Practical Cases of Conscience Resolved, Chapter 3
CHAP. III.
A Fourth Case of Conscience.
WHat weariness in, and unwillingness to duties may stand with grace, and what not?
For the resolving this, some Distinctions must be premised, and then some Conclusions elicited.
Distinct. This weariness and unwillingness must be distinguished, 1. According to the degrees of it, and so it is either partial and gradual, or else prevalent and plenary. 2. According to the subject of it: and so this weariness is either of the Members, or else of the mind: 3. According to the prevalency of it, and so it is either transient and occasional, or else setled and habitual. 4. According to the sense we have of it, and so it is either matter of Allowance to us, or matter of annoyance. 5. According to the cause of it, and so it is either from a fixed dislike of the food, or else from an Accidental distemper of the stomach. 6. According to the effects of it: for either it is victorious and makes us give over duties, or else abhorred and repulsed by grace, the Christian still holding on in the way of Duty.
Conclu. 1. Where the weariness is only in the Members (or at least chiefly) but there is still a willingness of the mind, this is no matter of questioning our Estates: where the mind out-goes and out-does the body, and the appetite to duties continues in vigour, though there be a languishing of the natural strength, and weariness of the bodily organs, this is not our sin but affliction. But too commonly the body hath so much influence upon the mind, and causeth a listlesness and sluggishness there, and makes it negligent in its office: Yet when this doth proceed from the failing of the spirits tired with bodily labour and exercise, and from the distemper of the parts, our most pitiful Father considers our frame, and remembers we are but dust: and our merciful High Priest that is not untouched with the sense of our infirmities is ready to frame our excuse, that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
2. Where our weariness in and unwillingness to duties, is only gradual and partial, not plenary and prevalent, it is not sufficient to conclude our selves graceless: While the twins are together in the womb, and two Nations within our bowels, there will be contrary inclinations. The flesh will never say Amen, to a good motion as such, but will be lusting against the spirit, and will hang back when the spirit puts forwards, and pull down when the spirit bends upwards: So that while corruption remaineth, there will be always a dissenting party, and continual conflicts: from whence it is no wonder there should arise some weariness: yet the spirit is the prevailing interest, and though oft-times fayled, yet hath mostly the mastery in the combate, and carries it against the flesh, though not without much resistance and reluctancy from the rebel opponent.
3. Where this weariness is only transient, during the present temptation or defection, which assoon as the tired soul can get out of, it returns to its former temper and pleasure in holy duties, there is only matter of humiliation. But when it is the setled permanent and babitual frame of the mind, it is matter of questioning our conditions. The holy Psalmist under a dissertion was even almost perswaded to give over with Religion; but when he is himself nothing is so sweet, nothing so lovely and desirable to him as the duties of holiness. But for them who have in their ordinary setled course and frame, no mind to duties, but are halled to them by conscience, or engaged by company or custom, or the like, their case is fearful in that measure that duty is unpleasing and not loved.
4. Where this weariness of, and unwillingness to Duties is paniful and grievous, as a sore in the eye, as a sickness in the heart, the state is good: But where it is naturally allowed, and meets with little or no resistance, it is a black mark: for this argues there is nothing but flesh, that there is no contrary principle in such a heart. For if there were, the spirit would at least make opposition: This was the very frame of those unsanctified sinners that counted the Sabbaths and Service of God an unprofitable burden, a very weariness, a bondage not to be born, Mal. 1. 13. A gracious heart when under such a distemper, as that Gods service seems a weariness, is even weary of himself: while this is burdensome he is a burden to himself: he cannot enjoy himself, while in such a frame wherein he cannot enjoy God: and if this be the Case, our State is good though the frame be bad.
5. Where this weariness and unwillingness is, not from a rooted dislike of the food, but an accidental and preter natural indisposition of the stomach, or being disappointed of Gods presence in duties, the main state is safe. You know under a distemper the appetite may disgust, and nauseate the food that a man doth love above all other meats when he is well: and so it is here: Do you when you are your selves, relish more sweetness in Gods service then in your Meats and Drinks? are no sweets so delightful to you as fellowship and communion with God when you can attain to it in duties? Do you come away discontented because you cannot meet with God? Is the ground why your countenances fall, and your hearts be discouraged, because you have (with them) toyled and spread the net, and have not caught what you went for; because you have no answer nor income from God? If it be thus, it is a sign your hearts be set upon God, and that you place the happiness and comfort of your lives in God, and so that your state is safe: Otherwise when there is a fixed antipathy to duties, and an habitual dislike of them and contrariety to them, the Case is very sad.
6. Where our weariness and unwillingness is such as makes us to give over our duties, so as to live in the ordinary neglect of them, it is a fearful sign: but where notwithstanding present discouragements, we hold on in the performance of our duties, and a humble waiting upon God for removal of our difficulties till we are brought to a better frame, this argues well. The Church her self may be greatly deserted: but then she gives not over duties, but seeks after her beloved, and makes diligent enquiring, and will not be at rest until she hath found him. But the hypocrite gives up and will not wait upon the Lord any longer. Not but that a deserted soul, may under the violence of temptations omit duties for a time: But his condition this while is most painful, restless and grievous to him, and he quickly returns-again, and never comes to live in a quiet, and ordinary omission of known duties.
Conclu. 7. When our weariness and unwillingness is such as makes us fall out with the service of Christ, and willing to ease our selves of his yoke, and to throw off his burden: This is a bad sign. But when we fall out with our selves; and justifie and approve Christs Ways and Service, it is well. Thus it was with Paul: he doth not quarrel with the Law as too strict, and too severe, nor think of breaking off his bonds, and taking his liberty, but he pleads for the Law, and greatly approves it, and commends it, and condemns the backwardness of his own nature, Rom. 7. 12. 25. When men are more willing to be rid of Christs burden, then of the distemper that makes it grievous, and cast about for ease, by widening their bonds, and not by bringing their minds to them, it is a woful discovery of an unsound heart. And thus much for this Case.
Awakening Questions propounded to the VNCONVERTED:
And Counsels to the CONVERTED.
THat I may reach every Mans Case, I shall speak something to the Unconverted, and something to the Converted.
For the Vnconverted, there are these Six Questions which I would advise them daily to put to their Souls.
Q. I. What estate did my Soul come into the world in? Was it not in a state of Death, Ephes. 2. 1. An estate of Wrath? Verse 3. Sirs, awake and bethink your selves where you are, and whither you are going. While you are in your natural unconverted unbelieving state, all your sins are unpardoned, and the wrath of God abideth on you, Acts 3. 19. Iohn 3. 36. Suppose you saw a poor creature hanging over a burning fiery furnace by nothing but a twine-thred like to break every moment, would not your hearts shake for such a one? Sirs, it is your very case, you hang over the infernal burnings by nothing but the small thred of your lives, which you know not but it may crack the next moment, and then where are you? Is this a Case for you to go on merrily, and contentedly in?
Q. II. What condition is my soul now in? Am I changed and renewed by conversion, or am I not? Speak Conscience, hath this man, this woman man been soundly and savingly changed both in heart and life? where are your evidences? Can you shew the marks of the Lord Jesus upon your souls? Let your conscience answer: where was the place? what was the means? when was the time, that thy soul was throughly renewed? At least if you cannot shew the time, place, nor means, can you prove the thing? Can you say with him [one thing I know, that whereas I was blind I now see.] Sirs, be not deceived, I tell you whatever you be, and whatever you do, nothing will avail you to salvation except you be new creatures, Gal. 6. 15.
Q. III. What if I should lose my soul? What fair work should I make of it then? This is very possible, Matth. 16. 26. Yea it is the case of the most: There are but few, few of the children of men that do escape safe to Heaven, Matth. 7. 14. Sirs, be aware of your danger, and fear lest a promise being left of entring into Rest, any of you should at last come short of it, Heb. 4. 1. Suppose a man were to travel through some perilous Wood or Wilderness, having but one Jewel in all the world, in which his All was bound up, and should see some stand on one hand and some on the other, and hear one company in this place and another in that, crying out under the hands of some cruel Robbers: Oh in what fear would this Traveller go least he should lose this Jewel, and be Robbed of all at once? Why thou art the man. This Traveller is thy self; This Jewel is thy Soul; This Wilderness or Wood is this World thou art to Travel through. Swarms of sins, Legions of Devils, a whole world of Temptations, these are the Robbers that lie in wait for thy Soul: and if all that these can do can keep thee out of Heaven thou shalt never come there. Oh what if thy Pride, or worldliness, thy delays, and triflings in Religion, should at last betray thy Soul into the Robbers hands? Other losses may be repaired; But thy Soul being once lost, God is lost, Christ is lost, Heaven, all lost for evermore.
Q. IV. What do I do for my Soul? What have I a Soul and immortal Soul to care for, and look no better after it, nor bestow no more of my time, nor pains upon it, no more of my thoughts about it? When Augustus the Emperour saw the out-Landish Women carrying Apes, and such kind of strange Creatures in the Streets in their Armes, he asked what! have the Women in these Countries no children? So it may be said of many among us, that are early and late at their worldly business, but let the care of Religion lie by neglected; what have these men no Souls? why man hast thou a Soul, and yet dost so little in thy Closet, so little in thy Family, from day to day for it? what meanest thou O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, that thou perish not, Ionah 1. 6. what will become of thy Soul, it thou lookest to it onelyonly at this careless rate?
Q. V. What if God should this night require thy Soul? where would death land thee? Luke 12. 19, 20. There was one that promised himself many merry daies, and years, as it is like thou doest, but that same night God called for his Soul. Sirs are you in your postures? are you fit to die? oh dare not to live in such a case, nor in that course in which you would not dare to die?
Q. VI. What a happy case were I in if I had but secured my Soul? oh if this were but once done, how sweetly mightest thou live! Then thou mightest eat thy bread, and drink thy wine with a merry heart, when assured that God accepteth thee and thy worke, Eccle. 9. 7. Then thou mightest lie down in peace, and rise up in peace; go out and come in in peace: then thou mightest look death in the face, thou mightest look dangers in the face, yea, look Devils in the face, and never be afraid. Oh Sirs if there be any ensurance office for Souls in all the world, one would think you should be seeking to it. And thus much for the Questions, which though of use to all, yet were intended chiefly for unconverted impenitent Souls.
Counsels and Cordials for the CONVERTED.
The Counsels are These
Coun. I. THat you put hard to it to get that by these hazardous opportunities that may quit all your Cost. What pitty is it that you should adventure much and yet gain but little? How sad would it be if you should at last suffer deeply for your Conscientious attendance upon God in such seasons, and when you come into a Prison or into Banishment, should find that you had not got that by them that would bear you out.
Coun. II. That you value no mercy barely as it serves in content to your flesh; but as it stands in order to Eternity; and may serve to the furthering of your Makers Glory. God hath preserved your liberties, and hath restored mine: But what of all this? unless we improve our liberties for Eternity, what are we better then those that are in Prison? If this be all the advantage we have, a little more content to our flesh. The Cypher put to the Figure is of great consideration, but put by it self it signifies nothing at all. These Creature comforts separated from their respect to God, and Eternity, are of no value: but in order to these ends, they signifie much. We have ease and fullness, when many others are in pains, and in poverty; And we have much the start of them if we be wise to improve our health in laying in apace against a wet day, and preparing apace for Eternity: and if we serve the Lord with the more abundant diligence, and chearfulness, and gladness of heart, in the abundance of all things. But if this be all we have by it, that our bones do lie a little softer, and our pallats are tickled with a little the more delight, what profit have we by our health, or our estates? If they that be sick, or poor do love the Lord as well, or serve the Lord as much as we, they have the advantage of us; and better were it for us to be poor and sick as they be.
Coun. III. Rest not in probabilities for Heaven, but labour for certainties. Beloved, certainty may be had: or else the counsel of God to make our Calling and Election sure were in vain, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Else the experience of the Saints were but a delusion, who tell us they know they are passed from death to life, 1 Iohn 3. 14. 2 Cor. 5. 1. Iob 19. 25. 26. else the power of self-reflection were to no purpose, and the spirit which is in man should not know the things of the man, 1 Cor. 2. 11. Now if a certainty may be had, will you not put in for it, and turn every stone but that you will get it? Sirs, now if ever, you have need to put hard to it to get assurance: We are at miserable uncertainties for all outward enjoyments; we know not how soon we may be called to part with them all: Christians, what do you mean? will you be content to have nothing sure? will you not settle your everlasting conditions, now you are so unsetled as to your outward condition? What will you do in the day of visitation, when extremity comes upon you, if you have not assurance that God will receive you? It would make ones heart tremble to think of being put upon such a fearful temptation to part with all for Christ, and not to be sure of him neither? O man, what an advantage will the tempter now have upon thee, when he shall suggest [wilt thoube such a fool as to let go all at once? Thou seest Heaven is not sure, Christ is not sure, therefore keep the world while thou hast it, and hold what thou hast sure:] Beloved, what a fearful slighting of God and contempt of Heaven and Glory and all the Promises doth this argue, that you can be content to be at uncertainties, whether they be yours or not? How many of you be there that do not know whether you be going to Heaven or to Hell? and what desperate carelesness doth this argue, to go on from week to week in such a case? Some hopes you have that you shall do well, but put not me off with hopes, never be satisfied till you are able to say, not only, I hope I shall be saved, but I know I am passed from death to life; I know that when the earthly house of this Tabernacle shall be dissolved, I have a building not made with hands, &c. 2 Cor. 5. 1.
Coun. IV. Be not satisfied with the truth of Grace, but reach after the Growth. Do not think all is done when you have attained the evidence of Grace; but put on hard towards the increase. That person that doth not desire and design perfection, never came up to Sincerity. He that desires Grace truly, desires it not barely as a Bridg to Heaven, and so to seek no more then will just bear his charges thither: but he desires it for its own sake; And therefore desires the height of it. That person that desires Grace only for Heavens sake, and inquires what is the lowest measure of Grace that any one may have and come to Heaven (by which he meaneth but to be saved from misery) upon this design, that if he could but come to that pitch he would desire no more, that person is rotten at the heart. Christans, the Lord doth expect of you, that you should not be Babes and Dwarfs, He looks now especially that you should make some progresse: What do you more then heretofore? What! do you feel his spurs in your sides, and his whip at your backs; And yet never mend your pace in Religion, nor stir one jot the faster? Let me commend to you Pauls study Phil. 3. 12. 13. 14. It argues a base and unworthy spirit to content our selves with little things in Religion.
Coun. V. Labour that Holiness may become your nature, and Religion your business. Then you are come to somewhat indeed in Religion, when the work of God is become your natural, and beloved imployment, your Meat and Drink, your Work and Wages. When your Tongues and Hearts do as naturally run on God, as others on and of the world: much of that may be attained by constant care and prayer. Brethren let Gods work be done by you, not by the by, but as your greatest businesse: Seek first the Kingdome of God Matth. 6. 33. And so wherever you be, you may be able to give that account of your selves, that our Saviour did when they enquired of him, That you are about your Fathers business, Luke 2. 59.
Coun. VI. Confine not your Religion to your knees, but carry on an even spun thred of Holiness through your whole Course. Brethren, 'tis the disgrace of Religion that Christians are so unlike themselves, unless it be when they are in holy duties. This wounds Religion to the quick, when it shall be said of Professors, these men indeed will pray like Angels, but for ought we can see they are as Peevish, and as Touchy as any other men, and they are as Hard in their Dealings, and make as little Conscience of their Words as others do. Beloved, think not Religion lies only or cheifly in Praying, Hearing, Reading. No you must be throughout Religous. Sirs, bring forth your Religion out of your Closets into your ordinary Course. Let there not be a life of Holiness on the outside of the Cloth: But Let Holiness be woven into the whole of your Conversations. Here lies the excellency & difficulty of Religion: when you have the baits of intemperance before you, then to hold the Reins hard, and deny your flesh: when you have provocation before you, then to bite in your passions, and bridle the unruly member? When you have dealings with others, then to proceed by that golden rule of Equity and Charity, To do to others as your Consciences tell you, you would have them do in the like case to you. When you are called upon in your several relations, then to behave your selves with that tenderness and love, with that reverence and obedience, with that courtesie and condescension, and kindness that becomes you in your various capacities; In this I say lies the Excellency of Religion.
Coun. VII. Ever walk with your End in your Eye. It is true, according to the usual and useful similitude, The Traveller thinks not of his Journeyes end every step, nor need he: yet there is no Traveller but thinks of it at his setting out: Brethren, there is nothing hinders but that with Prayer and Watchfulness you might come to this, in every solemn action to mind God as your End: Impose this upon your selves as your daily rule to walk by, never to lie down but with these thoughts [Well I will make use of my Bed as an Ordinance of God for my natural refreshment, that a weary Servant of his may be fitted for his work.] Never to rise up but with these thoughts I will set forth this day in the Name of the Lord, and make it my business this day throughout to please him:] Never to set to your callings but in the entrance to think thus [I will set about my employment in obedience to God, because this is his will, that I should walk with him in my place and station.] Never to sit down to your Tables but thinking [I will now Eat and Drink not meerly to feed my flesh, but to cherish a Servant of Christ Iesus, that he may have strength for his service:] Charge this upon your selves, and examine in the evening, how you have minded it, and check your selves wherein you come short. Once learn this, and you are come up to something: and you shall have the undoubted evidence of your sincerity, and shall know the inside of that blessed mistery of walking with God.
Coun. VIII. Be and do more then ordinary in your Familys, and Closets now in the defects of the more Publick Ordinances.
1. In your Closets: See that your Consciences be able to bear you witness, that under Gods extraordinary providences, you do more then ever in answer thereunto. It may be you Prayed twice in the day heretofore; why should you not at such a time as this is, make one visit more then ordinary to Heaven, daily to represent before God the calamites of his Church. This be sure of, that somewhat more then heretofore must now be done, else God will look upon himself as intollerably slighted; and upon his Church as most unnaturally neglected, if we do not now put to it. Be more then ever in self-examination. God doth look that when he is trying of us, we should be much in the trial of our selves. And here let me put it to your Consciences: How are your rules for daily examination looked after? Do you try your selves by them from day to day? Ah wretched negligence! what have you given your approbation and passed your promise, and yet even in such a day as this so much forget your duty? God expects it of you, that now you see him angry, you should with more jealous fear and tender circumspecton and holy watchfulness and self-denial walk before him; else you will greatly incense his indignation, when he shall see that you slight his anger.
2. In your Families: Christians, now the Lord calls aloud upon you to set your houses in order. Oh see what is amiss in them, and strive to cast out that which may be a provocation. Three things I advise you to with reference to your Families.
1. That you set up the Solemn exercise of Catechising weekly among them: Methinks I would not question but that in every Godly Family there is a care of the Catechisme. But when Governours do onelyonly impose it in general upon their Families; and occasionally take an account, I find but little progress is made: and therefore I beseech you, to make it a Solemn, standing, and constant exercise; and to expect of your children and servants as due an account weekly of what they have learnt in the Principles of Religion, as of any business of your own. Oh the incredible benefit that would speedily come of this, if I could but perswade and prevail with my hearers in so small a request as this!
2. That you be often enquiring into their spiritual estates; Follow them close, and let them have no quiet till you see they seriously mind and seek spirituall things. Put them upon secret Prayer: Provide helps for them till they are able to go without them: Shew them often the necessity of Regeneration, and Conversion, and the nature thereof. Put them in mind of the fearfull misery of an unregenerate estate. Ask them often whether they are Converted or not. Shew them the danger of delaying in such a case. Beloved, 'tis too sadly evident that as the Ordinances are now somwhere managed, there is little of Conversion work like to be done. Oh you Governours of Families, do but your duty in your several places, and I doubt not but many Souls will nevertheless be Born to Christ, even in such a day as this.
3. Call them to an account of their proficiency by every opportunity. If there be but a Sermon, or a Chapter read, let them give you some account of it. Thus our Saviour, when the Disciples (his Family) were in private, he was asking them whether they did understand, and profit by what they heard in publick.—Mat. 13. 1.
Coun. IX. Be not discouraged by the present Difficulties of Religion, but rather rejoyce in the opportunity to shew your Love and Loyalty to your Lord. Do not think God hath dealt hardly with you now your Religion is like to cost you something, and presently think of shrinking, and drawing back to preserve your safety: If you do love the Lord Jesus you should Rejoyce, and be exceeding glad in the opportunity to shew it. Brethren, what hath your Religion cost you hitherto? And for shame suffer not your shrinking, and withdrawing to tell the world that you have not Love enough to Christ to engage you to run any hazard for him. Do you indeed Love the Lord? oh then now rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for never had you such an opportunity in all your lives to shew your Love as now; For never were you called to adventure so for him, and his service, as now you be. Now resolve, that if Religion will make you Vile, you will be yet more Vile; and let your Zeal and resolution for God be intended and heightened by the opposition.
The Cordials follow, which are Sacracrament-Cordials.
Most Dearly Beloved Brethren,
THis holy Sacrament is appointed as a Sealing Ordinance between Christ and you. The Covenants are made, the terms agreed to on both sides; God is willing to be yours to all intents and purposes; your Shield and exceeding great Reward, your Refuge and your Rest, your God, and your Guide. While Christ hath it you shall never want; and what God is to him, that he (in your order) will be to you.
You again (through grace) are willing to be his: His in his own way, and on his own terms: willing to serve him; willing to fashion your selves after him, willing to be betrothed to him and to be commanded by him; to use his remedies, to follow his counsels, and to acquiesce in him as your Blessedness: Thus all are agreed; the Articles are drawn; The Covenants both on Gods part and yours are ready written: And here you are come to put all past controversie, and mutually to seal and subscribe: Oh happy and blessed meeting! Christians, do not forget your errand, Remember where you are, and what you are come for, and know that you are upon the solemnest transaction that ever passed between the Creator and the Creature: It is Gods admirable condescention that he will be tied to us, and enter into bonds to us, to bless us, and reward us. And because our Faith is weak he hath brought his Surety with him, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is a Surety on his part, as well as ours, to undertake for the fulfilling of the promises. And he hath brought the visible signs and pledges by which all shall be firmly past and ratified before your eyes. This is the New Testament in my Bloud, Luke 22. 20. Written in my Bloud: Ratified in my bloud. Oh Sirs, this is that which God doth here reach forth unto you with his own hand this day; The New Testament in Christs Bloud. Christians, prepare your Ears; And rouze up your Faith, and now believe and hear some of the blessed Articles of that Covenant that God doth here Sign and Seal to you: I shall mention onelyonly Nine, which I advise you to lay next your hearts while you have a day to live. And you shall find the vertue of these Cordials strong and operative in all conditions.
Arti. I. That he will fulfil to you the place of all Relations 2 Cor. 6. 18. I will be a Father to you, and yee shall be my Sons and Daughters. Whatever Children may expect from a Father, that you may look for from me: I will find you Meat, be not thoughtful, I know that you have need of all these things, Matth. 26. 31, 32. You shall be Clothed out of my Ward-robe, Matth. 6. 28, 29, 30. and wear my Livery: And when you have need of Correction, I will Remember to do it in mercy, and you shall find, that as a man chastneth his Son, so the Lord your God chasteneth you, Deut. 8. 5.
I will be a Husband to you and will betroth you unto me for ever, Hosea. 2. 19. You shall not need to fear, your Maker is your Husband: I will give you my choice Love: I will give you my heart.
I will be a Lord and Soveraign to you: The Lord is your Iudge: The Lord is your Lawgiver: The Lord is your King: Fear not the unrighteousness of men; I will judge your cause, I will defend your Rights, you shall not stand or fall at mans Bar; you shall not be cast at their Votes: Let them Curse, I will Bless: Let them Condemn, I will Justifie: Who shall accuse, when I shall acquit you? Who shall lay any thing to your charge, when I do discharge you? When you come upon trial for your life to have your eternal state decided, you shall see your Friend, your Father on the Bench: And you shall surely stand in judgment, and be found at the right hand among the sheep and hear the King say, Come yee Blessed.
I will be a Shepherd to you, fear no evil, for I am with you, you shall not want for I will feed you: you shall not wander to be lost, for I will restore you: I will cause you to lie down in green Pastures, and lead you beside the still waters: if my Officers be careless, I will do it my self: As for you O my flock, thus saith the Lord God, I will judge between Cattel and Cattel, I will feed my flock, saith the Lord God, and cause them to lie down. I will seek that which is lost, and bring again that which is driven away, and bind up that which is broken, and strengthen that which is sick; but I will destroy the Fat, and the strong, and will feed them with judgment.
I will be a Physician to you. I will heal your backslidings, and cure all your diseases, fear not, never did soul miscarry that left it self in my hands and would but follow my prescriptions.
Well this is one of the Articles that God here sealeth to, that he will be to you in the place of all Relations. Silence thou quarelling unbelief, methinks I hear thy whispers, that this is too good to be true, that it were presumption in us to count upon all this. What shall they that must say to corruption, thou art my father, be able to say to the incorruptible God, thou art my Father; Shall they that must say to the worm thou art my mother, and my sister, be able to say to the Angels of Light, ye are my fellow Servants? And to the King of Glory, Thou art my Brother, and my Kinsman? Shall Majesty espouse himself to misery, and the worms meat be married to Immortallity and life, How can these things be?
Nay but O heart of Infidelity, who art thou that repliest against God? Dost thou, under a sly pretence of humility, question with thy Maker and call his Veracity into doubt? Is not this his Word, his Promise, his Covenant? and is not here his Seal? why then dost thou doubt O thou of little Faith?
Art. II. That he will entitle you to all the Divine Persons and Perfections, Gen. 17. 7. I will be a God unto thee; mark, God gives away himself; and he gives his Son to you, Isa. 42. 6. I will give thee for a Covenant of the people. This is the Churches triumph, Isa. 9. 6. unto us a Son is given. And he gives his Spirit to you, Iohn 14. 16. He shall give you another Comforter. And Believers acknowledge the Receipt, 1 Cor. 2. 12. We have received the Spirit which is of God. Thus you see all the Persons of the God-head are made over to you; and so are all the Perfections of the God-head; for so the Covenant runs, Gen. 17. 1. I am the All-mighty God, or the All-sufficient God, walk before me and be upright: these are the terms between God and a believer, Be thou upright before me, and I will be All-sufficient to thee: The All-sufficiency of God is the comprehension of all his Perfections. Truth without Power, or Power without Wisdome, or both without Goodness, would not be All-sufficiency: All-sufficiency takes in all that is in God (it we may speak of Gods most simple Essence according to the shallow reach of our present capacity) yea it comprehends infinitely more then can be said or thought. Why now this is the Covenant of grace which God establishes with you this day, that he will be a God All-sufficient to you.
Christians rouse up your Faith: Now appropriate and apply the Promises: Now believe strongly, and stedfastly, and believing will fill you with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. I do not wonder if your Faith be put to it in so high and great a mistery; To draw nigh to the infinite Majesty, and consideringly, and without hesitancy to say, Thou art mine and all that thou hast, this is no easie thing. But thou mayst not dare to doubt it. Canst thou question him who is the Truth? can the strength of Israel lie, or his word deceive thee? But the soul is ready to reply, oh the thing is too high, and too great for me to presume to believe, and is ready with Peter, astonied to cry out, Depart Lord, for I am a sinful man. But why doth thine hand tremble, and thy heart fail thee, and thy feet (with Peters when walking on the waters) begin to sink? What doest thou stick at? Is it at the truth of the Promise? No saith the trembling soul, but sure so much can never belong to me so sinful, I am afraid it is not mine, why, what saith the Promise? onelyonly be upright. What though thou hast an hundred failings, yet thy heart is upright: the bent of thy heart is mainly for God and Holiness; thou makest conscience of all sin, little as well as great, secret as well as open, and doest not deliberately allow thy self in any: thou doest in the settled frame of thy heart prefer the pleasing of God, and value his favour, and fellowship above all worldly good, therefore thou art upright, these marks are infalliable. What, doest thou object thy failings? Art thou under a Covenant of works? Do you think God now stands upon Perfection? The Covenant is plain: God conditions but for uprightness, and God hath wrought in thee the condition that he requirts of thee. What can be plainer? wilt thou suffer the Devil and unbelief to catch the Bread out of thy hand, when God tells thee it is thine? wilt thou be against thy self, and refuse thine own peace, when God is come to Seal thee up to the day of Redemption: This is that which the Lord here Seals to thee, That he will be God All-sufficient to thee. O believe, and be thankful, and rejoyce in thine own blessedness: O happy, thrice happy souls, whom the living God thus Signeth and Sealeth to, and Assignes over all his infinite Perfections as its everlasting possession.
Art. III. That he will discharge you from all your Debts. Heb. 8. 10, 12. This is the Covenant, I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more, Isa. 1. 18. Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as Snow. Believest thou this? Come near beloved Christian, approach believingly, and here thou shalt see the Lord Crossing our all thy Debts, taking away the hand writing that is against thee, declaring that he hath received a Ransome and is satisfied, Content, and Paid. Oh happy man that shall leave all thy sins behind thee, why this is the very thing that the faithful God doth here Seal unto thee. Thy Pardon is writen in this Sacred bloud, which is here shed for the remission of sins. So that thou mayest triumph with the Apostle, Who is he that condemneth, it is Christ that died, Rom. 8. 34.
Art. IV. That he will save you from all your enemies, not from the Combate, but from the Conquest. The victory shall be sure, so far God is engaged. So the Covenant runs in its first discovery, That the Seed of the Woman should break the Serpents head, though he should bruise his heel, Gen. 3. 15. by the Seed of the Woman, understand not Christ only, but all Believers: by the Serpent understand not Satan only, but all his party, the ungodly persecuting world, which are his Children; and all our Tyrannous Lusts which are his brood, his works. By his bruising our heel, understand his molesting, and wounding of us, but not mortally. By our breaking his head, understand the total and final victory which we shall most certainly obtain over him and all his party at last. Christians, what should you fear! Death? The Covenant here Sealed makes over Death as a Legacy to you, and behold it brings you the head of your conquered enemy in a Charger. 1 Cor. 3. 22. Death is yours: O blessed and most grateful present. Satan? The Covenant assures you God will bruise him under your feet shortly, Rom. 16. 20. The World? Be of good chear, Christ hath overcome the World, John. 16. 33. Hell? There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus, Rom. 8. 1. Sin? This indeed is to be dreaded, but with a watchful and cautious fear: not with a fainting discouraging fear: sin shall not have dominion over you, Rom. 6. 13, 14.
Christians, here now is meat for your Faith, What do all these holy Promises nothing move you? or carry little savour, or relish with them? What, shall the All-mighty God give it to thee under his own hands that thou art a freeman, and thou make little account of it? shall he give thee thy protection, and thou lay it by as a useless paper that signifies little? O sirs, when your hearts are ready to faint because of the Sons of Anak that be in the way, when you see the black guard gaping upon you, and the King of Terrours levelling at you, and a wicked World armed with rage against you, and full of malice, and the theeves and conspiratours in the bosome watching their opportunity to betray all to them, yet let not this discourage you: These were enough indeed to make a considering mans heart to melt, and die within him, but that the Covenant of Grace yields such ample releif against all. Oh be ever mindfull of the Covenant: Remember what hath past this day between the Living God and your Souls: Watch O Christian, and stand fast, quit thee like a man. The Conquest is sure: Who would not fight with courage that hath assurance of the Victory.
Art. V. That he will befriend you in all conditions. He will be a fast friend to you in every change, and turn all things to your good, even when you are ready to say unbelievingly with Iacob, All these things are against me, Rom. 8. 28. Gen. 42. 36. If he brings you into the Wilderness, There he will speak comfortably to you, Hosea 2. 14. In the fire, And in the water he will be with you, Isaiah 43. 2. He will be a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall, Isa. 25. 4.
Beloved, here the Lord is come to Seal all these Promises to you: Oh go home and bless your selves in the sweet security of your estate. God hath promised you that what ever condition you be in, you shall have succour, and support from him, and enjoy his presence with you; and see his Finger in all your troubles, sweetly turning all to the best: Go away and live like Believers. Be not afraid of suffering, but shew that you believe what God hath promised, that afflictions shall not hurt you. The next time any trouble comes upon you, Remember what a Promise God hath passed unto you this day, and wait on him believingly for the happy issue and and event of every triall that shall befall you.
Art. VI. That he will take upon him the care of all your Concernments. You must be Carefull in nothing, Phil. 4. 6. He careth for you, 1 Pet. 5. 7. Take no thought what you shall eat or drink, neither be of doubtful mind, but rather seek you the Kingdome of God, and all these things shall be added to you, Luke 12. 29, 31. Come you to this holy Ordinance in any distress or trouble? Methinks you should go from it as Hannah, and your countenance be no more sad. God will number your hairs, and will take care that nothing be lost, John 6. 39. Luke 12. 7. He will take care of your names, and bring forth your Righteousness as the Light, Psalm 37. 5, 6. of your subsistence, He will give meat to them that fear him, and be ever mindful of his Covenant, Psalm 111. 5. of your seed, for he will be a God unto them, and will entail the blessing upon them, Gen. 17. 7. He commands that your Widows and Fatherless Children should be left on him. He is by Covenant to look after their concerns, you need not be solicitous. He is tender of you when he seems most to neglect you, as Moses sister that was secretly watching behind the Bush, and wistly looking on, to see what was done to the Child, though to the Finders it seemed exposed to Famine, and Death in the Flags.
Art. VII. That he will give you, or be himself to you instead of all Comforts. He will be a Sun and a sheild, and will give Grace and Glory, and no good theing will he withold from them that walk uprightly, Psalm 84. 11. Oh the treasure in these words. I am thy Shield and exceeding great Reward! I will undertake both for thy Protection and Provision: When any evil assailes thee I will be a Shield to thee: When any good is wanting I will be a Supply. Thou shalt have Children, or I will be better to thee then ten Children. Thou shalt have Riches, or I will be thy Store. Thou shalt have Friends if best for thee, or else I will be thy Comforter in thy solitude, thy Counsellour in thy distress. My Secrets, my Ear, and my Door shall be ever open to thee, Mark 10. 30. He shall receive an hundred fold now in this time: Though he have not the things themselves, yet he shall have all these, and more then all in me: I will be House, and Friend, and Father to him all in one. If you should have an hundred Candles burning in a Room, and should put out every one, and open the window and let in the Sun, this would be better then the hundred lights that were put out: So here, though thou shouldst be called to forsake all, 'twill be but as the letting the Cistern run and open to thee the Fountain.
Arti. VIII. That he will maintain you all your daies in his service. He will be your Guide even unto Death, Psalm 48. 14. Christans, whilst you have a day to live, God will stand by you: He will never leave you nor forsake you, Heb. 13. 5. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the daies of your lives, Psalm 23. 6. And the Lord will never turn away from you to do you good, Jer. 32. 40. Oh happy Covenant that the Lord Sealeth to you.
Art. IX. That when you come to Age he will give the Kingdome to you. God saith to the Believer here: Thine is the Kingdome: What ever is promised in the Covenant, is Sealed in the Sacrament, Luke 12. 32. It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, Luke 22. 29. I appoint unto you a Kingdome, mark the promise is pregnant with a Kingdome. 'Tis no less then a Crown, a Kingdome, that is here delivered to you, Luke 19. 12. A certain noble man went into a far Country to receive to himself a Kingdome and to return: This is the business you are come for hither, to receive to your selves a Kingdome and so to return. Oh methinks you should forget what ground you go upon, as you are going home, to think what you have received here: methinks you should go forth as Haman from the Banquet joyful and with a glad heart. Sirs, do you know what you are doing? why the Lord doth by these signs give you the Kingdome as a man by the delivering to you a Turf or a Key gives possession of an House, or Land. Brethren, have you ever read of the Kingdome of joy, of the Crown of life, of the Robes of Righteousness, of the Thrones of Glory? Why all this God here makes over to you: I tell you Sirs, these are not big words, nor cunningly devised fables. God All-mighty is here come to certifie you of the reality of his promises. As sure as you do now sit on your seats, you shall shortly sit on your Thrones. As sure as you are now cloathed with flesh, so surely shall you be cloathed with Glory. Are you sure that you are now on Earth? so surely shall you be shortly in Heaven. The Lord intendeth you but for a very little while in this lower Region, you must dwell above; where Christ is, there you must be also. As sure as you now see a Crucified Christ, so sure shall you shortly see a Glorified Christ. The Lord Jesus doth anticipate his sentence here, and calls to you, Guests, Come ye Blessed, inherit the Kingdome. Take the writing, behold the Seals, here are the Conveyances of the Kingdome: The donation is sure and full, unalterable, irrevocable.
Christians, do you believe? If you do, methinks you should be ravished: methinks you should be filled with joy unspeakable and full of Glory! But do you stagger at the promise through unbelief? Do you sey, oh it is too much, and too great? why how can that be? What! too great for God to make good? thou darest not think so: But it is too great for me to count upon. Why but man, dost thou not bear upon thee the marks of the Lord Iesus; Whose Image and Superscription is this? Doth not your very heart prize Christ above all the world? Hast thou not made a deliberate choice of him, for thy Head and Husband? Hast not thou entred into a solemn contract with him, to be his for all times and conditions, and to love, honour and obey him, before all others to the death? And doth not thy heart stand to this choice? Hast not thou taken him with his Yoke, and with his Cross? And dost not thou in thy practice first seek the Kingdome of God, and the Righteousness thereof? And hast not thou chosen the way of the Kingdome? Art not thou in love with Holiness, and desirest grace more then Gold? Dost not thou prefer a holy and spiritual life, before all the grandeur of the world, and pleasure of the flesh? And all this not only for a fit or a flash, but in the setled frame and disposition of thy heart? surely thou must wrong God and thy self, if thou deniest it to be thus with thee. Why these are the marks of the Lord Iesus upon thee, the sure marks: fear not, these can not deceive thee, They evidence that thou art born of God, that thou art a Son, and so an Heir; and therefore mayest lay claim to the inheritance.
Come then Beloved Christians be of good comfort, why shouldst thou doubt? Thou hast the mark of the sheep, And therefore thy portion shall be at the Right hand, and thy Sentence among the Blessed. Well then, receive this Holy Sacrament as the pledg of all this. Go home and look over all these blessed Promises, and count them thine: Do not read them (as too often heretofore) as if they did not concern thee: Remember what God hath here promised under hand and Seal to thee, and let not all be left behind thee, when thou goest hence; but let the remembrance, the fruit and sweet of this, abide upon thee whilst thou hast a day to live, Never forget what the Lord hath here spoken to thy Soul: make more of the Promises then ever in thy life before: Bless thy self in them: Remember how the Lord delivered thee the Promises: how he Sealed to the several Articles: how he sprinkled the bloud upon the Book of the Covenant and gave it to thee, and said, This is the New Testament in my Bloud: Oh live henceforth a life of joy, and Faith, as a man that is elevated above the world. Do not live at thy old, dull, and slothful rate, carry it like a Believer, and in a word, walk as one that doth indeed take all for Truth that the Lord hath spoken to thee this day. Let that of the Apostle be a close to all, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these Promises dearly beloved, let us Cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh, and spirit, perfecting Holiness in the fear of God.
FINIS.