neglect in watching, no less than God; [...] would we [Page]rather than want a nap of security, displease our God? Is God no more worth to us than so? Let as seriously weigh how great an offence, how great a dishonour to God, our unwatchfulness is; and this will engage us to watch. 2. Let us consider whom we gratifie & advantage by our neglect; no less an enemy than Satan, the enemy of our Souls: And shall we pleasure our grand Adversary? Oh no! then let us watch. 3. Whom we displeasure; it is our selves: And will we, that our Souls should be losers? If not, let us be much, yea always upon our watch. But secondly, It may inform us of the necessity of praying at all times: Pray without ce [...]sing, 1 Thes. 5.17. So David would pray, and cry aloud, At evening, at morning, and at noon, Psal. 55.17. And Daniel prayed thrice a day, Dan. 6.16. It is the duty of all, & every Saint, in all conditions. In Spiritual things,

1. Pray for Grace, that God would give & increase it, either in it self or others.

2. Pray against sin, against the guilt of sin, a gainst the power of sin.

3. Pray against Satan's Temptations.

1. Against the occasion of temptation. That if it be possible, thou mayest shun & escape the very appearance of it.

2. That the strength of corruption within, and the power of temptation without, may not be so prevalent, as to lead thee captive to evil.

2. Pray, that the entrance into temptation, may be no disadvantage to thy grace; and that the escape out, may be no impeachment to, but rather for the advancement of God's glory. 1. Pray for nothing but what thou standest in need of: Unnecessary things are not to be the subject of our Petitions: And therefore our Saviour bids us pray for our daily Bread, and so that good man Ag [...], Give me [...]ither poverty nor riches, Prov. 30.7, [...], [...] 2. Even in these things, pray with submission [Page]to the Will of God 3. If Watching & Praying be the means to escape the evil of temptation, then the strength of a Saint is not sufficient: No, we must go to God for a deliverance. 4. If we do not watch & pray, all other ways & means are irregular at least, if not sin. Thus much for Information. Now for Exhortation. 1. Watch & Pray continually, but especially at a time of temptation. 2. Be serious in Watching & Praying; some do it between hot & cold, or by fits, or with much lightness of spirit: But saith the Apostle, B [...] sober, and Watch unto prayer; Sobriety and Seriousness becomes those that call upon God.

[The End of the Third Sermon.]

Considerations of DEATH: Containing some few Reasons why men fear it, and opposite Reasons, by way of Answer, why they should not fear it.

Obj. 1 FIrst, Because thereby we are deprived of the exercise of all our Sences; so that whatever delight either our Taste, Smell, Hearing, Sight, or Feeling hath afforded us, we shall, enjoy the same no more; whilst (perhaps) many Generations after us shall have the fruition thereof. Answ. 1. As to the exercise of our Sences afford opportunity of delight, so are they thereby capable of annoying & grieving us: As the Taste by bitterness & sharpness, &c. the smell by noisome pollution, corruption, &c. the Hearing by terrible & hideous noise and evil tidings: the sight by loathsome, affrighting, & miserable appearances; the Feeling by tedious pains, &c. Again, We have had the benefit of surviving former Generations, who were liable to what we are; & so shall those be who shall succeed us. Obj. 2. But that which aggravates the evil hereof, is a mans being cut off in the flower or strength of his age; whereas if [Page]he live the common age of man, he should the more contentedly leave this life. Ans.

1. Why, what is man? Is he not a flower, & as grass, & the like? And are they not cut off in their best estate? And may not God, when he walketh in, or vieweth this garden of humane flowers, have as much liberty to crop them, as men have of their [...]? Surely yea; for all are his.

2. And tho' God permit some men to live, as long as a [...] ordinary course of nature, oft be it, seventy year [...] (which is judged the more common) or more; yet he hath not promised them so long life.

3. And tho' some live so long, yet considering the Wars, & Plagues, & other Diseases among men, it is not without reason thought, there are many more die, who have not lived according to the course of Nature.

4. As we conclude, that no person better, or so well as the Gardiner, or such as sowed, planted, dressed, & frequently practiseth about the Flowers and plants, knows when, and for what reason, to gather, & pluck up; so no person knows better, nor so well, as God knows well to cut or pluck up what he hath planted in the World, who doth all his Actions upon good and weighty Reasons, even greater & better than any Gardiner or other person hath, for what he doth in his concernment.

Obj. 3. In death a man becomes a loathsome spectacle to all beholders, insomuch that the sight & smell of the survivers find not more noisome offence from, & account not more vilely of the most loathsome Creatures in the world, than of a dead & rotten Corps of mankind: And, is not that very grievous, to become from a delightful companion, an abhorrence of all people? ‘Ans. 1. True, being dead, a man becomes a loathsome spectacle to all beholders. And do not many Diseases, to which a man is incident in this life, effect the same in beholders? 2. Tho' man do become by death what is suggested, yet: [Page]hath he then no sense thereof, & in that is the Proverb verified, (What the eye sees not, the Heart rues not;) for look on man in that case (as we may) as a dead lump of Corruption, & what of misery can we apply thereto? Who looks on a Dunghil; or a Jakes, & saith, Alas, for its misery? the same feels not & knows not any: So that altho' the thoughts of such a condition by Death grieves us whilst living, yet in that condition it self we shall be free from such grief 3. Again, consider, That we were but earth before we had life; and being dead, we return to our first estate; and tho' withal, we become for a season more impure & corrupt than barely earth, yet in time we shall become very dust, when the putrefaction is consumed; and in that sense (but especially in a more excellent) will that saying be fulfilled, viz. Corruption shall put on Incorruption.’ Obj. 4. Death deprives man of his society, with whom he hath had sweet converse. Ans. 1. True, ‘but in order (if he die in Gods favour) to enjoy in due season better society than men on earth have. 2. Besides, as thou losest thy friends on earth, so thou art rid of thy enemies there too.’ Obj. 5. Tho' Death may make way for better society than we have been used to here, yet who knows when it shall be, the Body not being to receive new life till the general Resurrection, which may be very long first. Ans. ‘Suppose it be so (as the most Christians believe) that the best part of man receives glory & happiness immediately after death; yet from the time of death, to the general Resurrection (at which time all knowing Christians believe the reward of the Righteous will not fail) the space betwixt Death & it, is but as one day; as he who by means of an Apoplexy, [Page]or like occasion, sleeps many days & nights without waking, cannot esteem of the time he hath slept, answerable to the measure thereof, but it may be to him as one day or one night; and in this sense may Death be reckoned (as usually in the holy Scripture it is) a sleep.’ Obj. 6. Suppose a man should die by the hand of a cruel Man-slayer, who delights in torturing & destroying the body of man, as hath been seen; would not the conceit of one so cruel, coming to act his mind upon a person, make the thoughts of such a death more terrible, when therein a man is no more regarded than a dog, or the vilest creature? Ans. 1 ‘Yea: But do not many, by reason of wounds & gangreen'd members in their life, for preserving the body, limb, or member, endure as great pain, & tremble as much at the sight of the Chirurgeon, when he comes to do his office on them, as a man doth at the sight of the Executioner to do his? And consider, that all that is commonly done at such a death, causeth less pain to the party, than what some do suffer by the cutting off one limb, or curing some one wound or disease. 2. Again, consider, That the more of torment a man endures in this life, whether at death or otherwise, the less he is like to suffer after this life, & the more blessing he is likely then to enjoy, if he be a good or worthy man, suffering here as a child of God, & not a Reprobate, Rev. 18. v. 7. Chap 20. v. 4, 5, 6.’ Obj. 7. But in our present Estate we have Being, Life, Sense, & Reason; & in Death we shall have (at the most) only Being; & is not that very grievous to consider, that we should be reduced to no better condition than a piece of Earth, or a Stone? Ans. It is true, that the consideration thereof is very grievous in it self; [Page]but yet whilst man hath Reason, as well as Being, Life & Sense, let him use it to consider also that he hath no more cause to complain, that for a piece of the Earth he now treads on if it should please God (as at the first) to create thereof a man like himself, & shortly reduce it to its former state; for thus it is now with mankind in general. Obj. 8. It is confest, that there is a Proverb, (From one pleasure a thousand dolours) but it seems to be no better than a flourish of learned men, to colour over a bad matter: For altho' the miseries of man in this life are many, yet if the benefits therein did not surmount those miseries, it is likely that men would not so much desire to continue therein, as now they do; and therefore who would not fear Death? Ans 1. ‘Suppose it be granted, that the Proverb is but a flourish, & that the benefits of this life do surmount the miseries thereof; yet no man is able to say, how long a person, in order to be happy should live here to enjoy these benefits: But God he knows, & he hath appointed for men once to die; therefore rest satisfied in his Wisdom for disposing of thy time for Death, concluding that the same shall be in its due season. 2. Again, Consider, That it is Gods Prerogative over all his Creatures, to dispose of them how & when he will. 3. Moreover, God hath already set the bounds of thy life, beyond which thou canst not pass: wherefore patiently commit thy self to him in well-doing, & quietly satisfie thy self with pleasure, making of Necessity a Vertue; for it is in vain for a man to strive against the stream, by tormenting himself with that which he cannot avoid; yet this doth not hinder that all men may (yea ought) to use what lawful means God gives them opportunity of, for saving their lives.’ Obj. 9. Well, tho' it be granted, that these Answers. [Page]which have been urged, have (most, if not all of them) common reason & experience on their fide; yet there remains further ground to fear death, as well from the holy Scripture, as Nature or Custom doth evidence, & that in part is this, viz. Death is reckoned the King of Terrors, as in Job. 18.14. compared with H [...]b. 2.15. Ans. Death is indeed granted to be the King of Terrors, but that is in regard of a certain sting that is in it; if that sting be taken away, Death will not be saterrible as before, yea it will be rather gain than l [...]ss to die, if that sting reach not the party dying. Obj. 10. I confess, there may seem to be some comfort in that Answer, if one knew how to escape that Sting; but that is a thing so difficult, that I greatly fear death: If I were sufficiently provided in that case, I should have comfort. Ans. ‘It is true, that the difficulty lies even there, where it is exprest; but tho' it be so difficult, yea impossible with man, yet it is not so difficult with God, he hath sufficiently provided for man in that case; for he that is King of Kings hath subdued that King of Terrors, and done what is needful for man concerning the same; for which purpose see these Scriptures, viz. 1. Cor. 15.55, 56, 57. Job. 3.14, 15, 16, 17 & part of Ro [...]a. 18 from v. 5, to 12. & afterward to the end of the Chapter.’ Obj. 11. I grant it appears plain enough, that there is, through Jesus Christ, victory wrought over that enemy mentioned, & answerably the Sting is taken away that I feared; I say, taken away for some, but it seems not for all, because it is said, The sting of death is sin; so t [...]a [...] where sin is, there the sting is also; & I know my self a sinner, therefore in danger of that sting. Ans. ‘Indeed, if thou knowest thy self a sinner, & griev'st not for it, but art therewith content, [Page]neither repented of, nor reformed from it, I cannot say, the sting of Death is taken away for thee; but if thou dost truly repent of thy sin, & endeavour with thy heart to forsake sin, the sting of Death is taken away for thee; for the Scripture tells us, Christ died for sinners, that is to say, humble penitent sinners, not for obstinate ones: A notable example whereof was manifested, when the Saviour of the World himself was held up, viz. in that of the two Thieves; the one railed on Christ, & was reproved; the other humbled himself, he also prayed, & received the answer of salvation’ Obj. 12. Indeed that Example (methinks) doth tend to prove what you say; but in so considerable a Case as this, a man would desire more than one Witness. Ans. Therefore take more, viz. Prov. 8 13 Isa. 1. from v. 16. to 19. Mat 9.12, 13. Rom. 5.8 1 Tim. 1.15, 16.

S [...] further Grounds whereon a poor sinner may expect M [...]r [...], through the Merits of Jesus Christ.

THrough a sense of sin, so to look on the Lord Christ, as those who were stung with Scorpions in the Wilderness, did on the brazen Serpent. 2. Next followeth humbling of the Soul, the effects of which is to be seen in these Scriptures, viz Joh. 22 29. Psal. 10.17. Isa. 55.15. Jam. 4.6. Which Humiliation begets a Self-examination; by which knowing the Holy Rule of Life, & comparing a man's Life to that Rule, trying how his Case is, he is thereby ready to say, (in respect of his misery) as the Apostle doth, Rom. 7.9, 10, 11. sees himself a dead man in the sense of the Law. Then that works in him a holy sorrow, and that a repentance not to be repented of, viz. Repentance to salvation, 2 Cor. 7.10, 11.

[Page] It brings him to see, not only that he is a condemned or guilty Person, but that he is irrecoverably lost, must needs perish, without some person, as Mediator or Redeemer, do undertake for his Ransom or hath undertaken it; for that God is infinitely just, & he must have his Justice satisfied; & all that the poor souls can do, is but to amend his life for the future, walking more conformable to the righteous Law of God, than heretofore. But alas! that is no more than what we ought to be for the time to come, it will not satisfie Divine Justice for the Transgressions already done against the Law of God, any more than a man's paying another, an ensuing Week, Month, or Year, for all he is engaged for within that space of time, doth satisfie or clear the Debt which became due in time before that Week. Neither (indeed) can a man, of himself satisfie for what he shall owe to it, in the remaining part of his life. Now this consideration works the soul into a melting frame, brings him on his knee, to say, as the poor Publican, Lord, have mercy on me a sinner: And, as the Prodigal humbled, & sees all his shifts in vain, for yielding him that solid comfort his soul thi [...] [...]th after; therefore resolves to go home to his Father; & altho' he may look upon him, as enraged against him, (for which his soul knew there was a just cause) yet he goes humbling himself to his Father, saying, Father I have &c. & am [...]o mor [...] worthy to be called thyson. Now observe the success. When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, & had compassion, & fell on his neck, & kissed him; & farther [Page]entertained him, not as a servant, as he humbly besought, (for the humble shall be exalted) but Son, & rejoyced in him, Luk. 15. The Assyrians also well knew what good this humble Application was likely to effect in an Israchtish King, (1 King. 20.31, 32.) & if mercy may be expected from one of those Kings, then much more may it be from the Supream, the King of those Kings, the Almighty, who hath promised large Grace, humble souls. So He [...]ier, (at the advice of Morde [...]ai) chap. 4, 5. made good proof of this humble way of addressing for Mercy, in a case otherwise desperate, the success whereof was that Royal Scepter held forth, with Grace, to grant even beyond the Petition, tho' she knew not when she went about it, but that she should perish; yet wisely perciving that she must perish, if she had not so applied, she proceeded. Thus was it with the Lepers. 2 King. 7.4. If they went into the City, they should suffer Famine; if they stay where they were, they must die; they therefore would venture for relief among their enemies, being sure they could not be worsethan they were, they could but die one way or another. So when the Soul is thus brought [...]o see its misery, & humble it self throughly, withal is willing to embrace what means soever represents so much as a possibility of saving it; then God shews his mercy to refresh it, according to that [...]t [...] Chapter of Isaiah, v. 15, 16, &c. To revive the spirit of humble, & to r [...]vive the heart of the contrite ones. So Psal. 51.15. [...]k. 3 [...] 11. & forward. And Christ comfortably invites such a poor sinner, that is w [...]ry, & heavy laden with the sense of his sin, he invites him to come & receive rest; and thus tho Gospel doth in general give encouragement to humble penitent sinners, to expect Salvation from [Page]the eternal God, the Sting before spoken of being taken away. Then being truly humbled under the sense of that miserable condition which sin hath made a man liable to, & being rightly desirous of Salvation; that which is re [...]ired of him, is, only to believe that the righ [...]ous God, who might have made him eternally miserable, hath notwithstanding, through his tender compassion (his mercy being above all his Works) resolved on, a way to satisfie his Justice, by requitting the Guilty, who was no way able to pay a sufficient Ransom for his own Redemption, therefore provided a Price satisfactory to redeem poor fallen Man from the Curse; concerning which, both the Prophets & Apostles have witnessed, as in Isaiah 53. & 55. Chapters; Micah Chap. 5. v. 2. Hosea, Chap. 11. v. 1. Psal. 22. Acts, Chap. 1. v. 8. Chap. 10. v 41. and more Scriptures; that price of Salvation being [...]s [...]s Christ, of whom the Angels proclaim, about the time of his entrance into the World, Glory be to God in the Highest, on Earth Peace, Good will towards Men, Luk. 2. v. 14. And the Evangelist John, Chap. 3. v. 16. declares positively, That God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have life eternal.

This is the term of Salvation, viz Believing in his Son, to be that Gift & Ransom which the Gospel generally holds forth to those who would know what they should do to be saved. Withal there must be an obedient Conversation, and that universally, to all God's Commandments, answerable to a poor Souls ability, so long [...] Life may last.

FINIS.

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Title statement

Christ's famous titles, and A believers golden-chain, handled in divers sermons. : Together with his Cabinet of jewels, or A glimpse of Sion's glory. : As also Christ's voice to London. : The great day of God's wrath. : The necessity of watching and praying. : With a small treatise of death. / By Will. Dyer, Preacher of the Gospel. ; [Three lines from Ephesians]

Dyer, William, d. 1696.

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Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI :

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2011-05.

ID [DLPS]

N01045

ID [TCP]

N01045

ID [STC]

Evans 1244

ID [NOTIS]

APW2436

ID [IMAGE-SET]

1244

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99008295

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Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 1244.

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(Evans-TCP ; no. N01045)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 1244)

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— Christ's famous titles, and A believers golden-chain, handled in divers sermons. : Together with his Cabinet of jewels, or A glimpse of Sion's glory. : As also Christ's voice to London. : The great day of God's wrath. : The necessity of watching and praying. : With a small treatise of death. / By Will. Dyer, Preacher of the Gospel. ; [Three lines from Ephesians], Dyer, William, d. 1696..

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[6], 354 p. ; (12mo)

Printed by B. Green & J. Allen for Nicholas Buttolph at his shop.,. Boston, N.E. :: 1704.. ("Evans had this title from Haven, who had it from an advertisement, which misled him as to the date of imprint.--Shipton & Mooney.)

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