Non-Conformity Without Controversy, Part

Non-Conformity Without Controversy · Part

p. 32APPLICATION.

1. Information: So you have the true Character of a true Chriſtian: He is one that is a Nonconformiſt to the world. His motion is a Counter-motion to that of the world. Though he liveth in the world, yet he conforms not to the world. The Apoſtle (2 Cor. 10. 3.) diſtinguiſheth between p. 33living in the fleſh, and after the fleſh; ſo there is a walking in the world, and walking after the world. True Chriſtians make the ſinful courſes and practiſes of the world, the object of their ſorrow and lamentation, but not of their imitation. Thus did Noah, and Lot, and other holy ones in their generation; they are Antipodes to the world in judgment, affection, converſation. We read of Heathens, that in their generations would not conform to the me… of their generation; but what they did, was out of ſingularity: but what Chriſtians do, is to be out of ſincerity. It ſhould be with Chriſtians as with the Planets, which have a motion of their own, contrary to the wrapt motion of the Heavens, whereby they are carried from Eaſt to Weſt: they have a retrograde and ſecret motion of their own, whereby they are carried from Weſt to Eaſt. So the Children of God, though they live and converſe in the World, yet have a motion of their own, contrary to the World: As ſome Creatures being hatched under a Hen, preſently flye or run away. Though a Chriſtian in the Civil things of this life, ſeem to move as the World moves, yet hath p. 34he a motion of his own Heaven-wards, which the World ſuſpects (and blindly cenſures), but underſtands not.

2. Inform. What are we then to think of thoſe that are Conformiſts to the world? Is it to be thought that thoſe will ever be accounted Chriſtians on Scripture-account, that conform to the world? It's ſad to ſee how many call themſelves Chriſtians, who when the Image and Superſcription that they bear, comes to be examined, will be found to be only Worldlings▪ It may be, Chriſtians in their own account and eſteem, but not in God's. You that call your ſelves Chriſtians, conſider whoſe Image and Superſcription you bear. Such you are as the Image is that you bear, and the Pattern to which you conform. True Chriſtians are ſuch as bear the Image of Chriſt, and conform to the Pattern and Example of Jeſus Chriſt; and thoſe cannot be real Chriſtians that conform to the World. It is not an outward Profeſſion that makes a true Chriſtian, Rom. 2. 28. He is not a Jew that is one outwardly. Thoſe are not true Chriſtians that are only ſo in bare pro…eſſion. God looks what a Chriſtian's conformity is, and what copy and p. 35pattern he writes after. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of ſome (2 Tim. 3. 5.)▪ that had a form of godlineſs, but denied the power of it. It is the power of Godlineſs and Chriſtianity, that ſpeaks one to be godly, and a Chriſtian indeed. And this power of godlineſs is a transforming power; it makes thoſe that have it, God-like, and ſo godly; Chriſt-like, and ſo Chriſtians indeed. So then, in Chriſtianity there are two things to be conſidered, the Profeſſion, and the Power. Now it is the power of Chriſtianity, and not the profeſſion only, that ſpeaks us to be Chriſtians. It's true power cannot be without profeſſion, but profeſſion may be without the power. A Tree that bears fruit, muſt of neceſſity have leaves; but a Tree may have leaves; and yet no fruit. And ſuch a Tree, not withſtanding the fair flouriſh it makes, is but barren, and like the Fig-tree in the Goſpel which our Saviour curſed, coming to it, finding leaves only, and no fruit, Matt. 21. 19. So then, as there is a power in godlineſs which ſpeaks men to be truly godly; ſo there is a power in Chriſtianity which muſt ſpeak men to be truly Chriſtians. Now, this power of Chriſtianity doth conform and p. 36transform us into the Image of Chriſt. As the power of godlineſs makes us (as I ſaid before) God-like; ſo this power of Chriſtianity, Chriſt like. But where is a conformity to the world, there is a power, whereby men are made world-like; and how can thoſe that are like the world, that bear a worldly and an earthly Image, and not the heavenly, and that of Chriſt, be Chriſtians indeed? It is ſad to ſee ſo many call themſelves Chriſtians, that are ſo much conformable to the world, to its ſinful courſes, faſhions, rules, and examples; as if Chriſtianity did not hold forth higher and more excellent examples and patterns for them to imitate, and higher and more heavenly rules for them to walk by. To ſuch we may ſay as the Prophet ſaid to the Meſſengers of Ahaziah, Is it becauſe there is no God in Iſrael, that thou ſendeſt to Baal-zebub, the God of Ekron? So you that call your ſelves Chriſtians, let me ask you, Why do you conform to the World and its ſinful courſes? Is it becauſe you are ſo commanded to do? You ſee the Scripture commands the contrary. Is it becauſe you have nothing higher and better than the World to conform to? Sure you have. The ſaying p. 37is, The firſt and beſt in every thing, is the Rule of the reſt. Are you not called to a conformity to the beſt? That God that is Optimus Maximus, the Beſt and Greateſt, calls you to be like him, calls you to be like his Son, who is the moſt perfect pattern for our imitation; calls you to be like his Saints, who in their ſeveral generations pleaſed God, ſerved his Will, and are fallen aſleep: he calls you to be like thoſe Servants of his that are yet in the World, and to be followers of them as they are of Chriſt: He calls you out of the World, and to be unlike it, and to have nothing to do with it by way of conforming in the leaſt to its ſinful courſes. He cautionates you againſt ſuch a conformity, and tells you the dreadful danger of it; and he hath laid down Rules in his Word, by which Chriſtians are to walk, that are made up altogether of that purity and holineſs, of which the World is altogether void, it lying (as the Apoſtle ſaith) in wickedneſs. And now tell me, How can he be a Chriſtian indeed, that is a Conformiſt to the World? and ſuch as are Conformiſts to the World (you ſee) have nothing to plead in that particular, as if they had not better p. 38Rules to walk by, and higher Patterns to imitate, than thoſe of the World. He that is a Chriſtian indeed, is one that hath given up his Name to Chriſt, and entred it into his Liſt; and how can ſuch a one ſerve and fight under the Colours and Banner of the World? Such forget their Baptiſmal Covenant, one clauſe of which is this, Renouncing and forſaking of the world. Chriſtians, let me tell you, There is a day a coming, when the great enquiry will be, Whoſe Image and Superſcription you bear. Your Conformity or Nonconformity to the world, will ſpeak that, and accordingly will be your doom.

3. Inform. Here we may ſee what is the cauſe, why Chriſtians (that will be Chriſtians indeed) meet with ſo much trouble and oppoſition in and from the World; the cauſe is, Nonconformity to the World; the ground of the quarrel between the World and them is, That they are unlike the World; that they will not do as the moſt do; that they will not do as their Neighbours do; that they are unlike every body; that they are a company of fooliſh preciſe perſons, that delight to be ſingular. This is the reaſon why the World, and the p. 39men of it, hate thoſe that are truly godly: Every thing loves its like; and the unlikeneſs of the Saints to the World, is the cauſe both of the World's hatred, and the World's wonder at them, 1 Pet. 4. 4. Wherein they think it ſtrange, that ye ru… not with them into the ſame exceſs of riot. The Saint's ſtrictneſs is the VVorld's wonder. As I ſaid before, it is in this caſe as with the Eggs of Patridges hatched under a Hen; when they are hatched, they run, and (as ſoon as they can) make away. The VVorld is (as it were) the Hen, under whoſe wings Christians are for a while hatched; but when they begin to take their flight upwards, then the world wonders at them. And as this is the cauſe of the VVorld's wonder, ſo it is the cauſe of the VVorld's hatred of them, and of all the afflictions and perſecutions they meet with in and from the world. Our Saviour told his Diſciples, In the world you ſhall have affliction; and gives this as the reaſon of it, I have choſen you out of the world. The world (as our Saviour ſaith) will love its own, thoſe in whom it can ſee its own conditions, diſpoſitions; its own Image and Superſcription. Likeneſs cauſeth love; p. 38duplicate page p. 39duplicate page p. 40and upon this account it is that the world cannot but love thoſe in whom ſhe eſpies her own likeneſſe, and cannot but hate thoſe that are unlike, and in whom ſhe cannot ſee a conformity to her. Hence it is that the World hath always been a Stepmother to the Saints of God, uſing them rigidly and coarſely, as thoſe whom ſhe did not own as hers, becauſe they owned not her by a conformity to her. Christians, if you be not like the World, you muſt not think it ſtrange if you be hated in and by the World. If you have not the world's likeneſs, you are not to expect the world's love. If you walk contrary to the world, you muſt expect that the world will walk contrary to you. Your non-conforming to it, is a ſecret condemning of the world's ways and courles; and then it is not to be wondred at, if the world condemn you.

Thus much for the Uſe of Information.

2. Exhortation. So I am now to exhort you to the duty of Non-conformity to the World; and in doing this, I ſhall acquaint you with three things:

First, With what are ſome of the cauſes of a Conformity to this World.

p. 41Secondly, With ſome diſcoveries, whereby we may know whether we are not conformed to this World.

Thirdly, With ſome directions to prevent yonr being Conformiſts to this World.

Firſt, We ſhall ſhew you ſome of the cauſes why ſo many are Conformiſts to the World; and they are chiefly two:

1. A baſe and ſlaviſh fear of the World's Frowns.

2. A baſe and ſinful love of the World's Favours.

And from both theſe proceeds that baſe and ſinful compliance with the World, and conformity to it.

1. A baſe and ſlaviſh fear of the World's Frowns. They fear the trouble they may meet with in the World, if they ſhould ſwim againſt the ſtream of being unlike the World. Moſt love a Religion without trouble: and although oppoſition be made the Attendant of true Religion, following it as the ſhadow doth the body; yet moſt love (as a cheap Religion which may coſt them nothing, ſo) ſuch a peaceable Religion as may not diſturb p. 42their worldly reſt, but that will ſuffer them to ſleep in a whole skin. Indeed, for a man to be no more religious than the World would have him be, may ſeem to make for his outward peace. As a wiſe man ſaid, For that man that would deny his body no ſenſual pleaſure, and yet ſave his ſoul at laſt, there was no place like that of Italy, and no Religion like that of Rome: So I ſay, For that man that only ſtudies his outward peace, (viz. a freedom from the World's malice, hatred, and oppoſition) there is no Religion like the World's. And hence it is that ſo many comply with it, and conform to it. Conſider, there is in every one naturally a ſtrong propenſity and inclination to theſe four things.

1. To be thought ſome-body in the World, and not to be looked upon as Cyphers, as No-bodies; to be well accounted of, well ſpoken of by the moſt of their generation. Some extreamly affect the good-will and the good-word of every one, and hereby are betrayed to a ſinful compliance. Although ſuch ſhould remember the ſaying of our Savior, Wo unto you when all men ſpeak well of you. Mat. 5.

2. There is a deſire in moſt to be as free p. 43from trouble and oppoſition in the World, as they can. Moſt ſay with Iſſachar, Reſt is good. Why ſhould I (ſay ſome) create trouble to my ſelf, and may chuſe? Why ſhould I croſs with the World, and cauſe the World to croſs with me? If I do as the World doth, and conform to it, I need not fear its frowns. And this is one cauſe why ſo many ſinfully comply with, and conform to the World; not remembring the ſaying of our Saviour, Matt. 5. 10. Bleſſed are thoſe that are perſecuted for righteouſneſs ſake, &c.

3. There is in men naturally a deſire to have company in their way. Man is a ſociable Creature, and loves company. Now the way of the World is the way moſt beaten, and trodden, and frequented, being the way that moſt walk in. Men naturally love not ſolitary paths, but thoſe in which they can ſee moſt foot-ſteps. And upon this account it is that ſo many comply ſinfully with the World, for the ſake of company; not at all conſidering whither the broad way leads; nor that prohibition, Thou ſhalt not follow a multitude to do evil.

p. 444. Men naturally deſire Elbow-room in their way. They love ways wherein they may enjoy the moſt of ſinful liberty; and this they fancy to be only found in the way of the World; they would have room for them and their luſts to march together: and ſuch a way the way of the World is; the wide way (as our Saviour ſaith) that leads to deſtruction. And hence it is that ſo many comply with the World; not conſidering, That it's eaſier for a man to have ſo much Religion and Chriſtianity as will pleaſe the World, and go to Hell at laſt, than to have ſo much as will pleaſe God, and bring him to Heaven.

2. The ſecond cauſe is, A ſtrong love to, and deſire after the World's Favours. There is an innate diſpoſition in perſons to enjoy the World's Sun-ſhine, thinking there is a refreſhment in thoſe beams. They think it ſweet to ſit in the World's lap, to be hugg'd in the World's boſome, to be embrac'd in the VVorld's arms. Many love not to ſee others embraced, and themſelves caſt out; to ſee others favoured, and themſelves frowned on; to ſee others the world's Darlings, and they to be the world's Out-caſts. The world hath its p. 45temptations on both hands. On the one hand there are its perſecutions, and threats, and frowns; on the other hand, its preferments, allurements, and favours; and the laſt of theſe have often proved the moſt powerful temptations to draw men to compliance with the world. Thus it's obſerved of Julian, That he drew more away, and made more Apoſtates by his Preferments, than he did by his Perſecutions. VVe read (Rev. 12. 4.), that the Dragon with his tail drew the third part of the Starrs from Heaven: the meaning is, that many that were eminent in the Church, and did ſhine as Starrs, were drawn away, and became Apoſtates, by the tail of the Dragon, i. e. by its embraces. And this is one great reaſon why men have been brought to comply with, and conform to the world. And this hath ever been the world's way of tempting; it firſt frowns, and then flatters; and the latter hath been found to be the moſt dangerous: Thus was that famous Galeacius aſſaulred; and when they ſaw threatnings would do nothing, he was offered a great ſum of Gold to return again to his former Religion and Countrey: but his anſwer was, p. 46That he preferr'd one day's communion with Chriſt in the Goſpel, before all the Gold in the world. And thus it was with Luther; when they ſaw Bulls and nothing elſe by way of Menace, would do, then they offered him a Cardinals Hat; but his anſwer was, Contemptus eſt à me Romanus & favor, & furor; I deſpiſe both Rome's Favours and Fury. Though theſe ſtood as unſhaken Mountains; yet, how many, if not by the firſt, yet by the laſt have been overcome; like the Traveller, who by the wind kept his Cloak cloſer, was by the warm and alluring beams of the Sun invited to caſt it off. The Sun-ſhine of the world hath had more influence upon men to conform them to the world, than all its cold and ſtormy blaſts could have. It's Favours and Preferments hath drawn thoſe whom its Perſecutions could not drive. Hence it is that ſo many comply with, and conform to the world; not remembring, that there is more comfort and happineſs attends thoſe that are the world's Caſt-aways, than thoſe that are the world's Darlings. Thoſe Chriſt chuſeth to be the objects of his love, whom the world caſts out as objects of her hatred.

p. 47Secondly, Conſider the trials and diſcoveries, VVhether we are Conformiſts or Non-conformiſts to this world.

1. He that is a Non-conformiſt to the world, is one unlike the world; he is unlike the world in his judgment, affection, converſation; he doth not judg as the world judgeth, of Chriſt, of Holineſs, of Heaven, of Saints, of Sin. Here is the queſtion, VVhether we differ from the world in theſe? One ſaid of Nero, That muſt needs be good that Nero perſecutes. And ſo I ſay, That muſt needs be evil that the world commends, and good that the world condemns. Try your ſelves by this, Do you judg as the world judgeth? Do you love and hate, as the world loves and hates? Is your converſation according to the courſe and converſation of the world? Then you may conclude, you are Conformiſts to the world. Oh that Chriſtians would but examine themſelves ſeriouſly, wherein they are unlike the world; and by that they may find whether they are Non-conformists to the world. I am brief in this, becauſe I have ſpoken more largely to it before:

2. He that is a Non-conformist to this p. 48world, is a Conformist to another world. VVhen the Apoſtle ſaith, Be not conformed to this world; it implies, there is another world to which we ought to conform. Scripture mentions a world that now is, and a world that is to come. There is another world beſides this preſent world; a world that will be, when this world ſhall be no more. As I ſaid before, ſo I ſay again, It is but a little while, and the world preſent will be the world paſt; and the world to come, will be the world preſent all the days of Eternity. Now Chriſtians, you are to be Conformists to the world that is to come; there is an Earthly and a Heavenly world; and the great thing you have to do, is to examine what Conformity there is in you to the latter (to the Heavenly world) that is to come. And what of Heaven is to be▪ ſeen in you? VVhat of Heaven in your judgments? Do you conform to the world to come in that? Chriſtians, you ſee here how the world judgeth of things and perſons: but, Do you think we ſhall have in Heaven that judgment of things that the men of the world have now? If you ask, How we ſhall judg of things here, who are yet p. 49on Earth, and not in Heaven? Why th… Word, and not the World, is your Rule; you need not ſay, Who ſhall go up into Heaven to bring us tidings what is the judgment of things there; we have it near, in the written Word. Next, What conformity is there to Heaven in your Affections? Are they heavenly? Remember, the Command is (Col. 3. 2.), Set your affections on things above. And, What conformity is there in your converſation? Is your converſation in Heaven? The Apoſtle ſaith, the converſation of a Chriſtian ſhould be ſo, Phil. 3 27. What engravings of Heaven are there on your converſations? What beginnings of Heaven have you in you? How many are there that begin Hell on Earth, and have the engravings of Hell written upon their converſations? Theſe indeed are Conformiſts to another World, but it is that World of Darkneſs, and not of Light, that is to come.

But in proſecuting theſe Diſcoveries of a Nonconformity to this World, for every one's better and fuller ſatisfaction, I ſhall proceed by way of Enquirie; thoſe ſhall be of two ſorts:

p. 501. Some more general.

2. More particular.

1. More general: And ſo the Enquiry is this, What conformity is there in you to thoſe that are in Heaven, and that inhabit Heaven? If you ask, Who are in Heaven? The Scripture tells you, That there is

A God.

A Chriſt.

Angels.

Spirits of juſt men.

1. God is in Heaven, his Throne is there. He dwells there in reſpect of the manifeſtation of his glorie. He is ſaid to inhabit Eternity, and to dwell in that high and holy place, Iſa. 57. 15. The enquiri… … this, God is in Heaven; and, What conformitie is there in you on Earth, to that God who is in Heaven? You are called to be like him, to be holy as he is, to be merciful as he is (not in reſpect of equalitie, but ſimilitude and likeneſs). You are called to be partakers of the Divine Nature; and, What is that but to be partakers p. 51of Divine Graces, by which we bear his Image, and ſo become like him? You are called Children of God, and Children are to reſemble the Father: Now try, how you reſemble him, and by that, your conformitie to him.

1. Conſider how God judgeth of things. Here the Scripture gives us light; and by it you are to ſee whether you judg of things as God doth. He judgeth of Sin as the greateſt Evil, of Sinners as the greateſt Enemies; of Grace, as moſt excellent; of gracious ones, as moſt precious; of Heaven, as moſt deſirable; of the World, as moſt vain and contemptible. Thus God in his Word declares his judgement of theſe things. Now the Query is, What conformitie there is in our judgments to this? Whether we judg of things as God judgeth of them? And ſo for the eſtimative facultie, Whether you eſteem things as God eſteemeth them? The godly man is deſcribed (Pſal. 15.) to be one in whoſe eyes a vile perſon is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord.

2. How God-like you are in your affections? and, What conformitie is there in yours to his? The Scripture acquaints us p. 52with what God loves, and with what he hates, and with what he delights in. The Scripture tells us what he loves; That he loves righteouſneſs, loves holineſs; he loves uprightneſs, he loves truth and ſincerity in the inward parts. Now put the queſtion to your ſelves, Whether you love the things which God loves? The Scripture tells us what God hateth, He hateth iniquitie, and all the workers of iniquitie; he hateth ſin, and all ſinful ways; he hateth all ſin. And now ſee what conformitie there is in your affections, of hatred to this? The Scripture acquaints us, what it is that God delights in. It tells us, that he delighteth in thoſe that fear him; He delighteth in uprightneſs. He is a God that hath pleaſure in uprightneſs. He delighteth in mercy. Now Chriſtians, try what conformitie there is in you to your Heavenly Father in theſe things.

2. Chriſt is in Heaven, Phil. 3. 20. from whence we look for a Saviour, &c. We look for him from Heaven: And it is an Article of our Faith, That he is aſcended into Heaven: Though Chriſt be in Heaven, and you on Earth, yet there is to be in Chriſtians a conformitie to Jeſus Chriſt. p. 53Chriſt is the Head; now he is in Heaven, and the members muſt be conformed to the Head. Though he be in Heaven, yet he hath left us ſuch foot-ſteps on Earth, in which we are to tread. Thoſe that will come to Chriſt in Heaven, muſt tread in his ſteps on Earth, and ſo aſcend up to him. Chriſtians are ſtill to be followers of Jeſus Chriſt. Chriſt is the great Maſter they are to follow, and the grand Pattern they are to imitate. The great Apoſtle ſaid, Be followers of me, as I am of Chriſt. Now, Chriſtians, trie what conformitie there is in you to Jeſus Chriſt; and you have reaſon to put your ſelves upon the trial, becauſe the Apoſtle telleth us (Rom. 8. 28.) We are predeſtinated to be conformed to his Image. Let me tell you, there are three things wherein Chriſtians are called to be conformable to Jeſus Chriſt, viz. Sufferings, Sanctity, Glory. In this world we are called to be conformed to Jeſus Chriſt in the two firſt: when we come to Heaven, we ſhall be made conformable to him in the latter. Now the Querie lieth about the two firſt.

1. Chriſtians, What conformitie is there in you to Jeſus Chriſt in your Sufferings? p. 54It cannot be that a Chriſtian can be a Chriſtian indeed, but he muſt be a ſuffering Chriſtian: if it come not ſo high as to reſiſting unto blood, yet it may come to bonds and impriſonments; if not ſo high, yet to ſcoffs, nick-names, reproaches, for the ſake of Chriſt. Now, Chriſtians, In your ſufferings are you conformed to Jeſus Chriſt? Do you ſuffer meekly, patiently, rejoicingly? Chriſt was patient in his ſufferings: He was led as a ſheep to the ſlaughter, and he opened not his mouth. He prayed for his perſecutors: When he was reviled, he reviled not again; and in that, the Apoſtle Petor telleth us, He left us an example, that we ſhould tread in his ſteps, 1 Pet. 2. 23. Now trie your ſelves whether you are like Chriſt, or the world, under ſufferings. It is the way of the world, to return like for like, railing for railing, reviling for reviling; to …et, and murmure, and be impatient under their ſufferings. Chriſtians, Jeſus Chriſt when he was on earth, and in the days of his ſuffering, was otherwiſe. Now ſee to whom you conform in your ſufferings, whether to Chriſt or the World.

p. 552. VVhat conformitie is there is you to Jeſus Chriſt, in reſpect of Sanctity and Holineſs? Though Jeſus Chriſt be now in Heaven, yet he hath left us his foot-ſteps of that wherein we are to tread▪ He was one that went about, doing good. He was abundant in dutie, and much in prayer. He was ſo holy in the whole courſe of his life, that he challenged any to convince him of ſin. He ſuffered wrong, but did no wrong, neither was guile found in his mouth. He was conformable to his Father's will, and it was his meat and drink to do it. He was much in ſelf-denial; he denied himſelf in his deareſt things; he laid aſide his own glory: he laid down his own life for the ſalvation of poor ſinners. He was much in holy and heavenly diſcourſe, ever ſpeaking of the Kingdom of heaven; and taking occaſion from earthly things, to reflect on and diſcourſe of heavenly things. He was much in inſtructing, counſelling, comforting his Diſciples. He ſtood up for the honour of his Father, and defended the truth againſt all oppoſition. All this, and much more, did he in the days of his fleſh, when he was on earth, and therein left us an example. He p. 56made a holy cloſe of his life; As he lived, ſo he died. VVhen the time of his ſuffering death drew near, he betook himſelf to prayer. Under his laſt ſufferings he behaved himſelf meekly and patiently. VVhen nailed to the Croſs, he prayed for his perſecutors ſaying, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do VVhen he was giving up the Ghoſt, he commended his Soul to God, ſaying, Father, into thy hands I commit my ſpirit. Thus, Chriſtians, you ſee a ſhort ſpecimen of Chriſt's Sanctity when he was on Earth. Now trie your conformitie to Jeſus Chriſt, who is now in Heaven? Can you ſay, My Pattern is in Heaven, as Job ſaid of his Witneſs, Job 16. 19 My Witneſs is in Heaven? Do you tread in thoſe ſteps of holineſs that Jeſus Chriſt hath left? which though we cannot exactly walk in; yet, Do you ſtrive to come as near in imitating his Example, as you can? Remember, Chriſtians, The world hath found out other ways than the way of Jeſus Chriſt: There is the way of Cain, and Corah▪ and Balaam, and Eſau, and Iſhmael, in which the moſt of the world walk. But the way wherein you are to walk, is that way wherein Jeſus Chriſt walked p. 57when he was on earth. Chriſtians are called to be in this World, as Jeſus Chriſt was in this World.

3. In Heaven are Angels. Angels of Light; who are called holy Angels, and are the Heavenly Courtiers. Theſe are ſome of the Inhabitants of the World that is to come. Chriſtians, You are to try what conformitie there is in you to theſe heavenlie Spirits, and whether you are conformable to Angels of Light, or Angels of Darkneſs. Thoſe who are Nonconformiſts to this world, hold ſome conformitie to thoſe glorious Angels that inhabit the other world; and the great and main conformitie to them, ſtands in our doing the will of God on Earth, as the Angels do it in Heaven; it is one Petition in the Lord's Prayer, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Now try your ſelves by this.

1. They do the will of God Zealouſly, with a great deal of heat, fervency, and intention of ſpirit, and are therefore called Seraphims. They are zealous for his work, and zealous in his work. Are you conformable to them in that?

2. Angels do the will of God Chearfully, with abundance of delight and joy; p. 58and therefore they are ſaid to have Harps, to ſhew it is their Muſick and Delight. All the Services God puts them upon, they go about with abundance of alacritie. Now what conformitie is there in you to Angels in this? When you go to dutie, Do you go about it as Angels do about their work? Remember, the moſt of the world are never more ſad and dull, than when they are ſet about Heavenlie work; and never ſo chearful, as when they are out of God's work, and freed, from Heavenlie employments.

3. Angels in Heaven do the will of God ſpeedilie, and are therefore ſaid to have wings. They never diſpute the commands of God; no ſooner are they bid go, but they go. What Meſſages they are ſent about, what Work they are put upon, they do and execute readily and ſpeedily. Now Chriſtians, How like Angels are you in doing the Lord's work on earth? The way of the world is to move ſlowly, as Pharoah's Chariots when the Wheels were pulled off. But, Chriſtians, if you are conformable to the Angels, there is a readineſs of mind in you to do the will of God; You ſtand ready preſſed for his Service, p. 59and have your Loins girded up.

4. Angels do the will and work of God with much ſelf-denial: They aſcribe all to God, and give him all the glorie; and therefore are ſaid to caſt down their Crowns before the Throne: and in Ezech. 1. 8. they are ſaid to have hands under their wings, as concealing their own abilities. Now, Chriſtians, ſee what conformitie there is in you to the Angels, in this particular of Self-denial. It's the way of moſt of the world, when they do any thing that is good, to boaſt and be proud of it; as the Phariſee, of his faſting and duties. But thoſe that are conformable (in this particular) to the Angels in Heaven, do nothing as of themſelves, and give all the glory to God; as St. Paul did, who ſaid, By the grace of God I am what I am; and not I, but the grace of God which is in me.

5 Angels▪ do the will and the work of God with abundance of love. There is a ſweet harmony and agreement among them in their Employments; they do not croſs or thwart one another, they are obedient Servants to their Lord, and are in love and unitie among themſelves. Ezek. 1. 9. we read of the Cherubims, and the p. 60living Creatures, that their wings joined one to another, and they turned not when they went, and they went every one ſtraight forward; they did not go one this way, and another that way, but do ſweetly and mutually correſpond in doing the will of God. Now, Chriſtians, What conformitie is there in you to Angels in this? Do you ſweetly conſpire and agree together in ſerving God on Earth? Oh that Chriſtians were more Angel-like in this! Remember, Contention and Diviſion is the way of the world, and the way of carnal men; the Apoſtle tells us ſo, 1 Cor. 3. 3. While there are ſtrifes and diviſions among you, are you not carnal, and walk as men. Now, Chriſtians, I have ſhew'd you how the Angels in another world do the will of God; and try your ſelves what conformitie there is in you on earth, to them.

4. In Heaven are the Spirits and Souls of juſt men made perfect. Theſe are in another world, they are in Heaven; they inherit the Promiſes: and ſuch the Apoſtle commands us to be followers of, Heb. 6. 12. Now what conformitie is there in you to them?

p. 611. We have reaſon to believe there is in them a longing for a full accompliſhment of the number of the Elect, and for a full revelation of glory. They long for their own perfection, and that of all the Saints. This the world longs not for, the coming of the Kingdom of Glory. Our Saviour tells us how it was in the days of Noah, they eat, they drank, &c. and ſaith, it would be ſo in the days of his Coming. Now ſee what your conformitie is in this particular: Do you mind the Glory to come? Is there in you a looking for the coming of Jeſus Chriſt?

2. The Spirits in Heaven are in perfect union. What ever diſagreements were among the Saints on Earth, yet in Heaven they all agree: There Calvin and Luther, Ridley and Hooper, are agreed. Now ſee what conformitie there is in you to them? Is it your endeavour to preſerve on Earth the unity of the ſpirit in the bond of peace?

3. The Spirits of juſt men departed, are with Chriſt, enjoying his preſence, and rejoicing in it. Tell me, Do you rejoice in the thoughts of it? and do you long for it, and to be with Jeſus Chriſt?

Thus for the general Queries.

p. 622. Conſider ſome particular Queries; and they are to enquire further what Conformiſts you are to another world?

1. Do you ſpeak the language of another world? We read of ſpeaking the language of Canaan: We know of what Countrey a man is, by the language that he ſpeaks. Is your language heavenly? The Primitive Chriſtians were charged with being affectors of Kingdoms, becauſe they ſpake ſo often of the Kingdom of God. What ſhall we think of thoſe whoſe words are either worldly or wicked? To what world are they conformed?

2. What life do you live? Is it the life of another world? Is your Converſation in Heaven? And have you the engravings of Heaven on them? It is ſad to ſee that moſt of the world have the engravings of Hell upon their's.

3. VVhat works do you? Do they relate to another world, or only to this? Praying, hearing, holy meditation, praiſing God, and religious duties, they relate to another world, to an heavenly world that is to come. How ſad is is to ſee how p. 63many there are whoſe works only relate to this world, or to the infernal vvorld of Darkneſs.

4. VVhat things do you moſt eye and look at? Are they the things of another world, or of this vvorld? The Apoſtle ſaith (2 Cor. 4. the laſt), We look not upon the things that are ſeen, &c. Do you moſt eye and long after heavenly Glory, Treaſures, and Poſſeſſions, or Earthly?

5. VVhat vvorld is it you make the greateſt preparation and proviſion for? Do you provide for that vvorld that novv is, or for that that is to come? VVe read of the fool in the Goſpel, that cheer'd himſelf vvith that, That he had goods laid up for many years. Hovv many are there, that have no thoughts of another vvorld? That provide for their peace, and ſafety, and contentment in this vvorld; that ſay, What ſhall we do to be rich? but never ask, What they ſhall do to be ſaved? that lay up for themſelves treaſures on earth, but lay not up treaſures in heaven?

6. VVhat place, and vvhat vvorld do you look upon as your home? Is it this vvorld, or that to come? If that to come, then you are in this, as ſtrangers and pilgrims; p. 64you lodg in it as in an Inn; and you walk through it as perſons unconcerned in its ſinful luſts and vanities.

7. What Right and Intereſt do you moſt rejoice in? Is it, that you have an Intereſt in this world? or, that you have an Intereſt in the world to come? Is it in that portion you enjoy here, or in that portion that God hath reſerved for his in another world? Is it in your Manſions here, or in thoſe that Chriſt hath provided in his Father's Kingdom for his?

8. VVhence do you fetch all your comfort in any ſad and cloudy condition? Is it from this world, or from the thoughts of another world, where there ſhall be no more ſorrow, nor weeping, nor death, &c.

9. VVhat promiſes do you moſt priſe? VVhether thoſe that are made concerning this world, or thoſe that concern the world that is to come? The Apoſtle telleth us, That godlineſs hath the promiſes of both But he that is a Nonconformist to this world, doth moſt highly priſe the latter, and would not be without them for a world, to enjoy the former.

10. How do you do the Civil buſineſſes of this world? Do you do them as relating p. 65to another world? Do you ſo eat, and drink, and marry, and uſe the World, as thoſe that think of Eternity, and as thoſe that ſhortly look for Eternity? Do you ſo uſe this World, as thoſe that muſt ſhortly leave it, and muſt go hence, to live in another World? It's ſad to ſee how many there are, that live in this world as if there were no life to come, nor any other World to be looked for. Now, Chriſtians, if you are Nonconformiſts to this World, you uſe it with weaned affections, as thoſe whoſe time is ſhort, and are paſſing out of this life into another.

Thus much for the Evidences, Whether we are Nonconformiſts to this World.

3. Directions what to do; with Conſiderations propounded, that we may not be Conformiſts to this World: With Means and Helps preſcribed, How we may be delivered from ſuch a Conformity.

1. Thoſe that would be Nonconformiſts to this World, muſt be much in comparing both Worlds together, this World, with that which is to come. They muſt take a p. 64duplicate page p. 65duplicate page p. 66view of both Worlds, and by that means they will come to diſcern which of the two is moſt worthy of their conformity, to which it's moſt rational to conform. When we have compared them together, as we ſhall find this World not worthy to be compared with the World to come; ſo neither worthy to be conformed to.

So, conſider what a World that is, that is to come; and then ſee how worthy that World is of a Chriſtian's conformity. The Scripture gives us ſome account of the World to come, what a World it is; and by that light we ſhall walk, in making a deſcription of it.

1. The World to come, is an Eternal World. This World is but temporary; this is but this preſent world, this now world, which ſhortly will not be. As David ſaith of the wicked of the world (Pſal. 37.), Yet a little while, and the wicked ſhall not be; thou ſhalt ſeek his place: So we may ſay of this World, Yet a little while, and it will be no more, and its place will not be found: The great Creator ſet up this Earthly World to be as a Stage, wherein men (in their ſucceſſive generations) are to act their parts for ſome thouſands of p. 67years, and then God will take it down. It is reſerved for fire; it is drawing to its end, as the Apoſtle Peter ſaith, The end of all things is at hand. The World to come, is an enduring-world, which will to all Eternity continue, when this World will be no more. Chriſtians, remember, you are made for Eternity; and if upon this account you compare both World's together, you cannot but conclude, its the Eternal world you are to be Conformiſts to.

2. The World to come is an Ʋnchangeable World; its firm and fixed; a Kingdom that cannot be ſhaken, Heb. 12. 28. But this World is a changeable World, and all the things of this World are changeable things. All the men in the World are changeable Creatures; they are all children of Change: Here one Generation goeth, and another cometh. There is no fixedneſs, ſetledneſs, ſtability here: Like the Moon, this World hath her changes. But the World to come, is the World that is unchangeable. As with the God of Heaven there is no variableneſs; ſo it is with Heaven it ſelf. Now compare the two Worlds upon this account, and ſee which is moſt worthy of your Conformity.

p. 683. The World to come is a Glorious World. It is the place where Glory dwells. Heaven is the Houſe of Glory; its called the Kingdom of Glory; all that inhabit it, are glorious. There is the place where the glorious God (who inhabiteth Eternity) doth and will to all Eternity make the manifeſtations of his Glory. When we look upon the viſible Heavens (which are but the outſide of that Houſe), and ſee them ſo glorious, How glorious then are the Manſions within? As for this World, it is the place where Miſery and Baſeneſs dwells. Now if you compare the two worlds upon this account, then judg which world is moſt worthy of your conformity.

4. The Heavenly World is a Holy World, where no ſin dwells. It's called the Holy Heavens, Pſal. 20. 5. There dwells righteouſneſs, 2 Pet. 3. 13. We look for new Heavens, and new Earth, wherein dwells righteouſneſs. No unclean thing ſhall or can enter there. The Apoſtate Angels, for their ſin and diſobedience, were caſt out thence, and ſhall know their place there no more to all eternity. The Heavenly Jeruſalem is deſcribed to be a City paved with Gold; p. 69to ſhew, among other things, its purity. Now this world is an unholy world. Gal. 1. 4. it's there called, this preſent evil world. It's an evil world, both in reſpect of Miſery, and in reſpect of Sin. But in that world which is to come, as there will be no ſuffering, ſo no ſinning. The Inhabitants of that world will to all Eternity be above both. Now if you compare the two worlds upon this account, then judg which world is to be conformed to.

5. The world to come is a Quiet and Peaceable World. It's the world of reſt, where there are no ſtirrs, no troubles, no diſturbances, no diſquietments. It's the place where reſt only is to be found. All Chriſtians, while they are in this world, muſt ſay, Here is not our reſt. Rev. 15. 2. the world is reſembled to a Sea of Glaſs mingled with fire: A Sea of Glaſs, to ſhew its brittleneſs and ſlipperineſs; and mingled with fire, (i.e.) with the fire of afflictions, troubles, perſecutions. This world indeed is a Chriſtian's Hell▪ Now compare the two worlds together upon this account, and ſee which is worthy of your conformity.

6. The world to come, is the world for p. 70which man was chiefly made. Chriſtians, remember, you are made for another world. This world is to be but only as an Inn, in which you are to lodg as ſtrangers and travellers, in your way and paſſage to another world. Chriſtians muſt ſay of it, That here they have no abiding City, but ſeek one that is to come; and that is, the world to come. Man is a Creature made capable of Immortality; he hath an immortal Soul; and this ſhews he was made for another world. The Apoſtle tells us (1 Cor. 15. 19), If in this life only we had hope in Chriſt, we were of all men moſt miſerable. Chriſtians, if you had been made only for this life, and had your hopes only in this world, and did not expect and hope for the great things of another life, and world that is to come; you were of all men moſt miſerable. Remember, you were made for this End, To glorifie God, and to enjoy him to all Eternity. And this ſhews, that then you muſt be made for another world. VVhere can you ſerve him for ever, and enjoy him for ever, but in another world? To ſing praiſes and Hallelujahs to God, will be the work of Saints in the Heavenly world. There they ſhall praiſe God to all Eternity, and ſhew p. 71what eternal debtors they are to Mercy and Free-grace. And then for the other chief End of man, which is, The enjoyment of God for ever; where can that be but in another world? The eternal fruition of God, and Chriſt, muſt be in a world that is Eternal, which is that world that is to come. Now, Chriſtians, conſider, what you do here in relation to ſerving of God, is but the beginning of that work we have to do in Heaven; and what you enjoy of God here, is but only a taſte of that we ſhall enjoy of him in another world. Now upon this account conſider, Chriſtians, what world is worthy of your conformity.

7. The world to come, is the world drawing near to us; and the world preſent, is the world going from us. Chriſt, when he began to preach, ſaid, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand: where, by the Kingdom of Heaven, is meant the Heavenly Coſpel, which open'd and made way to that world that is to come. So, let me tell you, The world to come, is at hand; the world to come, is the world to be; this preſent world, ere long, will not be. It is near parting with us, and vve ſhould be ſo vvith p. 72it. Eternity is at hand, and vve live upon the borders of it. This vvorld hath not long to be, nor vve long to be in it: vvhen ye go out of it, ye enter upon Eternity; you go to an Eternal VVorld, vvhere you muſt have an Eternal Being. Now compare theſe tvvo vvorlds together upon all theſe accounts, and judg rationally which is moſt vvorthy of your conformity.

Thus for the firſt Direction.

2. Direction. That you may be Nonconformiſts to this vvorld, compare together the conſequences of a Conformity and a Nonconformity to the vvorld. Compare together the conveniences and inconveniences, the advantages and diſadvantages, the gain and the loſs, that you have by conforming and not conforming to this vvorld. So here are two things to be done:

1. To conſider, VVhat you vvill gain by being Conformiſts to the vvorld.

2. What you will loſe by not conforming to the vvorld.

1. Conſider, vvhat you vvilt gain by p. 73conforming to the world. All you gain, amounts but to this, The World's good-will, and the World's good-word. If you-be a Conformiſt to the world, you ſhall have the love, and favour, and affection of the world; you ſhall be hugg'd in her boſome, you ſhall ſit in her lap, you ſhall be accounted her Darlings, when others ſhall be but her Out-caſts; you ſhall be high in the world's eſteem; the men of the world will ſpeak well of you living, and (perhaps) well of you when you are dead! They will ſpeak what a loſs they have, what an honeſt man is gone. This is the moſt (for ought I ſee) a man gains by a conformity to this world, To have the men of the world's good-will and good-word; whereby a man enjoys ſome outward peace, and quietneſs, and freedom from trouble; that (as the Pſalmiſt ſpeaks) he comes not in trouble like other men. And, beſides all this, it may be he is made partaker of ſome of the world's Promotions and Preferments. This is the ſum of vvhat a man gains by being a Conformiſt to this world.

2. Conſider, What a man loſeth by a Conformity to this world. So conſider what that loſs amounts to.

p. 741. A loſs of inward peace. That man can have no true peace in his own ſpirit, that walks by a Rule that is deſtructive to his own ſoul, Iſa. 57. 27. There is no peace, ſaith my God, to the wicked. And if no peace to the wicked, then what peace can there be to thoſe that conform to this world? Conformity to the world may give a man ſome outward peace; but it can never give a man that peace that is true peace, which is peace within, which is the peace of God and not of the world, a peace paſſing underſtanding.

2. Such as conform to the world, loſe the favour of God. He that makes himſelf a Favourite of the world, makes himſelf one whom God looks upon as an Enemy: Jam. 4. 4. The friendſhip of the world is enmity with God. He that is a friend to the ſinful courſes, faſhions, manners, and ways of the world, is a profeſſed enemy to God, and God profeſſeth himſelf an enemy to him. How ſhall God love and affect, favour and delight in that man, who forſakes thoſe rules and ways that he hath preſcribed him to walk in, and to conform to thoſe patterns and examples which he hath propoſed to him to p. 75imitate; to cloſe with thoſe ways, and to follow thoſe examples which he hath flatly forbid us to walk in, and to conform to? So that every Conformiſt to the world is ſuch a perſon as loſeth the favour of God.

Now come and compare this gain and loſs together.

1. The gaining of outward, and the loſs of inward peace; and tell me, What ſhall it profit a man to gain worldly peace, and loſe inward and ſpiritual peace? It's peace in the ſoul and ſpirit, that is the true peace. Chriſt told his, That in him they ſhould have peace, when yet in the world they ſhould have affliction. It is not peace from trouble, but peace in trouble; peace within, when there is trouble without, that is true peace. A man's greateſt trouble, is trouble within, when it is in his own ſpirit: Prov. 18. 14. The ſpirit will ſuſtain his infirmities; but a wounded ſpirit, who can bear? There are the lending-parts, and the borrowing-parts, in the body. If the lending-parts, as the heart, and brain, &c. be wounded; the borrowing-parts, viz. hand, or foot, cannot relieve them: but if the borrowing-parts be wounded, the p. 76lending-parts can relieve them. A quiet and a peaceable Spirit and Conſcience, relieves againſt all outward troubles, and helps a man to ſuſtain all his outward infirmities: But if there be trouble in the ſpirit, outward peace and proſperity cannot relieve that. Let the Winds be never ſo high and bluſtring, yet they cannot make an Earth-quake; but it's wind gotten into the inwards and bowels of the earth, that cauſeth that. It is not trouble without, that can trouble us, while there is peace within; no more than Hail-ſtones ratling on the Tiles of the Houſe, can hurt us, while we are at a Feaſt in a dry and warm Houſe. Alas! what is outward peace without inward! Peace without, when there is trouble within, can give no peace to the ſpirit; it reacheth not the leadingpart. The Earth may as ſoon give light to the Sun, and a Tempeſt give reſt to the Sea, as outward and worldly peace can give reſt to a wounded ſpirit. What comfort is there in a man's being aſſured of freedom from the World's perſecutions, and to be under the apprehenſion of the purſuits of Eternal Wrath? Now compare theſe two together, the loſs of worldly and inward p. 77peace, and then conſider what you gain by having peace without, and loſing peace within.

2. Compare together the gaining of the world's favour, and the loſing of the favour of God, and ſee what it will profit to be the world's Favourite, and God's Enemy. To have the world ſpeak well of you, and to have the Lord ſpeak againſt you. To have the world well pleaſed with us, and to lye uuder the diſpleaſure of an Almighty God. To be the World's Darlings, and God's Out-caſts. To be the World's choſen ones, and to be God's Reprobates. To have the world commend us, and God condemn us? Surely, thoſe that have a kindneſs for the World's Favours, do little know or conſider what the Favour of God is, which they loſe by gaining that. They little think, that in his favour is life; and, that his favour is better than life. That it is his … that makes Heaven; and his Wrath and Diſpleaſure that makes Hell. Now compare this gain of the World's Favour, with the loſs of the Favour of God, and ſee what reaſon you have to conform to the World.

p. 782. Conſider what you loſe, and what you gain, by not conforming to this world; and compare thoſe two together, and ſee which doth preponderate.

1. Conſider what is the loſs of not conforming to the world. I have ſpoken ſomething to this before, and ſhall be brief in it here. All the loſs amounts but to ſomething that is only outward and temporal, viz. Credit, a good report from the world, a good repute with the world, worldly peace, freedom from the world's troubles and perſecutions, the World's Favour, and its Preferments. The higheſt it can amount to, is but loſs of Eſtate, loſs of Liberty, loſs of Life. This is the ſum of what a man loſeth by not complying with, and not conforming to the world.

2. Next, conſider what a man ſhall gain by not conforming to the world. This is the great thing every one is apt to enquire after, If I do ſo, what ſhall I get by it? As Peter ſaid, Maſter, we have left all and followed thee; What ſhall we have? So, if any ſhall ſay, We indeed hear that it is our duty to be Nonconformiſts to▪ the World; and we know, ſuch a Nonconformity is attended with many diſadvantages; p. 79and we would gladly know what advantages do attend ſuch a Nonconformity; and whether they over-weigh the diſadvantages? To ſatisfie ſuch, conſider what ſuch a one gains who is a Nonconformiſt to the World.

1. He gains the love, and eſteem, and good report of thoſe that are godly, and that are really ſo. Chriſt hath ſome choſen precious ones in the World, redeemed from the World, that are not of the world, whoſe Names are written in Heaven, who are Virgins, (i.e.) who are not defiled nor ſpotted with the World's corruptions and pollutions; you have a deſcription of them, Rev. 14. 4, &c. ſuch as vvalk in the ſteps of Chriſt here, and ſhall vvalk vvith Chriſt in vvhite hereafter. Novv conſider, Your not conforming to the World, vvill gain the good report of theſe. What the Apoſtle ſaith, (Heb. 11. 2. By faith the Elders obtained a good report) may I ſay, By this Nonconformity you vvill obtain a good report from thoſe that are truly and ſincerely good. Novv compare this gain vvith the fore-mentioned loſs: What is it to loſe the good vvord of a Drunkard, a Swearer, a filthy wicked prophane perſon, p. 80and to be vvell reported of by thoſe that are holy and pious? Let me tell you, Next to God's Approbation, the Approbation of thoſe that are godly, is moſt deſirable. What comfort vvill this give a man upon his dying-bed, that all the Drunkards and Prophane perſons in the Countrey, commend him, and ſpeak vvell of him? Our Saviour ſaid, Wo to you when all men ſhall ſpeak well of you: and ſurely then, Wo to that man of vvhom none can ſpeak vvell, but only ſuch as are vvicked.

2. By not conforming to the World, you vvill not only gain a good report from godly men, but alſo from God himſelf: let me tell you, They are ſuch as God makes high account of, whom Jeſus Chriſt highly priſeth, and vvhom the Angels in Heaven rejoice over. Look but into Scripture, and ſee hovv highly God commends thoſe vvho are Nonconformiſts to the men of their generation: The Apoſtle (in Heb. 11.) ſpeaks of the Faith of the holy men of old, as Enoch, of vvhom it's ſaid, he walked with God; and of Noah, who by building the Ark upon the vvarning he had from God, condemned the World. Let me tell you vvhat the Apoſtle ſpeaks of all them there p. 81in relation to their Faith, we may ſpeak of them in relation to their Nonconformity to the world; that, as the Apoſtle ſaith, v. 2▪ by Faith they obtained a good report; ſo, by their Nonconformity to the world. What was Enoch, but a Nonconformiſt? What was Noah, but a Nonconformiſt to the men of his generation? What were Abraham, and Iſaac, and Jacob, but Nonconformiſts to the world, when it is expreſly ſaid of them, v. 13. that they confeſſed that they were ſtrangers and pilgrims on the earth; that they did look after a better Countrey, (i.e.) a heavenly one? What was Moſes but a Nonconformiſt to this World, who refuſed to be called the ſon of Pharoah's daughter; who choſe rather to ſuffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleaſures of ſin for a ſeaſon; who eſteemed the reproach of Chriſt greater riches than the treaſures of Egypt? This is an eminent and high demonſtration of his Nonconformity to the World. And ſo I might ſpeak of the reſt, who were all perſons of whom the world was not worthy; who obtained a good report from God; and of whom we may ſay as the Apoſtle doth, (Heb. 11. 13.) All theſe dyed in faith: So p. 82all theſe lived and dyed Nonconformists to the World. How highly and honourably doth the Lord (in Scripture) ſpeak of theſe Nonconformiſts? Non doubt but the men of their generation looked upon them as men ſingular, factious, humorous, as ſuch that delighted to be unlike their Neighbours. But the Lord ſpeaks of them as excellent, and precious, and ſuch of whom the World was not worthy. Now compare theſe together, and ſee whether is better, To be well reported of by the World, or to be well reported of by God? What though the World account ſuch preciſe Fools, if the Lord call ſuch the only wiſe in the world? It is not whom the World commends, but whom God commends, that are praiſe-worthy indeed. Moſes, in the bleſſing of Joſeph, Deut. 33. 16. he wiſheth to him the good-will of him that dwelt in the buſh. To have the good-will and the good-word of God, is that that is moſt deſirable in this life.

3. That you may be Nonconformiſts to this World, Be much in comparing together Rules and Patterns, Thoſe of the Word, and thoſe of the World. Take a p. 83view of both, and then conſider theſe three things.

Firſt, Which are most worthy your conformity.

Secondly, To which you are moſt obliged and engaged to conform.

Thirdly, By your conformity to which, you ſhall moſt benefit and advantage your ſelves.

Firſt, Conſider, whether the Rules and Examples of the Word, or of the World, be moſt worthy of your conformity. So conſider,

1. What the World's Rules, and Commands, and Preſcriptions are. You will find them to be all corrupt, erroneous, baſe, unclean, unholy. And you will find its Examples ſuch likewiſe: The Rules it hath, by which it doth and acts things, and by which it judgeth of things, are all naught. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean, ſaith Job? And how can a filthy and unclean World, preſcribe Rules that are otherwiſe? Take a ſurvey of its Rules; 1. For judging of things; It makes this one of its great Rules by which it p. 84judgeth of things, Whether they be Good or Evil, by the ſuitableneſs or unſuitableneſs there is in them, to ſinful fleſh, and corrupt nature. I might name many other Rules of the like nature; but for brevity's ſake I omit them. 2. For its Rules for practice, they are ſinful and corrupt too. I ſhall name you ſome, (viz.) To do as the moſt do, is one Rule. To do as the greatest do, is another Rule. To do as our Anceſtors and Fore-fathers did, (who lived in dark and corrupt times) is another Rule. To do what reſpects our outward eaſe, and credit, and quiet, in this world, that we may ſleep in a whole skin, is another Rule. In a word, To do what is good in our own eyes, and to do what tends to the pleaſing and gratifying of our luſts, is another Rule. I might name more; but let theſe ſuffice.

Next, for the World's Patterns and Examples, take a view of them: You will find them all corrupt and naught. If you look with a right eye upon them, you will find they all have ugly, baſe, ſinful inſcriptions on them; as of Prophaneneſs, Drunkenneſs, Swearing, Covetouſneſs, Pride, Luxury, Uncleanneſs, and of all Ungodlineſs, Atheiſm, Indifferency in Religion, p. 85Lukewarmneſs, Denying the power of Godlineſs, &c. Such are the World's Examples. And ſo I have ſhew'd you what the World's Rules for judging and practice, are; and what its Patterns and Examples are, All naught.

2. Now I ſhall come to ſhew you, what the Rules and Examples of the Word are, that ſo upon comparing them together, you may ſee which are moſt worthy of your conformity. As for the Rules of the Word, they are holy, they are pure, they are perfect; ſo are all the Rules of the Word, both for judging of things, and for practice.

1. For the Rules preſcribed us in the Word, they are all pure: I might name many; but among others, take theſe three.

1. The VVord teacheth us to judg of things as God judgeth of them, whoſe judgment is according to truth; the judgment of the VVorld is according to appearance and corrupt phantaſie.

2. The Word teacheth us to judg of things as they have relation to the Soul. That, that is good which is good for the Soul, which tends to the making of p. 86us more Holy and Heavenly.

3. The Word teacheth us to judg of things to be good or evil, as they relate to a man's future and eternal ſtate. So, thoſe things to be good, that concern a man's eternal well being; and thoſe things to be evil, that relate to eternal miſery.

Thus for the Rules of judging of things.

Next, for the Rules of Practice, I ſhall name ſome (of many) to you; you will find them all holy and pure.

1. Is this; Doing what pleaſeth God, not what pleaſeth men. Pleaſing God, whom ever we diſpleaſe. This is a Rule in the Word, for practice; it telleth us, We ſhould not be the ſervants of men, to pleaſe their ſinful humours, and luſts, and fancies.

2. To do as the beſt do, and not as the moſt do: where, by [beſt] we mean not the beſt of the Pariſh, who are accounted ſo for their Riches, and Lands, and Poſſeſſions; but the best in reſpect of Godlineſs and Holineſs.

3. In all things we do, to prefer ſuffering before ſinning. To chuſe Affliction rather than Sin. It gives us to conſider, that p. 87the leaſt evil of Sin, hath more evil in it than the greateſt evil of Suffering.

4. In all we do, to reſpect more inward, than outward peace. To regard (moſt) peace in our own Spirits and Conſciences. To remember what the Martyr ſaid, There were no Stocks to the Stocks of an evil Conſcience. To have a care to preſerve the Bird in our boſome.

5. Doing good, and avoiding evil, though with diſadvantage to our ſelves, when the good concerns eternal life, and the diſadvantage only this life.

Thus for ſome of the Rules for practice.

Next, for the Patterns and Examples that the VVord of God holds out to us. You will find them all holy, having the Inſcriptions of Heaven and Holineſs on them. So it propounds to us, for our imitation, the Examples, (Firſt) Of Jeſus Chriſt. Secondly, Of Holy men, and ſuch as were Followers of Jeſus Chriſt.

1. Of Jeſus Chriſt So it holds him out to us as our great Pattern to imitate. It ſhews us the ſteps of his Humility, Meekneſs, Patience, Obedience, Holineſs, Heavenlineſs-

2. It holds out to us the Examples of Holy men, for our imitation, more famous p. 88in their Generation than others, for their Faith, Piety, Patience, Holineſs, Zeal, Heb. 6. 12: Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promiſes. Conſider, the Scripture propounds to us for our example, ſuch as inherit the Promiſes of God; the VVorld propounds ſuch as inherit the Threatnings of God. The Word propounds to us for our examples, ſuch as now are in Heaven. The VVorld propounds ſuch, who (for ought we know) are either in Hell, or in the road-way to Hell. Now, Chriſtians, I have given you a brief ſpecimen and view of the VVorld's Rules and Examples, and of thoſe of the VVord; and now compare them together, and judg which are moſt worthy of your conformity. Upon your comparing them together, you will find the reſult to be this.

1. That the Rules and Examples of the VVord are more high, and noble, and excellent, than thoſe of the VVorld: The VVorld's Rules and Examples are low and baſe; and a Chriſtian debaſeth himſelf in conforming to them; they are below a Chriſtian's Calling, they are below a Chriſtian's Spirit, they are below a Chriſtian's p. 89Profeſſion, they are below a Chriſtian's Hope and Expectation; and ſo muſt needs be too low for his conformity and imitation. Man is an excellent Creature, he was made a little lower than the Angels; ſo that (next to the Angels) he is the moſt noble of Creatures. And God, that gave Man a noble Being, gave him alſo a noble Rule to live and walk by. As God made not man to be his own End, neither did he make him to be his own Rule. From whom he received his Being, he was to receive his Rule. His Rule was, the Will and Law of his Creator; and herein ſtood his excellency, in conforming to that Rule. When man conformed to another Rule, he loſt his excellency. God made man upright, but (as Solomon ſaith) they have found out many inventions. So, God made Man excellent; but having found out other Rules to conform to, than thoſe of his Creator, they have loſt their excellency. There was a high and noble Rule, for a high and noble Creature; and that Rule is, the Rule of the Word, which contains the revealed Will of the Creator.

2. You will find this, upon comparing them together, That the Rules and Examples p. 90of the Word are more pure and holy, than thoſe of the World. Conſider what is ſaid of the Word of God, and what is ſaid of the World: Of the Word of God the Scripture ſaith, it is pure, very pure, as Gold tryed in the fire ſeven times. Of the World it's ſaid, that it is ſinful, evil, and that it lieth in wickedneſs. Now, as the Word is, ſo are its Rules; and as the World is, ſo are its: A pure Word hath pure Rules; and an impure VVorld muſt needs preſcribe impure Rules. The higher things are, the purer they are. VVhat is Purity, but a freeneſs from all Contagion, and touch of inferior things? That Gold is impure, that is mixed with droſs; and that Face and Garment is defiled, that is ſpotted with dirt. Conſider, things are pure ex contactu ſuperiorum: the higher they are, and the more heavenly, the more pure. And things are impure ex contactu inferiorum; the lower things are, the more impure. Now, upon this account, the Rules and Precepts of the VVord moſt needs be the pureſt, becauſe they are muſt high, holy, heavenly. There is no ſcoria, no droſs at all in them. And as for the Examples of the VVord, they are holy and heavenly p. 91ones, that are propounded to us for our conformity and imitation.

Obj. It's true, ſome may here except againſt the Examples, and ſay, What, was there no droſs in them? Had not the beſt Saints their failings and corruptions? Were they perfectly pure, without ſtain or blemiſh?

Anſ. To this we anſwer: That the Examples and Patterns that the VVord of God holds out to us for our imitation, are (as I told you before) of two ſorts: thoſe

1. Of Jeſus Chriſt.

2. Of Holy men.

1. The Example of Jeſus Chriſt Now his Example is without, and beyond all exception; it is perfectly pure. He hath left us his ſteps to tread in; and upon view of them it wil never be found that he trod one ſtep awry. He did no ſin, neither was guile found in his mouth. He made this challenge to his moſt bitter and obſerving Adverſaries, Which of you convinceth me of ſin? He was Jeſus Chriſt the righteous.

p. 922. As for the Examples of Holy men, againſt whom the Objection moſt lieth, and of whom it muſt be confeſſed, that they had their impurities; yet concerning them, there is this to be ſaid.

1. That though they had their impurities, yet they had their purity, (i.e.) ſomething that was precious and excellent. They were Gold, though there were ſome droſs mixed with it: ſo that (comparatively) we may ſay they were pure. The Examples of the VVorld are altogether impure; they are all droſs, and no Gold mixed with them. They are altogether corrupt, and have nothing of holineſs and purity in them.

2. This is to be conſidered, That God in his VVord, propounding to us the Examples of Holy men for our imitation, ſets them out to us to be imitated by us in what was good, not what was evil in them. The holieſt men were in ſome things but men: they had their black, as well as their bright ſide. Now the Scripture ſhews us their black ſide only for our caution; but their bright ſide only for our imitation. In the Scripture we ſee Saints in their Sins, and in their Graces; and it is in their Graces only p. 93that they are held forth to us as Patterns for our imitation. The great Apoſtle himſelf bids them to whom he writes, to be followers of him, as he was of Chriſt. VVe are to eye Chriſt as our chiefeſt Pattern, and to conform to the Examples of others, as they are conformable to Jeſus Chriſt. Particular Saints, had their particular Graces and Excellencies. Thus Abraham was eminent for his Faith, Job for his Patience, Moſes for his Meekneſs, David for his Zeal; and ſo for the reſt. And in theſe, the Scripture propounds them to us as Patterns for our imitation, in their Excellencies, not in their Frailties. Thus the Objection is anſwered. And now conſider what Rules and Examples are worthy of your imitation and conformity.

3dly, You will find this, upon comparing them together, That the Rules and Examples of the VVord, have the greateſt, and beſt, and higheſt approbation; and in this they exceed thoſe of the VVorld; this I ſhall ſhew you in ſome particulars.

1. They are approved of by God himſelf, who is the Beſt and Greateſt. And needs muſt it be ſo, when ſuch Rules are of p. 94own making, and ſuch Examples of his own ſtamping. To theſe God puts his Seal of Approbation: but to thoſe of the VVorld, that of his diſlike and condemnation.

2. They are thoſe Rules and Examples that all that are godly approve of: by their diſſenting from the other, they have teſtified their approbation of theſe. Read but the 119th Pſalm, and ſee how highly David ſpeaks forth his approbation of the Law, and Teſtimonies, and Precepts of God, and how he had choſen the way of God's Precepts. And this godly men have done under the greateſt perſecutions and afflictions; they have then teſtified their high approbation of the ways of God, and have not accepted of deliverance upon condition of complying with the ſinful ways of the VVorld: ſo you read of thoſe ſufferers of old, Heb. 11. what tortures they endured, and all upon the account of Nonconformity to the world.

3. They are thoſe Rules and Examples that will one day be approved of by all, both good and bad. There is a day when even wicked men themſelves will vote for them. It is not much to be regarded what p. 95wicked men now think or ſpeak of them, while they are in their proſperity, and in the hot and eager purſuit of their Luſts. Alas! they are not now themſelves; but there is a day when they will be in cool blood, when they wil be themſelves, when they wil commend the ways of God, and the Examples of thoſe holy ones they once condemned; and wil wiſh they had choſen the way of Abraham, and Iſaac, and Jacob, &c. and not of Cain, and Eſau, and Iſhmael, and ſuch like.

4. You will find this, upon comparing theſe Rules and Examples together, That thoſe of the VVord are the ſafeſt to conform to. In that conformity, there is a ſafety for Eternity. In a conformity to thoſe of the world, there is nothing but danger, they are liable to be condemned with the world; there is no ſafety in thoſe ways, wherein there is no ſalvation to be found. They that live the life of the VVorld, muſt expect to periſh with the VVorld. The Pſalmiſt ſaith (Pſal. 125. 5.) As for ſuch as turn aſide to crooked paths, the Lord will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity, (i.e.) God wil deal with ſuch, as with wicked men. Solomon tells p. 96us, (Prov. 10. 9.) He that walks uprightly walks ſurely. It is a man's conformity to the Rules and Examples of the VVord, that ſpeaks him Upright; and in that lieth his ſafety for Eternity.

5. Upon comparing them, you will find, That a conformity to the Rules and Examples of the VVord, is that that is moſt becoming Chriſtians. VVhat can more become a Chriſtian, than to conform to thoſe Rules and Examples that are moſt Chriſtian and holy.

1. It becomes not a Chriſtian's Calling. He is called from the world, he is called out of the world, he is called to be unlike the world, he is called to be an Heir of another world, he is called to begin Heaven on Earth; to begin it here in Grace, and to enjoy it hereafter in Glory. Now Chriſtians, How doth a conformity to the world agree and ſuit with your Calling? Doth it become a man to wallow in the Mire, becauſe a Hog doth ſo?

2. It is unbecoming a Chriſtian's Profeſſion. As your Calling is, ſo is your Profeſſion, holy. Do but reflect upon your Baptiſmal-Covenant; Is not the VVorld one of thoſe things you promiſe to forſake p. 97and renounce? And if ſo, How can you conform to it? How can you that profeſs your ſelves to be the ſervants of Chriſt, be the ſervants of ſinful men? How can you that profeſs your ſelves to be of the number of thoſe that are redeemed from the world, comply with, and conform to the world?

3. Conformity to the world, is unbecoming the Spirit of a Chriſtian. A Chriſtian is to be one of an excellent and precious Spirit: And what hath an excellent Spirit to do with baſe and low Rules and Examples? Let me tell you, there is a holy Gallantry Chriſtians ſhould have, which ſhould ſet them above ſuch a conformity, with the greateſt diſdain and ſcorn. As it's ſaid of Caleb, (Numb. 14. 24.) He had another Spirit. What have holy Spirits to do with ſinful Rules? And, What have heavenly Spirits to do with worldly and earthly Examples?

6. Upon comparing them together, you will find, That a Conformity to the Rules and Examples of the Word, is moſt Conſolative. There is more comfort in conforming to the Word, than in conforming to the World. What comfort will the p. 98thoughts of your conforming to a ſinful wicked World, give you? when you come to lye on your laſt and dying-beds, What comfort will a conformity to the World reflect? Oh that men would conſider what will give them peace at the laſt! Conſider this you covetous Tradeſmen, that uſe falſe Meaſures and Ballances, and that deal in falſe Wares: the ſaying is, Leight Gains make an heavy Purſe; but take heed they make not an heavy and accuſing Conſcience in the end. It is the way of the World to get gain any way, but never conſider what the iſſue will be, whether it will be comfort and peace at laſt. It was the ſaying of a worthy Judg of this Nation, to his Son when he was a dying, Son, I leave you but a ſmall Eſtate, but it was well gotten. Oh that men could ſay ſo of their Eſtates (whether great or ſmall), That they were well gotten! Let the cunning, covetous, worldly Tradeſman, know, That he may as well rob a man in his Shop, with a mete-Yard, and a pair of Ballances in his hand, as a Thief doth with Sword and Piſtol on the Road; and although they are not alike arraigned at the Barr of Man's Tribunal, yet they will be alike at the Barr of God's p. 99Tribunal. And as for you prophane ones, What comfort will the thoughts of your ſinful pleaſures, delights, and vanities, reflect when you come to dye? What pleaſure will it then be to you, to remember the ſinful jollities and debaucheries of a fore-paſſed life? Know this, that one hour ſpent in communion with God, will yeeld a man more ſolid comfort, than all the days a man hath ſpent in the Tents of wickedneſs. He ſaid it, that had proved it, Pſal. 84. 10. A day in thy Courts, is better than a thouſand, &c. And let me tell you, A day ſpent in ſerving God, and conforming to his Will and Word, doing what is well-pleaſing in his ſight; will yeeld more comfort than a thouſand ſpent in complying with, and conforming to the ſinful faſhions, pleaſures, and examples of the World. Nay, What ſad reflections will the thoughts of ſuch a compliance cauſe? That proud Cardinal Wolſey, when he was caſt out of the favour of his Prince, and was under the apprehenſion of approaching death, ſaid, If I had been as careful of ſerving and pleaſing God, as I have been to ſerve and pleaſe my King; he had not now forſaken me in this my miſery. p. 100And ere long men will wiſh, they had been as careful in conforming to the will of God revealed in his Word, as they have been to the wills of men▪ and ways of the World; and repent of it when its too late.

7. Upon comparing theſe together, you will find, That a conformity to the Rules and Examples of the Word, is a Chriſtian's Wiſdom; and that all Conformiſts to the World, will at the laſt be found but fools, as the Prophet (Jer. 17. 11). ſaith, He that getteth riches, and not by right, at his end ſhall be a fool. Conſider who in the end will be the verieſt fools, Conformiſts, or Nonconformiſts, to the World? Deut. 4. When Moſes had told the men of Iſrael of the Statutes of God, this is one Motive he makes uſe of to preſs them to an obſervation of them, v. 6. This will be your wiſdom in the ſight of the Nations. Let me tell you, A Conformity to the Word, and a Nonconformity to the World, is a Chriſtian's Wiſdom. There is a day coming, when thoſe who now for not conforming to the world, are accounted fools, will not only be pronounced wife, by the teſtimony of God, and Chriſt, p. 101and Angels, but alſo by thoſe that now eſteem and call them Fools. Let me tell you, What is the judgment and opinion of wicked men now concerning Holineſs and Holy ones, will not always be their judgment; they will one day be of another mind. Now, indeed, the wiſdom of God is fooliſhneſs with the world; when, indeed it is the wiſdom of the world that is fooliſhneſs with God. In the Word of God, and the laws and rules which it preſcribes, is ſeen the Wiſdom of God: And thoſe muſt needs be the wiſeſt who conform to thoſe Rules. Conforming to the World's Rules, is conforming to the World's Wiſdom, which indeed is conforming to the World's Wickedneſs; and the wiſeſt of ſuch Conformiſt▪ (except they repent) will ere long call themſelves Fools to all Eternity.

Now, having compared all theſe together, tell me, Whether the Rules and Examples of the Word, or of the World, are moſt worthy of your conformity.

Thus much for the Firſt.

Secondly, We come next to enquire, To which you are moſt obliged and engaged p. 102to conform, To the Word of God, or to the World. And here I ſhall put this Queſtion to you, viz. To whom you owe moſt, whether to God, or the world? So I muſt ask you two things:

1. Which hath done moſt for you?

2. Which can do moſt for you?

1. Which hath done moſt for you, God or the VVorld? To whom owe you your Beings? VVho created you, God or the world? Then tell me, to whom you owe your conformity? To whom owe you your Redemption? Who ſent a Saviour into the world to dye for you; and by that death to purchaſe pardon, and peace, and reconciliation, and eternal ſalvation? To whom do you owe your lives? Who endued your ſouls with life, and hath hitherto held your ſouls in life? Or whoſe Mercies is it, that you have not ere this been conſumed? Is it of the Lord's Mercy, or of the World's? From whom have you had protection and deliverance from dangers? Whoſe Angels are it that have pitch'd their Tents about you, God's, or the World's? From whom do you receive p. 103all your bleſſings, of health, wealth, food, raiment? Is it from God, or the World? See, by this, to which you owe your conformity.

2. Conſider, which can do moſt for you. What can the world do for you? Doth it, or can it bid more for your conformity, than God doth? As Saul ſaid to his Courtiers, when he ſaw they were addicted to David's Party, Can the Son of Jeſſe give you Vineyards, or Olive-yards, &c. So let me ask you, Can the world give you what God can? All that the world can do for you, doth but amount, to what is temporal: But can it give you that which is eternal? Let me tell you, It is ſo far from doing that, that though it can give a man Honour, and Riches, yet it cannot give a man Contentment with them; much leſs can it give inward comfort, and peace, and aſſurance of Eternal Glory and Happineſs. All this, God bids for your conformity to him. And now ſee to which you moſt owe your conformity.

Thirdly, VVe are next to enquire, By which you will be moſt advantaged, whether by a conformity to God, or the p. 104world? To this I have ſpoken largely before, when I ſhew'd you the Gain and Loſs of Conformity and Nonconformity to the world. I ſhall only here put you upon the conſideration of two things:

1. Which promiſeth moſt.

2. Which threatneth moſt.

1. Which promiſeth moſt, the Word or the World: Look over the promiſes of the Word, and tell me, whether the World can promiſe what God in his Word doth? Can it promiſe you, That by conforming to its Statutes and Laws, it ſhall be well with you and your children for ever? The world cannot promiſe you a long and happy life here; much leſs can it promiſe you eternal life and happineſs hereafter.

2. Conſider, which threatneth moſt: whoſe threatnings are moſt dreadful and terrible, thoſe of the Word, or of the World: It's true, the world can thunder out threatnings againſt thoſe that conform not to her: But tell me, Is that Thunder like, in terror, to that thunder we hear in the word, and the threatnings of it, againſt thoſe that conform to a wicked world? p. 105The world can threaten with Bonds and Impriſonments, with Fire and Faggot: But God threatens with Hell, and everlaſting burnings. As the Martyr told the Perſecutor that threatned him with impriſonment, Tu Carcerem, ille Gehennam: Thou threatneſt me with a Priſon, but God threatens me with Hell. Remember the counſel of our Saviour, Matt. 10. 28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the ſoul; but rather fear him which is able to deſtroy both body and ſoul in Hell. And now you have heard all this, conſider ſeriouſly of it, and tell me, whether the world is worthy your conformity; or, whether you are at all engaged to conform to the world; or, whether it will be any advantage to you to conform to the world, and not rather an infinite diſadvantage?

And thus much for the Directions in general; and in theſe Directions are wrap'd up the Motives to move us to be Nonconformiſts to this world.

I ſhall now cloſe all, with giving you ſome particular Directions, as further Means and Helps againſt Conformity to this world: and that briefly.

p. 1061. Conſider your natural inclinations, and remember there is, by nature, in us a ſtrong propenſity to a conformity to the world. The world is a tempting, alluring, bewitching thing, apt to ſteal away our hearts, as Abſalom did the hearts of the men of Iſrael. It will court, invite, and tempt; it will flatter and fawn, to gain a conformity; it hath tempting rules, tempting examples, tempting proffers, and much more, to draw men into a conformity to her. Now, Chriſtians, you had need be watchful in this caſe, upon conſidering in what danger you are, to be deluded by the world; and that upon two accounts.

1. You live among thoſe that are of the world, and therefore apt to be infected by them, as Joſeph was by living in Pharoah's Court; and Peter, by being in the High-Prieſt's Hall. Rivers partake of the nature of the ſoil through which they run; and it is a difficult thing to live in the world, and not to have a taſte of the ſins and corruptions of it.

2. Remember, you have (even the beſt) the remainders of corruption in you. There are the remainders of ſelf, and p. 107ſo a love of worldly Credity, of outward Eaſe, of worldly Enjoyments; and theſe will be as a Byas to the Bowl, which will encline you toward the world, and a conformity to it.

2. That you may be Nonconformiſts to this world, Grow and encreaſe in love to Jeſus Chriſt. The more we love Jeſus Chriſt, the leſs we ſhall love the world. Any ſinful compliance with the world, argues either no love, or litle love to Jeſus Chriſt. Love is the great worker of imitation, as Hatred is of averſation. Thoſe that love Jeſus Chriſt, will live to Jeſus Chriſt; and will be ſuch to whom the world is crucifi'd, and they unto the world: Such will ſay as St. Paul did, To us to live, is Chriſt. Jeſus Chriſt will be the All of their lives; all the Rule; and all the End of their living.

3. That you may be Nonconformiſts to the world, Meditate much of Chriſt's love to you; by that you will come to know, you owe all your conformity to Him, Right thoughts of this, will cauſe the world to be crucified to you, and you to the world; that neither the world p. 108ſhall care for you; not you for it.

4. Remember where Chriſt is: He is no more in this world, in reſpect of his corporal Preſence; he is aſcended into Heaven; he is there preparing Manſions for his: he hath left you ſteps on earth, in which you are to tread and in which you are to follow him, if you deſire to be where he is. So that, this conſidered, a conformity to the world can never conſiſt with a Chriſtian's aims of being with Chriſt hereafter, and to behold, his glory. He now being in Heaven, is drawing the hearts and affections of thoſe up to him, who are to be for ever with him.

5. Be much in ſearching the Scriptures: where you may view, as the Rules you are to walk by, ſo the examples you are to imitate; you will there have Glaſſes, by which you are to dreſs your ſelves: you will there find the pure example of him who was holy, undefiled, without ſpot and blemiſh, viz. Jeſus Chriſt. You will there find the Examples of holy men, who were Nonconformiſts to the men of their generation.

6. Be much in prayer, That God would deliver you from this preſent evil world; p. 109That you may not be led into temptation, but may be delivered from the evil of it. Pray, that God would carry you above the world, and over all the good and evil of it, without being infected or hurt by it.

7. Remember what your condition in this world is. If you profeſs your ſelves Chriſtians, then you profeſs your ſelves to be ſtrangers and pilgrims in the world: and a conformity to this world, cannot conſiſt with ſuch a profeſſion. What have ſtrangers to do with a conformity to that place, through which they paſs only as travellers, and where they lodg only as pilgrims?

8. Remember, you are for Eternity, and that you live upon the borders of it. Think not ſo much where at preſent you are, as where you ſhortly muſt be. In every Conformiſt to this world, there is a forgetfulneſs of Eternity. How can thoſe that think of an Eternal world that is drawing near to them, and they to it, give up themſelves to a conformity to a world that is paſſing away? Remember, Eternity now calls on you, and will ſhortly call for you.

9. Encreaſe in Self-denyal, It is the p. 110ſelf-denying Chriſtian, that is the Nonconforming Chriſtian to the world. Such a Chriſtian will regard neither the world's favours, nor the world's frowns. Such a Chriſtian will ſay as Luther did, I deſpiſe both the world's favour, and the world's fury. The ſelf-denying Chriſtian is one whom the world may both flatter and frown on; but he ſtands like an immovable Rock, not ſhaken by either.

10. Encreaſe in the mortification of your worldly luſts. Not mortifying theſe, hath reduced ſome to a conformity to the world, who ſeemed to have eſcaped the pollutions of it: This was the undoing of Demas, who forſook both his Miniſtry, and the fellowſhip of St. Paul, to embrace this preſent world; and (as ſome are of opinion) became an Idol-Prieſt at Theſſalonica, upon the account of filthy lucre, and worldly gain.

11. Strengthen Faith, whereby you will be ſtrengthened to overcome this preſent evil world. The Apoſtle tells us, (1 John 5. 4.) This is the victory whereby we overcome this world, even our faith. It will make us couragious to out-face a ſinful world. It is the evidence of things not p. 111ſeen, Heb. 11. 1. and will work in us a contempt of the things that are ſeen. It will be the eye, by which, with Moſes, we ſhall ſee him that is Inviſible, and therby keep us from a conforming to a viſible world, upon greateſt temptations, though they be the pleaſures and promotions of a Pharoah's Court. The more faith, the leſs fear; and it is baſe fear and cowardiſe, that often betrays to a ſinful compliance with, and conformity to the world. The more believing Chriſtians are, the leſs conforming they are to this world. To cloſe all, let me mind you of what the Lord ſpeaks to Jeremiah, and that I ſay to all Chriſtians concerning complying with, and conforming to the world, Jer. 15. 19. Therefore thus ſaith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou ſhalt ſtand before me: And if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou ſhalt be as my mouth. Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them.

FINIS.

End of the text · Benjamin Baxter, Non-Conformity Without Controversy (1670)