The Way to Blessedness, Treatise · Part 6
Psalme I. Verse VI. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
IN the former verses the Prophet having discovered the good and evill way, and the issue of both; now in the conclusion by a necessarie argument confirmes all that truth, and giues an evident reason, why the godly who seeke the Lord in his word and wayes cannot but prosper and be blessed: and the wicked that despise God, and walke after their owne lusts cannot but come to confusion: namely, because God knowes the way of the righteous, and the way of the ungodly shall perish. The first proposition is.
page missingropositionBecause God knowes the wayes of the righteous, therefore shall they prosper and bee blessed.
Two words must be opened, first what is ment by the way of the righteous; secondly what kinde of knowledge is here intended.
For the former, though there is here a double figure, …irst a metaphor, where the soule directing the continuall course of our actions, according to the rule of God is resembled to the body, walking in some tracke, or path, and a metonymie, where the way is put for a continuall walking or stepping in the way, yet is so ordinary, not onelyonly in the Scripture commonly used by the Spirit, but in our speech to compare the life, or practise of any man in any trade temporall or spirituall to a way, and so to call it, that it shall need no further labour in explication.
The other, what this knowledge is in God, hath more difficultie and needs more unfolding; Knowledge, …s it is very frequently used in Scripture, is not confined to the und…rstanding, but more largely extended to other faculties of the soule, even the will and affections. In which generall acception it may be described, that action of any of the reasonable faculties, namely understanding, will, or affection, whereby that facultie apprehends any thing and applies it selfe unto it. For looke as in the bodily senses they are then said to heare or see, when the object of the eare and eye entring into them is by them apprehended and applied; For example: The …are is said to know what is spoken, when it apprehends the words, & applies it selfe in the facultie of hearing unto the voice: the eye to know the colour, which it lets in, and exerciseth it selfe in beholding: so when the understanding, will, and affections busie their severall offices in applying their powers to any thing, they may not bee un…itly said to know it. Now therefore as when the understanding apprehends any intelligible object, and applies the facultie of discerning unto it, it is said to know it: so when the will whose o…fice is to choose or refuse,See Amos 3. 10. applies it selfe to the object in chusing, then the will may bee said to know. So likewise wee may say the affections know that which they louelove or honour. Thus man is said to know God, 1. when the Lord having revealed himselfe and his will in his word, the understanding (applying it s…lfe to this object, and receiving into it selfe this revelation) perceiues it. Thus it is used Psal. 9. 10. They that know thee will trust in thee, &c. Thus it is said, The heathens know not Gods judgements, as being never revealed to them, nor they perceiving them, Psal. 147. 20. 2. When he chuseth the Lord to bee his God; So 1 Chron. 28. 9. Know the God of thy fathers, that chose him, and set him up in thy heart to be thy God. 3 when he loueth and feareth God. Thus the sonns of Eli are said to be wicked that knew not God. 1 Sam. 2. 12; and some-times all these included in one, as Iohn. 17. 3. This is life eternall to know thee the onelyonly true God, and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ: that is, to know thee with the understanding, and Iesus Christ by conceiving those things which are revealed of God the father, and the Lord Iesus Christ, to know with the will, and affections by chosing, and loving thee, testified in all obedience, is life eternall. Thus likewise God is said to know men, or the wayes of men, not onelyonly because he knowes, and searches the heart, and understandeth the thoughts Psal. 94. 11. but because he chuseth any people Amos .4. 2. and because he loveth, and delighteth in any: Psal. 144. 3.
Thus then is the sense of the words. Because God seeth… choseth, and loveth the wayes of a righteous man, therefore he shall prosper, and be blessed.
Proofe.The point is evidently here a…firmed, and will further be cleered in that which followes.
Grounds.So likewise the grounds are apparent, 1. In God, 2. or opposite creatures. In God his infinite power, in the enemies their subiection, and weaknes. For lay down this first as a confessed truth: God sees, choses, loves the wayes of righteous men, secondly he is of infinite power, doing whatsoeuer he will in heauen, and earth. Thirdly no creature able to resist, and hence necessarily will follow this effect, therefore shall they prosper, and be blessed.
Instruction.1 The Lord vnderstandeth, and seeth all the wayes of righteous persons: whatsoever dutie they performe in obedience to any of his commandements, though in secret, and in the heart, he discerns and will reward it openly Psal. 139. 1.2. 3. 4. Math. 6.4.6. 1. Cor. 4. 5. Heb. 4.13. Much, and every way profitable use hauehave the Saints made of this truth; hence some hauehave fenced themselues from many tentations, and kept their hearts whole and sound, Ioseph (Gen. 39. 9.) hauing his eye on the eye of God, preserved his body from his Mystres unchast allurements. Some hauehave hence learned to denie themselues, and to prefer the rebuke of Christ before all earthly treasures, as Moses. Heb. 11.26. But of especiall use is it for consolation, as well against tyrants, and bloody persecutours, as Psal. 35. 13. 14 15. 17. 22. 24. as against terrours of death. Thus Hezekiah helde up his head, and lifted up to God a confident, and effectuall prayer even after the message of death, Esa. 38.3. How great a comfort would it be to a servant or childe, when he had offended, or failed in dutie, that his master or Father could see the unfeyned sorrow of his heart, or could discerne how strongly he desires to doe stronger service? This comfortable advantage hauehave all the Saints: they serue such a Lord to whom they may truely (as David) say, What can David say more unto thee? for thou Lord knowest thy servant. 2 Sam. 7.20. or as Peter, Thou knowest that I louelove thee, Ioh. 21. 17. And indeed how should it bee otherwise?Psa. 94.9. 10. Hee that planted the eare shall he not heare, and hee that formed the eye shall hee not see, hee that teacheth ma… knowledge shall hee not know? How is it possible that the Creator should not know the creature?Pro. 16.1. 2. He in whose hand are the preparations of the heart, and the answer of the tongue, he who pondereth the Spirits, how should he be unacquainted with any thing in man. Secondly; As the Lord is every where present, is not, nor can be excluded from any place, th… heaven of heavens cannot containe him, 2. Chron. 6. 18. so is he especially present with the faithfull. God dwells in the humble: Christ dwells in the faithfull, Ephe. 3. 17.Esay 57. 15. They are the Temple of God, and the holy Ghost dwells in them. 1 Cor. 3. 16. being even the soule of their soule, quickning them Iohn 6. 63. freeing them, and bringing to libertie, 2 Cor. 3. 17. teaching, and prompting them, Ioh. 14.26. and strengthning them, Ephe. 3. 16.
2… The Lord chuseth out the righteous for himselfe, and their paths for them; preordaining, setting out, and preparing their way in which they shall walke, and ordering their steps in that way.Psal. 4. 3. The Lord chuseth the godly man: God will teach those that feare him the way which hee chuseth. Psal. 25. 12.See Ephe. 2. 10. where we easily perceiue, that as God culls out the faithfull,Esay 30. 21. so doth he set out all their workes for them, and prepares them, not onelyonly laying downe this way plainely in his word, but writing it in the hearts of his people, giving them also the will and deed: see Esay 26. 12. As he doth not create them to bee idle, or viciously employed, so hee purposely maketh them new creatu…es, that they may walke in newnesse of life. This that they may doe, he ordaineth good wayes and sets them out for them, and leads them along to the end, having prepared both the way and end for them. Looke as a wise loving father considering his childes disposition, appoints, fits and traines him to some calling which he thinks well of, and in which hee may prosper: so the Lord having graciously called any to his knowledg according to his owne louelove and wisedome sets out and makes readie for them that which he knowes most fit and convenient. And necessarily is it that the Lord should effect this for his children. For;
Iere. 10.23.First, The way of man is not in himselfe, neither is it in man to direct his steps. If the…fore they had no better Guid… then themselues, they could not prosper in their wayes.
Secondly, There are so many difficulties, snares, and stumbling blocks in the way layd, and hid by Satan and his instruments, that they must needs fall, unlesse the Lord should beare them up and sustaine them. Thus hee prepares the way, streitens the crooked turnings, and smooths the roughnesse, Luk. 3. 4. 5. and puts under his hand, when they are readie to fall, Psal 37. 24.
Thirdly, Satan and his followers, principalities and powers, and worldly governours are their professed enemies in this journey, resisting them in all good actions, and fighting with all their armies to stop, and hinder them that they may never enter into the land of promise, Zach. 3. 1. Ephe. 6. 12.
3. The Lord doth louelove and honour not onelyonly the persons of all his Saints… but their wayes also: with an everlasting louelove hauehave I loved thee, see Pro. 15. 9. and Psal. 37. 23. 24. The Lord loveth the way of the righteous, though hee fall hee shall not bee cast off. Ier. 31. 3.So likewise hee honours those that honour him, 1 Sam. 2. 30. Rom. 2. 10.Psal. 147.11. Such honour hauehave all his Saints. The reason of this is plaine and necessarie.
First, God is himselfe infinitely righteous, & therefore cannot but louelove and honour righteous wayes & persons: Psal. 33.4. 5. Nothing is a more effectuall motiue of louelove, then the likenesse and neerenesse of qualitie and studies: even neerenesse of blood yeeldeth to this, and stronger amitie hath beene contracted by likenesse of manners, then by any other respect.
Secondly, Righteous persons and wayes are the principall workes of God; we are his new creatures, and all our good workes are wholy framed by him: He makes us know what is good, he giues us a good will to good, and then perfects it in good actions. Now God loveth all his workes. If we looke over all the holy histories, wee shall find this truth wonderfully confirmed in the dealing of God with his people: especially in that of David, who being after Gods heart, and bending all his studie to magnifie the name, and advance the worship of God, was againe magni…ied, and much loved and honoured, see 2 Sam. 7. 8. 9.
4. We learne here the infallible happinesse of the righteous: for se…ing this knowledge, of God is the cause of their bless…dnesse, it evid…ntly followes, that as sure as God knowes th…m, and all their wayes, so certainely shall they a…taine the state here mentioned and promised, Psal. 112. 1. so Mat. 5. 3.4. 5. 6. &c. As th…refore Isaack speakes concerning Iacob, I have blessed him, therefore hee shall bee blessed, Gen. 27.33. Or as Iacob of his beloved Ioseph, Gen. 49. 26. The blessing of thy father shall be stronger then the blessing of mine elders; unto the ends of the hills of the world shall they be upon the head of Ioseph, &c. so much more strong, much more lasting are the blessings of God upō his beloved childrē: for who shal or can curse wher God hath not cursed? Num. 23.8. such places are infinite; especially obserue that sentence, Prov. 3. 13. Blessed is hee that findeth wisedome. Consider the words before, and following… the meaning is; As a Merchant who by continuall travell and trafficke, hath found and gotten for himselfe much gold and silver, and all manner of earthly goods, is alreadie rich, and in the supposall of earthly men well to passe, so that man who hath laboured in the word, and trading with it, hath attained that true wisedome consisting in holinesse, is blessed in his worke: see Iam. 1. 25. And the same reason setleth this their blessednesse: for the Lord is unchangeable, his seeing them, loving their wayes is unalterable: therefore so must their estate bee, which (as before is manifest) fadeth not, 2 Tim. 2. 19. The reasons also manifesting this truth are divers, as;
First; That absolute decree, promise, and truth of God, which every where hee hath published in his word, who cannot lie or dissemble, and will not reverse any thing hee hath spoken. Hath hee sayd and shall not hee doe it, Numb. 23. 19.
Secondly; That constant and unchangeable louelove of God, Ioh. 13. 1. who repents not of his gifts, Rom. 11. 29. but bestowes one that he may make way for another, and delighteth to heape upon him abundance, who hath received any grace, Mat. 13. 12. Blessings (indefinitely) are upon the head of the righteous, Prov. 10. 6.
Thirdly; That permanent grace of God, that remaining seed, 1 Ioh. 3. 9. which according to the tenor of the new Covenant is not fading nor subject to losse: They shall not depart from God, & therefore received that last bond of the covenant,Iere. 32.40. the feare of God, which endureth for ever, Ps. 19.9. Certaine is it that as worldly man thirsting for gaine, when hee hath betaken himselfe to some good trade, and findes it sweet, is now and every day more eager of the world then before: so where God hath seasoned the heart with this spirituall and heavenly covetousnesse of the world to come, the riches of grace and glorie, the more he employeth his labour in Gods ordinances, and faithfully seekes, the more according to Gods promise he findes; the more he findes, the sweeter still it feeles, and this sweetnesse is a more sharpe spur to his hungry soule: hence he is whetted more earnestly to pursue, hence the more hee obtaines; and growes every day more blessed.
Reproofe.1. Now therefore not onelyonly wicked and profane persons are here reproved, such, who because they hauehave not God before their eyes, thinke not that God hath them in his eyes; such as say, God hath forgotten he hideth away his face, and will never see: such as despise God, and say, hee will not regard: Psal. 10. 11. 13. such fooles, as confesse God made their seeing eyes and hearing eares, yet thinke he never sees nor perceiues: see Psal. 94. 7. 8. 9. But as these, so many other holy and faithfull Christians are here to bee chidden, who are often deepely plunged into many bottomlesse tentations, and even swallowed with griefe, because they forget this comfortable truth, and doe not consider in the evill day, that the Lord hath seene, and written up for them all their labour of louelove: hee hath recorded and keepeth tale of their sighs, and bottles up their teares as a memoriall for them. For in the cloudie and darke day, when Satan drawes their eyes wholy either to the sinfull actions which they hauehave committed, or to their sinfull affections yet remaining, and fighting, and oft prevailing in them, they make no question but God sees all their misdeeds and sinnes, but that the Lord should behold their spirits sighing under the burthens, groaning under this oppression of Satan, that hee should in merciemercy, compassion, and louelove behold the wrastlings, struglings, and the bitter griefe of their hearts thus yoked with the body of death, they utterly forget. But because they despise their owne poore and weake endeavors, as being low in their owne eyes, they suppose they are also despised by God. This we must carefully amend, & fasten this truth in our memories, that the Lord cannot despise his owne worke in his creatures, but sees & perfectly knowes all the thoughts of our heart, so that our desires thirsting for his righteousnesse, and our cries calling out to bee delivered from this woefull yoke-fellow of sinfull corruption, are all heard and noted by him.
Reproofe.So likewise are here many to be rebuked, who make no good use of that doctrine so plainly, and comfortably layde down by the Spirit, and frequently handled in the scripture, namely the election, and predestination of the Saints. Some are so impudent, that they would wholy silence this truth, not considering, that things revealed belong to us and our children. Deut. 29. 2….Some even devillishly blaspheme it, as a dangerous, and desperate doctrine, which driveth men to hell, and desperation. Others eschew it as a rocke, and dare not touch, or meddle with it: and very few who make right use of it. Certainely as it is very full of use for the faithfull for humiliation, as remembring that God chuseth their persons, yet not being, before they are called, before they know him; that he predestinates all their workes for them, and ordereth them to their handes, that he giues wil and deed, in a word, that he foresees us, loues us, out of his louelove prepares us for grace, and then giveth it, when he hath fitted us for it, and all this without promeriting, nay any concurrance on our part, that after he worketh in us, and perfits what hee begins, and crowns what he hath perfited, and for our consolation, that it is not in him that willeth or runneth, but in God that shewes merciemercy, and not for our righteousnes, but because he hath chosen, us, that his purpose according to election may stand not of workes, but of him that calleth:Rom. 9. 11. so is there great use of it in wicked persons, for warning, and caution. Neither can I see how any desperate person can pervert this, but in the like manner he may abuse any other doctrine to his destruction; as the Papists this day abuse that point of justification by faith, and not by workes, and many other: we must therefore not onelyonly retaine this truth, but apply it to that end for which it was given by God, making our calling and election sure.
3. So also the neglect and despising of that truth (namely that the Lord doth louelove and honour the persons and wayes of godly men) is here reproved. Hence might wicked men tremble to see how hatefull and abominable their wayes and persons are in his sight, who can recompence, and surely will reward them according to their workes. And how justly might thousands of Christians tremble, when they see their affections in this particular so contrary to Christ? For they account basely of those whom God honours, hate those whom God loues, shew to them all contempt and malice in reviling, slandering, or any abuse that they can or dare offer. What member of Christ art thou, who despisest such as thy head hath crowned with his heavenly Kingdome? How farre from a Christian, who hast no louelove to such whom Christ hath loved beyond his life? So also by forgetting this lesson many depriue themselues of much comfort. For how much joy might the weake Christian gather here, if hee did continually remember; He that hath given mee an heart to louelove him, he first loved me, he hath set his heart upon me for good, and therfore hath drawn me from my wicked & vaine conversation to serue him? and if he hath loved me when I was an enemie, will he forsake me now he hath seasoned my heart with some measure of louelove, and desire of his service? What a cordiall would this bee against all the revilings, contempts, and despitefull usage of the world? we are therefore much to blame, that we make no better use of a truth so full of profit and consolation.
Comfort.Hence may the faithfull soule in any necessitie and upon all occasions draw endlesse comfort. How did this hearten David in all persecution of Saul, and slanders of his enemies? Psal. 18. 10. &c. Psal. 7. 3. &c. yea indeed in all his trouble: nay when he found his tongue unable in that dutie of thankfulnesse to poure out his heart (2 Sam. 7. 20…) this yet offered him much consolation, Thou Lord knowest thy servant. The like see in Ieremie in much tentation, and many grievances, Ier. 12. 3. Especially remember Iob, who when hee was assaulted on everie side, without and within, his friends accusing him of hypocrisie and fighting craftily against his faith: the enemie bringing all the terrours of God in a full armie against him, and making him possesse the iniquities of his youth: yet could uphold his soule, and keepe it from sinking in this storme with the remembrance of this truth, and strongly applying it to his heart, found powerfull consolation in this; He knoweth my way and tryeth me. That excellent Apostle persecuted by bloodie Infidels,Iob 23. 10. Iewes, and Heathen, slandered, and wronged by false Brethren, nay too little esteemed by his owne children in the Spirit, accounted the off-scouring of all things, could fully satisfie his owne soule, and comfortably wait on God on this knowledge, God was his witnesse: 1 Thes. 2. 13. and could therefore …light that censure of man 1 Cor. 3. 3. 5. Wee should therefore apply this for comfort, when we are reviled as hypocrites by the world, or inwardly accused by Satan, that God sees and will judge; when we are despised by men, that God hath chosen us; when we, and our actions in Gods service are hated and abased, that God hath loved and honoured both.
ExhortationLabour for such wayes as are acceptable to God, such as he hath chosen, and commended; such as he loues, and honoureth. For motiues, oh remember thy heart is very deceitfull, and will easily blind thee with counterfeit shewes, and false hopes if thou lookest not very narrowly to it. Learne therefore of this Saint to consider thy paths, and with hast putting away delayes, to turne thy feete into the wayes of God. Psal. 119.59. 60.Say with thy selfe; All the wayes of man are cleane in his owne eyes, Pro. 16. 2. and 21.2.but the Lord weigheth the spirits: Every way of man is right in his owne eyes, but the Lord pondereth the hearts. Now what shall it profit mee, if I as those vaunting Pharises justifie my selfe, when the Lord knowes and condemnes me? what good shall I reape from man, that my actions are highly esteemed in the world, when they are abomination to God?Luke 16.15. Let mee never forget that there is a way seeming right unto man but the issues thereof are the wayes of death: thinke with thy selfe what horrour will assaile and daunt thee in that day, when having securely trusted in thine owne heart and wayes, thine eyes are at length opened to see thine errour, that thou and all thy workes are hated and detested by the Lord. Consider what infinite comfort and joy will spring in thy heart in all estates, yea the most afflicted, when thou canst say in truth, that thou hast tryed and weighed thy pathes before they come to that great trya…l, to bee pondered by the Lord; and hast unfainedly taken up those wayes, and walked in them uprightly with thy best endevour, which God himselfe hath chosen and set for thee, and will accept in his merciemercy. Learne therefore to trust in the Lord with all thy heart,Pro. 3. 5. 6. and leane not to thine owne wisedome: in all thy wayes acknowledge him, and hee shall direct thy wayes.
Proposition 2. But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
In the former words the Prophet giues an infallible reason why the faithfull shall prosper in their wayes, and bee blessed: here also he useth a necessary argument, why the ungodly cannot hauehave good successe, nor ever attaine to happinesse. Now how soever he leaues out the Antithesis or opposite axiom to the former, God knowes not the way of ungodly men; yet is it here without question to be understood. I will therefore handle it fully, and annexe the cause with the effect in this intire proposition.
PropositionGod knowes not the way of the ungodly, therefore they & their wayes shall perish.
The words hauehave beene before sufficiently cleered: as well who are the ungodly, what also is ment by their wayes is evident enough; their thoughts, counsels, enterprises, nay also their outward dignitie, glory, authoriritie, &c. So likewise what this knowledge is may be easily discerned, namely, the Lord indeed knowes to take notice of them for their confusion, but to approue or respect them knoweth them not. Lastly, that is said to perish, which attaines not the end to which it is aymed, but comes to nothing.
The meaning is; The Lord also sees all the devises and plots of wicked persons rejects, despises, and hates them, and their wayes, therefore they shall certainely bee destroyed and consumed.
Proofe.Proofe. Mat. 7. 23. and 25. 12. Psal. 9. 17.
Grounds.Grounds, as in the former proposition so here, are;
First, the over-ruling power of God, who doth whatsoever he will.
Secondly, the weakenesse of his enemies, not able to resist,Psal. 110. 1. as being (even the proudest of them, and most rebellious) …his foot-stoole.
Thirdly, his infinite justice, which cannot hold the guiltie innocent, Exod. 34. 7.
Instruction.1. Whatsoever is in the wicked, whatsoever belongs to them, or is done by them, is rejected, despised, and even scorned by God. For their persons;Psal. 2. 4. & 5. 5. Hee that dwells in heaven shall laugh, the Lord shall hauehave them in derision. The foole shall not stand in thy sight, thou hatest all them that worke iniquitie. Pro. 3.34. Pro 10. 3.With the scorner he scorneth. For their estate; Hee casteth away the substance of the wicked: for the lust of the eyes, the pompe and splendour of the wicked, and the pride of life is of the world; hatefull therefore to God. Nay if we looke to their religion, it is a burden, and hatefull:Esa. 1. 13. 14. Incense is abomination to mee, I hate your new moones, &c. their sacrifices abominable: their best workes b…t glittering sinnes,Pro. 15. 8. as sayes truely that good Father: in which respect our Saviour a…firmes,Luk. 16. 15. that which is highly esteemed among men to bee abomination in the sight of God. Hence God more commends a poore child, then an old King which refuses admonition. Verily even in that most meeke Lambe of God, Eccles. 4. 13.we cannot but see a wonderfull hate and scorn of reprobate wicked persons, even of those which were most magnified among men, either in regard of their temporall or spirituall estate. How contemptuously doth he speake of Herod? Luk. 13. 32.Tell that Fox: how sharpely and bitterly doth hee abase the Pharises? Mat. 23. from the 13. verse to the 34… especially in that comparison verse 27. where they are resembled to white graues, swarming with wormes, and stinking with rott…nnesse. Aboue all the rest, how zealous an indignation doth he expresse verse 33. you serpents, you generation of vipers, how should you escape the damnation of hell?
The reasons also necessarily concluding this truth are evident: for if we consider the ungodly either in their persons, estates, or actions, there is in them all the true object of rejection, hate, and sc…rne: and if we looke upon God, as he hath described himselfe in his word, wee cannot but see in him those excellent properties, wch necessarily thus worke upon such an object. For what is the object of rejection but evill? Now the ungodly are evill in their persons, states, actions; There is no good in them, Rom. 7. 18. but a continuall course of evill, Gen. 6. 5. So what is the object of hate but contrarietie? And wicked men are in all things contrarie to God; contrary to his holinesse, hee light they darkenesse: hee infinitely pure, they wholy and extreamly polluted: contrary to him in his rule and government, ever resisting and rebelling. What is the object of scorne, but folly and proud beggerie? Such are all the wicked: continually called fooles by the wisedome of God, and most justly; for certainely naturalls are not so sottish in things temporall, as they in spirituall and eternall. They are beggars, having nothing but almes from God, not a bit of bread, not a mouth to put it in; yet so brutishly proud, that they despise the Giver,Heb. 1.13. Psal. 10.4. Now in God there is an infi…ite purenesse, goodn…sse,Pro. 15. 8.9… wisedome, and majestie, in whose eyes therefore such persons, and all their wayes cannot but be abominable.
The persons of wicked men, their thoughts, enterpris…s, honours, and whatsoever most shines, and glitters in carnall eyes, shall come to nothing… perish, and consume For their persons.Psal… …3. 18. 19… 27. Thou hast set them in slippery places, and castest them downe into desolation. How suddainly are they destroyed, perished, and horribly consumed? Lo they that with-draw themselves from thee, shall perish; see Iob. 21. 17. 18. and Ier. 17. 5… 6. For their thoughts, counsels, and enterprises,Psal. 33.10 The Lord breaketh the counsel of the heathe…, and bringeth to naught the devises of the people. His braeth departeth, he returneth to his earth, and his thoughts perish. Psal. 146…4…so likewise see Esa. 8. 9. 10. For their pomp, honour, and glory,Psal. 49.11. 12. 17. They thinke their houses shall continue for ever, and call their landes by their names, but mad shall not continue in honour: he is like the beasts that dy. He shall take nothing a way, when he dieth his pompe shall not desend after him. Esay 54.14.Hell hath enlarged it selfe, and hath opened his mouth with out measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pompe, and he that reioiceth among them shall desend into it. Nay all their hopes die with them. When a wicked man dies, all his hope perishes. Pro. 11.7.This truth is very frequently exemplified in the scripture: especially in those wicked Kings, and many other persons: see also Ier. 22. from the 13. verse to the 20. Consider the rich man in the Gospell. Luk. 12. 18. 19. and 1 Thes: 5. 3. Herod in all his pomp is smitten, and dies eaten with lice Act. 12. 23. Reason also will strongly backe this truth.
For first the very nature of all these things is earthly, and therfore turning againe to earth 1 Pet. 1. 24. made to perish, and perishing in the use. The uery use of life, and all things perteining to it consumes it, so that the more it growes, the more it decreases. Now the life of a wic…ed man, and all that belongs to him, are ea…thly. There is no price to make it li…e for ever. Psal. 49. 8. 9. were there nothing then to further it, did not the vengeance of God wait on it, it would fall of it selfe.
Secondly as their persons, so their counsels, and enterprises, and all their authoritie is set against God, and are contrary to him, now two contraries cannot consist together, but one shall fall: but as God himselfe lives for ever, so his counsell shall stand for ever Pro. 19. 21. and Ier. 44. 28. Ezech. 1. 6. And evident is it, that their wisdome is enmitie with God, it cannot therefore but perish. For as when an earthen pot will dash it selfe against a rock, or an iron uessell, it will soone be cracked, and broken. So when we earthen wormes fall up…n this stone,Math. 21. 44. we shall be broken, and on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grinde him to powder; see Psalm. 2. 9. It is therefore impossible there should bee a God, and that ungodly persons, counsels, and actions should prosper: but seing God his counsell, decrees, and honour must stand, theirs must fall. Haman, and Mordecai cannot stand together, much lesse God and ungodly persons. They are but as a potters vessell, and he crushes them with a scepter of iron, they cannot therefore but be broken in peices.
Reproofe.1. Here may we admire, and detest that strong folly of men, which desire, reso…ue, and delight to bee in their societie, and condition which is thus hated, rejected, and scorned by God. For doe they not know that wicked persons living in open rebellion against the lawes of God, are by God rejected, and hated? are they ignorant, that they liue, and so purpose to liue in this estate? they can denie neither: yet shall no perswasion bring them out from their resolution, but thus they hauehave, and thus they will continue. They heare the threatning, and thundring word of God. Pro. 15. 8. 9.The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord, and all their wayes. Pro. 11. 20. 21.The froward in heart are abomination to the Lord therefore though hand joyne in hand, they shall not be unpunished. They heare their owne sou…es testifie, while thou livest in this rebellion, neglect, and restraint of prayer, contempt of the word, breach of the Sabboth, swearing, lying, drinking, thou art a most accursed creature. They heare the g…acious promise of God, Ezek. 18. 23. 31.I HaueHave no desire that the wicked should die, shall he not live if he returne from his evill way? and that loving invitation. Why will you die? yet are they so bewitched with the harlotry of sinne, and so besotted in their miserie, that neither Gods word, nor their owne reason can perswade them to forsake their confessed, but pl…asing death, and miserie, for a confessed life, and happinesse. This wretched behaviour hath no other fountaine, but either Atheisme, or unbeliefe. For either they denie God in their hearts, or at least (which is all one) fancie him idle, and not regarding, without any care or providence; or else they giuegive no credit in heart to those threats and promises of God. Certainely many delude themselues with a conceit of merciemercy even in the highest rebellion, and especially with the thought of turning at better leasure; nothing doubting but that if they hauehave time to say, Lord hauehave merciemercy on mee, all will be well with them. In humane affaires, because the displeasure of the Prince is as the roaring of a Lion, hence whatsoever may bring them into disgrace, they will carefully avoid, and if they hauehave incurred his anger, what will they not doe to appease his wrath, and procure his favour? But their contrarie behaviour to God, cannot but argue a contrary perswasion.
2. The vaine labour of worldly men hunting so hotly and eagerly pursuing wicked Mammon. It is wonderfull to see the brutish, nay more th…n beastly sencelesnesse of professed Christians this way, with what incredible paines and delight they follow after the fading world: If either the word had not made them know, or their owne experience confirmed to them the vanity and vexation of all earthly things; if they knew not they should carrie nothing away with them, there might bee some shew of excuse in such people: But when they denie not that truth; yet to take such paines for a fading, vexing vanitie, which even now in it selfe is nothing worth (but in the eyes of fooles,) and instantly will bee nothing at all; is more folly then can sute with a reasonable creature. For to seeke and search for wicked riches and pleasures, that is, to pursue our owne destruction, what madnesse is beyond it? what marvaile to see a foole, child, or Lunatike to delight in some hurtfull thing? Alas they want the use of that reason which should direct them! But for a creature able to use his reason, for a Christian that enjoyes the light of understanding, nay of the word and Spirit, thus to do at, it passeth the conceit of a man how they should bee wrought to it. Can any man plead ignorance, and say?Pro. 23. 5. I knew not that I should forsake this life, and the appurtenances of it; I knew not that riches hauehave wings as an Eagle: I knew not it was as a spiders webbe? Esay 59. 6. Iob 8. 14. 15. that my honours, profits, pleasures should perish, and all my thoughts and labours vanish like a cloud? What Christian but must confesse? I know that good men shall leaue an inheritance to their childrens children, but the riches of the wicked are layd up for the just. Pro. 13. 22.If the wicked heape up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay, hee may prepare it, Iob. 27.16.17but the just shall put it on, and hee shall divide the silver. The riches of vanitie shall diminish: Pro. 13. 11. Pro. 21.7.Nay the happinesse of the wicked shall destroy them: yet will they by fraud, cousonage, oppression, lies, perjuries, and all manner of wickednesse, labour to inrich themselues, and bee loaded with thicke clay. How true and fearefull is that saying,Pro. 21.6. That gathering of treasures by a deceitfull tongue is vanitie tossed to and fro of them that seeke death. Our experience of Gods curse upon such wicked substance hath begotten a proverbe, that ill got goods never prosper: yet as if joy, comfort, life, and happinesse wholy consisted in earthly things, so doe men runne and poast after them.
ExhortationTo shut up all in a word of exhortation: use all diligence, and labour to come out of this cursed estate. I do not wish thee to looke out, and long for happinesse: nature, and selfe louelove will enforce this desire; and thou canst as well remoue hunger, and thirst from thy body, as this wish of happines from thy soule. But as thou desirest to be blessed: so seeke it in the right way. Hearken not to ungodly counsels: giuegive no credit to the vaine perswasions of unexperienced guides, never acquainted with true blessednes, or the way that leads to it Trust in the Lord thy God: 2 Chron. 20. 20.and thou shalt be assured, beleeve his Prophets, and thou shalt prosper. Say to thy soule: Art not thou spirituall and immortall, a…d are not all these things in this world in which ungodly persons place their happinesse, carnall, sensuall, and perishing in the use? and is it possible that an immortall Spirit can be blessed by enjoying things fleshly and fading? Doth not thy excellencie consist in likenesse to thy Creator and Redeemer, and in his divine nature? and how then should sinfull men, and counsels, directing thee, or rather plunging thee in the mirie wayes of worldly Mammon, wicked riches, advancements, and pleasures, bring thee to this thy happinesse. When I heare or read of an humane creature mingling himselfe with a beast, I disdaine, loath, I detest his filthinesse; and account him for the greater beast of the twaine, eve… an abominable monster. If thou then an heavenly and glorious substance shalt dote upon earth and dung, canst thou esteeme thy selfe any other then a prodigie, or monster in nature? Oh then learne with an holy disdaine to scorne, that thou in thy understanding, will, and affections, shouldst be wholy employed in the world, and setled on earth, where thou hast no mansion. But follow thou the conduct of this experienced Guide the holy Prophet, and that more perfect Leader the most holy Spirit. Set and settle thy affections upon these things, which will deserue them. Turne the streame of thy covetousnes to covet spirituall gifts. 1. Cor. 14.1. Take off thy ambitious desires from the world, and let this be all thy ambition,2 Cor. 5. 9. that both dwelling at home, and removing from home, thou mayst bee acceptable to him. Is there not another world, another life, another food, rayment, treasures, another inheritance, another Lord of all flesh, and spirits: who is over all, and in all. Is not his louelove better then life? Psal. 63. 3. And are not all these spirituall, immortall, and glorious? were it not madnes then in thee, being an immortall spirit, to forsake all these, and cleaue to earth? Is not Christ thy life, nourishment of thy life, thy meate, and drinke indeede? Is not he thy glorious covering? Oh then put on the Lord Iesus, and take no thought for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it. It is thy Saviours voyce which invites… and calls thee,Iohn 7. 37. Iohn 4. 15. If thou thirst come to me and drinke; and wilt thou not answere with that woman, Lord give mee of that water that I may never thirst? Skinne for skinne, and all that a man hath will he giuegive for his life, let therefore this life into thee:Gal. 2.20. Liue by faith in the Sonne of God, who will liue in thee. Hide up thy life with Christ in God, that when hee appeares thou mayest also appeare with him in glorie.Colos. 3.3.4.
And to this end remember-he hath given thee his word to instate thee in this happinesse, to be a light to thy understanding, a rule to thy will and affections; to guide, and never leaue thee, till it bring thee to blessednesse. It is that which will nourish thee in it:1 Pet. 1. 23. and 2. 2. that which will build thee up, and giuegive thee an inheritance among those that are sanctified. Acts .20. 32.Oh then hold thine eyes, thine eares, thy heart close unto it,Iosh. 1. 8. to read, heare, meditate in it day and night, so shalt thou prosper in all thy wayes, so shalt thou grow up like a flourishing and fruitfull Palme, planted by the Rivers of water, and bee blessed for ever.
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