Dwelling with God, Sermon 8
THE EIGHTH SERMON.
YOu have heard what the Daily Duty is, of all who live and dwell in God, viz. To live by Faith. How faith maintains the Soul in life, and the Apoſtle bidding you to take the Shield of Faith, and to uſe, and move, and mannage it, according to the place, Satan caſting his Darts at you, aimes at, and according to the kindes of his temptations. I ſhall give you a truth, and taſt how faith may be mannaged, and what the ſeveral acts of Faith are, by which the fierceneſs of theſe Darts of Satan may be quenched:
There are ſix Fiery Darts (beſides many others) which Sathan throwes at the Souls of thoſe that dwell in God, whereby he works them much diſquiet and trouble. The firſt and worſt, is concerning the forgiveneſs of ſins. He would and often doth perſwade them, that their ſins are unpardoned, and that God will damn them for their manifold tranſgreſſions, and mighty ſins. The apprehenſion of this fills their Souls with horror, nor can the greatneſs and grievouſneſs of this affliction be expreſſed.
A ſecond is, Concerning their ſpiritual Eſtate, he would make them believe, they are yet in a ſtate of Unregeneracy; and that the Root of the matter is not in them, but that they are but painted Hypocrites.
A third is, Concerning Mortification of Luſts, and Sanctification of Life, neither of which they have attained, and they are afraid they never ſhall.
A fourth is, Fear of Poverty, and temporal Miſery; what will become of them in ſickneſs and old Age, they cannot tell, want coming on them like an Armed Man, this Dart ſets on Fire many Luſts.
A fifth is, Concerning the right uſe of proſperity and adverſity: Satan perſwades them they neither do, nor ever ſhall uſe either rightly.
A ſixth is, Fear of falling away.
Faith rightly mannaged, will blunt the piercing points of all theſe Darts, and take away all the burning Poyſon in them; and ſo repell them, that the Soul ſhall not be hurt at all by them: though until Faith have done, it ſuffer much affliction by each of them.
I ſhall not now undertake to ſhew what be the ſeveral acts of Faith, that have force to overcome theſe ſeveral temptations, but will declare very briefly, what thoſe acts are, whereby Faith ſupports, and ſettles the Soul, and makes it victorious in any trouble or affliction whatſoever, inward or outward, which may be applyed to any of the caſes fore-mentioned.
Qu. What uſe will this Doctrine be to thoſe that are not under any trouble, that have no manner of affliction upon them.
Anſ. There is no Chriſtian thatMat. 6. 34. is at any time of his life free from all affections: no Day comesGen. 47. 9. ſo fair over any godly Man's head, wherein he meets not with ſome matter of grief, yea ſo much, thatPſal. 73. 14. he findes enough ado to ſuſtain and maſter it. Luk. 9. 23.
2. Thoſe that are now free from affliction (may, they know not how ſoon) be hem'd in, compaſſed about, and overwhelmed with variety of afflictions, as Job was, and thereforeGen. 19. 23. ought to live in continual expectation1 Sam. 12. 17. of croſſes and diſtreſſes, publick, domeſtical, perſonal; andPſal. 30. 6, 7. although there are great hopes of peaceable times, yet hopes may bePſal. 27. 1. fruſtrate: our ſins are many andEccl. 11. 8. mighty, which gives us juſt cauſe to fear God's judgments; we haveAmos 6. 3. alſo Enemies many, and politick, and malicious, and the Devil, andEſay 59. 9. his Inſtruments are buſie: but howſoever,2 King. 9. 22. how calm ſoever the publick ſtate may be, yet afflictionsGen. 13. 3. and miſeries may and will ſure15. 16. enough befall thoſe that fear God; If not outward, yet inward. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. … ▪ Chr. 21. 1.And manifold are their infirmitiesPſal. 38. 19 in their afflictions, and therefore they are called by that name. Evils73. 14. will not come the ſooner, becauſe34. 19. expected, but they will fall… Cor. 12. 10. the lighter. And faith is neceſſary… …am. 27. 1. that they may ſo do, it cannot therefore but be neceſſary and profitablePſal. 31. 22. to acquaint you with the acts of Faith, in general at leaſt;17. 13. whereby a Chriſtian Soul may be…. 11. 35, 36. upheld in evil times, againſt allPſal. 71. 3. afflictions and miſeries whatſoever. This grace well acted, will bring56. 3. you under the wing and protection of your God, and ſo free your Hearts from all fear and diſcouragement and diſquiet.
The acts of Faith, effectual to23. 4. 27. 1. 125. 1. 24. 5. 11. this end, are Nine in Number, and in this Order.
The firſt, is an act of Information. Faith informes the Soul of theſe things. Namely, concerning the nature, Author, ends, meaſure, and continuance of the affliction.
1. Concerning the nature or matter of it, that it is humane. There 1 Cor. 10. 13.hath no temptation overtaken you, but ſuch as is common to Man. Let it be what it will, other Men as good, yea better than you, have ſuffered in the ſame kind, drank of the ſame Cup, yea deeper than any1 Cor. 4. 8—14. of you have yet done. Poverty, ſickneſs, reproach, loſs of dear relations,2 Cor. 11. 23. to the end. trouble of mind; Job, and David, and Paul for example, andHeb 11. 30. 39. the Macabee Confeſſors and Martyres.
2. Concerning the Author, that who or whatſoever is the Inſtrument,1 Theſ. 3. 3. God is the Principle Agent. His Decree ordained it, and his actual providence hath inflicted it.
3. Touching the ends God aimesJob 1. 21. Amos 3. 6. 2 Sam. 16. 12. Pſal. 39. 9. 1 Sam. 3. 18. Gen. 42. 21. Luke 15. 17. Deut 8. 2. Pſal. 66. 10. Eſay 1. 25. 27. 9. Zech. 13. 9. 2 Cor. 1. 9. Pſal. 119. 67. Heb. 12. 10, 11. Hoſ. 5 15. Pſal. 78. 34. 1 Cor. 15. 29. Pro. 7. 7. 1 Cor. 11, 32. 2 Cor. 4. 17. Eſay 27. 78. Jer. 46. 28. at in your afflictions. Among others, they are theſe. To bring you to a ſight of your ſins long ſince, or lately committed. To humble and reprove you, to purge and refine you, to work ſelf-denyal in you, to reduce you into the right way, to quicken your devotion: To wean you from the love of the World, and make you long for Heaven. To cauſe you to reliſh mercies and comforts better. To ſave you from Damnation, and to make your Crown of Glory weightier.
4. Touching the meaſure that it ſhall be no more than needs, and no more than you ſhall have ſtrength well to bear. 1 Pet. 1. 6. 1 Cor. 10. 13. All your Enemies ſhall not be able to add one ſcruple more. Job 1. 12. 2. 6.
Wife and loving Parents correct their Children in meaſure, there is no fear that they will break their Bones. Learned and loving Phyſicians have due reſpect, when they adminiſter Doſes to the ſtrength of their Patients. Such a Father and Phyſician is God, and a thouſand times more tender.
5. Touching the continuance ofPſal. 103 9. 125 3. Jer. 3. 12. the affliction incumbent. Faith informes the Soul, that the Dietdrink preſcribed, ſhall be no longer required to be taken, than till health be recovered. That the Plaſter ſhall2 Cor. 4. 17. Hoſ. 6. 1, 2. Pſal. 3. 5. Eſ. 54. 78. 10 25. 57. 16. Mich. 7. 18. lie no longer on the ſore, than till the Cure be wrought; that the Gold be no longer in the Fire, than till the Droſs be conſumed: at longeſt it ſhall be but until Death, and all the ſpace until then, let it be never ſo long, is but a little moment, in reſpect of Eternity; a little Cloud quickly paſſing.
The ſecond, is a quickning excitingLam 3 39, …0. Ez. 9. 6. Pſal. 38. 18. act: Faith excites the Soul, firſt, to make ſearch and ſcrutiny into this affliction. 2. To caſt it ſelf down, in humble acknowledgment of its own deſert, and GodsLam. 3. 42. Job 42. 6 Pſal. 62. 8. 142. 1, 2. 57. 1, 2. 2 Theſ. 14. 11. 2 Cor 12. 8. Pſal. 40. 13. Lam. 3. 55. Job 34. 31, 32. Juſtice accuſing and judging it ſelf, and juſtifying God in his ſharp Diſpenſation. 3. To pour out its complaint to God, and cry for mercy, and pardon of the ſin procuring the Croſs, and for ſanctification and removal of it. 4. To caſt off all purpoſes of falling into ſin again; of giving God any more cauſe to puniſh. 5. To uſe all lawful meanes to get the Croſs removed or mitigated. Joſ. 7. 11. 13—16.
The third, is an employing act:2 Chr. …0. 12. Jer. 3. 23. Pſal 33 16, 17. 127. 1, 2 Eſay 30 7. 31. 3. Hoſ 14. 3. 2 Pet. 2. 9. Eph 3. 26. 2 Chr. 14. 11. Rom 4. 21. Mark. 1. 40. 2 Cor. 12 9. Pſal. 33 18, 19. Rev 3 19. Pſal. 94 12. 122. 9. hear faith ſpeaking thus, We have no might, neither know we what to do. It cauſeth the Soul to renounce its own wiſdome, ſtrength, and all confidence in the Creature, draws the heart from carnal repoſe in means or friends.
The fourth, is an act of diſcovery, it diſcovers to the Soul that ſees no help any where elſe, all-ſufficiency of help in God. All-ſufficiency of wiſdome, power, grace, mercy, truth, and love; and it diſcovers71. 17. 2 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Cor. 1. 10. alſo the manner of God's dealing, which uſually is to grant deliverance, and ſend help then, when to ſenſe and reaſon it is furtheſt off. Deut. 32. 36. Jer. 30. 12—18. Pſal. 142. 6. It looks alſo back upon former favours, which are as Bills obligatory of future good things, even all that God ſees neceſſary. That which God hath once done, for any of his in ſuſtaining, relieving, and delivering them; He will do over and over again for them, if they inforce themſelves towards him.
The fifth, is a meekening act:Pro. 3. 11. Pſal. 62. 1, 5. Mich. 7. 9. 2 Sam. 15. 26. Pſal. 131. 2. 38. 14, 15. Faith makes the heart willing to ſubmit it ſelf to the good pleaſure of God, and patiently, and gently to bear his corrections. And the conſiderations, whereby Faith moves and prevailes with the ſoul to carry it ſelf meekly under Gods hand, are ſuch as theſe, firſt, from the deſert of ſin: you have merited all this, and much more, and are puniſhed beneath your iniquities.Ezr. 9. 13. Job 11. 6. Mich. 7. 9. Joh. 18. 11. Rom. 8. 29. Eſ 53. 3. Heb. 11. 25. 26. Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2. From the hand that layes this Rod upon the back: It is a Fatherly one that gives you this bitter Cup. 3. From his predeſtinating you to be conformable to the Image of his Son, who was a Man of ſorrows, acquainted with griefs. 4. From the recompence of reward, which is infinitely heavier than your ſufferings.
The ſixth, is an act of remembrance.Eſ. 63 15. Exo. 2. 25. Gen 31. 12. Rev. 2. 9. Pſal. 31. 7. Pſal. 119. 50. 46. 1. 91. 15. 99 37, 39. Eſ. 41. 10, 14. 43. 2. 49. 13, 14. Pſal. 34. 19. Job 5. 18. 19, 20. Pſal. 94. 12, 13. 33. 18, 19. 91. 14, 15. Jer. 29. 11. Jam 1. 12 Pſal. 73. 24. It cauſeth the ſoul to call to mind thoſe ſweet and gracious promiſes God hath made in his Word, to his People in their afflictions. 1. That he will look down from Heaven in mercy, and caſt a gracious aſpect upon them. 2. That he will be with them, to ſupport and comfort them in their troubles. 3. That he will deliver them out of trouble. 4. After they have ſuffered a while, eſtabliſh, ſtrengthen them, and then receive them to Glory, where they ſhall never ſuffer more, but in his preſence have fulneſs of joy, and at his right hand, pleaſures that ſhall pleaſe for ever more.
A ſeventh, is an act of recumbency,Eſ. 30 15. 50. 10. Pſal. 31. 5. 112. 7. Cant. 2. 14. 8. 5. Pſal. 71. 20. Iob 13. 15. Heb. 11 11. a reſting, rolling, relying act, caſting the Soul upon God, and ſtaying there, claſping, a deſiring, depending, committing it ſelf to divine providence, with aſſured truſt and confidence, that all ſhall be well, becauſe all ſhall end well, though ſenſe and reaſon ſay never ſo much to the contrary; this confidence doth as it were oblige, and bind the Lord to do his People good. Pſal. 37. 40. 57. 1. & 147. 8, 9. Eſ. 26. 3. Jer. 39. 18.
The eighth, is an act of expectation,Pſal. 85. 9. Eſa. 8. 17. 30. 8. & 28. 16. & 40. 31. waiting for comfort and deliverance, referring both time, and meanes, and manner unto God.
The nineth and laſt, is an actJam. 1. 2. Heb. 12. 11. Rom. 8. 28. 37, 38, 39. of rejoycing and triumphing: the former it doth, becauſe it feels the Phyſick to work kindly, and the latter in aſſurance of a bleſſed iſſue.
There are beſides theſe many ſeveral Laws, which you that dwell in God are bound to obſerve continually. A few of them I ſhall commend unto your practice, you muſt be alway watching, alway working, alway rejoycing, and alway praying, and alway giving thanks, and alway ready to remove out of the lower Rooms, wherein you live into higher, whither you ſhall hear a voice ſaying, come up hither.
Every one in this Houſe muſt be ever-more working, watching. They ought not to ſleep at any time: Ye Brethren are all the Children of 1 Theſ. 5. 5, 6.the Light, and the Children of the Day; we are not of the Night, nor of Darkneſs, therefore let us not ſleep as do others. There is a twofoldPſal. 77 4. waking, literal and metaphorical; the former is ſometimes a puniſhment. Thou holdeſt mine Eyes waking. It is alwayes a duty to with-hold your Eyes from immoderate and unſeaſonable ſleep. How Pro. 6. 9, 10.long will thou ſleep, O ſluggard, when wilt thou ariſe out of thy ſleep! yet a little ſleep, a little ſlumber, a little folding of the hands to ſleep. Too many Chriſtians willingly ſuffer this Thief to ſteal away the beſt, and feed upon the very fat of their time; which are a ſhame to the Houſe they live in. It was thought in Auſtin's time to be an undecent thing, for a Chriſtian at any time of the Year to have the Sun beames finde him in Bed. How early every Morning was David upPſal. 5. 3. at his Devotions! My Voice ſhalt thou hear in the Morning, O Lord. In the Morning will I direct my Prayer unto thee. Awake up my Glory, awake Pſaltery and Harp. I my ſelf will awake early; yea, 57. 8.mine Eyes prevent the Night Watches, that I might meditate on thy Word. I have awaked of my ſelf in the Night, before I have been119. 148. called upon by the Watchmen, who give warning of the ſeaſons of the Night. Yea, at Mid-night will I ariſe to give thanks unto thee. This was ordinary for the Servants of62. this Houſe to do their Maſter ſervice, as well by Night as Day. Behold, bleſs ye the Lord, all ye 134. 1.Servants of the Lord, which by Night stand in the Houſe of the Lord. Nothing was more ordinary in Primitive times, in the Houſe of godly great Men, than to have Vigils. Paul ſays of himſelf, that he2 Cor. 11. 27. was oft in voluntary faſtings, which he undertook, to fit himſelf the better for Supplications and Prayer. So oft in ſuch Watchings. It's ſaidLuke 6. 12. of our bleſſed Saviour, that He Joel 1: 13.continued all Night in Prayer to God. Come lye all Night in Sackcloth ye Miniſters of my God. David faſted and went in, and lay all Night upon the Earth. This2 Sam. 12. 16. was extraordinary literal watching for ſpiritual ends, and for our imitation upon like occaſions; time allow'd to ſpend in ſleep, muſt ſometimes be ſet apart for religious Duties. And every Night of of our life when we are awake, we muſt take care to ſpend piouſly; …is the Character of a godly Man. His delight is in the Law of the Pſal. 1. 2.Lord, and in that Law doth he meditate, Day and Night. When 63. 6.I remember Thee upon my Bed, and meditate on Thee in the Night Watches. With my Soul have I deſired Eſa. 26. 9.Thee in the Night. Stand in Pſal. 4. 4.awe and ſin not, commune with your own Heart upon your Bed. But it is the latter wakeing and watching, which the Apoſtle chiefly intends, when he ſaith, let us not ſleep as do others, that is, through careleſneſs, ſlacking, giving over acts of faith and piety, or doing them liſtleſly, or perfunctorily, ſluggiſhly, or by being lull'd aſleep, and over-burthened by worldly deſires, cares, or pleaſures; 'tis an heedful obſervation of our ſelves in all things, and a ſerious, careful, and diligent circumſpection, over all our thoughts, words and ways, that we may pleaſe God by doing his will, and neither commit any ſin, nor omit any duty. This Chriſtian heedfulneſs is very frequentlyDeut. 4. 9. and earneſtly urged upon God's People, no duty more. Take heed 23.to thy ſelf, and keep thy Soul diligently, take heed unto your ſelves leſt ye forget the Covenant, take Joſ. 22. 5.diligent heed to do the Commandment and the Law, take heed then Eph. 5. 15.that ye walk circumſpectly, not as fools, but as wiſe. Watch ye therefore, Mark 13. 35.for ye know not when the 36. 37.Maſter of the Houſe cometh, at Evening, or at Mid-night, or at the Cock crowing, or in the Morning, leſt coming ſuddenly, he finde you ſleeping: and what I ſay unto you, I ſay unto all, Watch. This watchfulneſs muſt be in all things, what Saint Paul ſaith unto Timothy (who was as all Goſpel-Miniſters ſhould be, religious, faithful Watch-men, warning their People of ſpiritual dangers and enemies, as God's Prophets of old were; ſomewere thenEzech. 3. 17. Eſay 52. 8. 56. 10. as too many are now, careleſs Guids, Watch-men in Name, but not in truth, wretched or rather wretchleſs, and ſcarce Watch-men) he ſaith to every private Chriſtian. Watch thou in all things, Evil, civil,2 Tim. 4. 5. good. Take heed how ye hear, Mat. 6. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 31.read, pray, give Almes; How you do the works of your particular Calling, and even natural actions, eat, drink, play: and watch over all the powers and parts both of your Souls and Bodies, your outward Senſes, Eyes, and Eares, and taſt, and touch, Job 31. 1. Mat. 5. 28. Pſal. 119. 37. Eſay 33. 15. Pro. 23. 1, 2, 3. Your Tongues eſpecially. Pſal. 39. 1. 37. 30. Pro. 15. 4. 7. 23. 18. 20. 25. 11. 1 Cor. 15. 31. Jam. 3. 2. Mat. 12. 34-38. Pſal. 45. 1. Eph. 4. 29. Col. 4. 6. But above all, your hearts muſt be watched over. Pro. 4. 23. Heb. 3. 12. And you muſt watch eſpecially againſt thoſe ſins that are moſt dangerous, and whereto you are naturally moſt inclined, Luk. 3. 12, 13, 14. 12. 15. The Pathes of your Feet muſt alſo be pondered, Pro. 4. 26. And this muſt be in all places, and at all times, all the days of your lives. Deut. 4. 9. Nor muſt you only watch over your ſelves, but over your Brethren alſo. Heb. 10. 24. 3. 13. Gen. 4. 9. Lev. 19. 17. A great many reaſons may quicken you to this duty, beſides the many Precepts that preſs it, in reference to your ſelves. 1. The eſtate and condition wherein you ſtand. 1. You are weak at beſt, full of infirmities. Mat. 26. 41. As they that have weak ſickly Bodies obſerve a ſtrickt Dyet, ſo ſhould you much more be careful and fearful, whoſe Souls are ſo. 1 Cor. 10. 12. Phil. 2. 12. Pro. 28. 14. 2. You are naturally drowſie, and therefore had need to do as the Nightingal, that is ſaid to ſet her Breſt againſt a Thorn, to keep her ſelf from ſleeping. Mat. 25. 5. Cant. 5. 2. Eph. 5. 14. The wiſe as well as fooliſh Virgins ſlept: your hearts are naturally wicked, and deceitful, and deſperatly wicked. Jer. 17. 10. Pſal. 18. 57. Deut. 11. 16. Heb. 3. 12. 1. You are extreamly apt to relapſe into your former condition. Rev. 2. 5. Mat. 12. 45. 2 Pet. 2. 21, 22. 2. You have many mighty, and ſubtile, and malicious, and dangerous enemies. Eph. 16. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 3. Great are the benefits of this continual watchfulneſs. You will hereby tame your Fleſh. The wildeſt Beaſts are tamed by watching. This will be a great furtherance to your Prayers, and hereby you will be kept from being foiled by temptations. Mat. 26. 41. 4. Great is the danger of neglecting this one Moment. There is no ſin but may be ſowne in you, while you ſleep. Mat. 13. 24. witneſs David, 2 Sam. 11. and ſo you hazard your ſalvation. Means enabling you to the performance of this duty, are, 1. Sobriety in the uſe of lawful things. 1 Pet. 1. 7, 8. 1 Theſ. 5. 5, 6. Luke 21. 34. 2. Filial fear of God, Pro. 14. 16. Rom. 14. 16. 16. 6. Pſal. 4. 4. 130. 4. Gen. 20. 11. Pſal. 36. 1. Jer. 32. 42. 3. Remembrance of God's Judgments. Mat. 24. 37, 38—42. Eſ. 47. 8, 9. Rev. 3. 3. Luke. 21. 34, 35, &c. 1 Cor. 10. 15. 12. eſpecially of the laſt Judgment. 2. Cor. 5. 10. There are other notable helps. Viz. Growing in knowledge: a blind Man is unfit to make a Watch-man. A ſpirit of miſtruſt-fulneſs: a Maſter that miſtruſts a Servant will watch to catch him. Living under a powerful Miniſtry: a Trumpet continually ſounding is a good meanes to keep a Man from ſleeping. Deſiring Friends to admoniſh you when ever you nod: They that are inclined to ſleep mortally, are deſirous that others ſhould pinch them, to keep them waking. Sobriety and temperance in eating and drinking. A Drunkard will make an ill Watch-man. If you will know what are the ſigns of a truly watchful Chriſtian, they are ſuch as theſe. He diſcovers the ſecret windings and turnings of his own heart, the leaſt ſtirring there, and much more if the Fire of any Luſt begin to kindle there. If there be any Fray there, he preſently ſtifles it. And if need be, he calls for help. If any good news comes he takes preſent notice of it, and makes it known. Pſal. 66. 16. No bleſſing of God towards himſelf, or the Church, that he does not take thankful notice of. If there be Lightning, or Thunder, or any dreadful Apparition of God's judgment, he trembles at it, loves and delights in the Morning light. And for that reaſon feares not Death,Cant. 5. 2. the immediate antecedent of it.
Qu. Are all of God's holy houſhold alway thus waking and watching.
Anſ. The Holy Spouſe of Chriſt acknowledgeth, that there was a time when ſhe ſlept, having eaten and drank largely of her heavenly Husbands bleſſings. She began to remit her Zeal, and neglect the works of Faith and Love. Wanting the pretence of her Husband, and being preſſed with the remnants of the Fleſh, ſhe gave Eare to carnal eaſe and ſecurity; occaſioned further hereunto by the time of the Night, and by the weather which was Rainy; that is, by ignorance and errour prevailing, and by the oppoſition and perſecution of Enemies. Her ſleep was neither that dead ſleep, that all Men are in by nature, nor that judicial ſleep, the ſpirit of ſlumber; a farther degree of that natural ſleep, to which God gives up ſome as a Seal of their deſperate condition, but it was a ſleep ariſing from the reliques of natural corruption unſubdued, prevailing over the regenerate part: yet was her heart all this while awake, I ſleep, but my heart waketh. Though ſhe had a little laid aſide her divine thoughts, and meditations, yet ſhe ſtill kept the eye of Faith open, and the eare of her Heart attentive, When the Lord had returned. Thus the wiſe Virgins ſlumbered and ſlept, but they had their Lamps burning by them which the fooliſh had not. Their hearts waked, Mat. 25. 5. They were provided in them with inſtructions, in faith and piety, and with the gift of the ſpirit, which is the Oyl that alway burneth in all good hearts; howſoever not alwayes in actual exerciſe. But O! the dreadful danger that good Chriſtians are in, when it is not ſo through the letting down of their ſpiritual watch, and giving way to ſluggiſhneſs, there being no ſin, no temptation, no judgment, but a ſecure drowſie Chriſtian is open for: Which is the reaſon of ſo often inforcing watchfulneſs by the ſpirit of God in the Scriptures. And therefore I beſeech you ſuffer a word of exhortation, to the next ſpecial duty incumbent upon all, whoſe habitation the Lord is; Namely, to be always working. God will not have one idle or ſloathful Perſon in his Houſe. Every one muſt have a particular honeſt Calling: The Light of Nature taught the Heathens this, as appeares by Pharaoh's queſtion to Joſeph's Brethren, What is your occupation: Gen. 47. 3. And the Marriners to Jonas, What is thy Jonas 1. 8.occupation? Forty Years was Moſes a Courtier, and Forty Yeares more a Shepheard; that great Men may not be aſhamed of honeſt Vocations: the greateſt that ever, have been content to take up with mean Trades. The contempt of honeſt Callings in thoſe that are well born, argues pride without wit. How conſtantly did Moſes ſtick to his Shepherds Hook, and yet a Man of great learning, excellent ſpirit, good education? I preſume all you that dwell in God are in lawful Callings, wherein you may be ſerviceable to the Church, or Commonwealth, or private Families. In theſe the Apoſtle forbids you to be ſloathful, Not ſloathful in buſineſs. Rom. 12. 11To be ſloathful, is to be loath to work, willing and deſirous to ſhift it off. Pro. 21. 25. 24. 23. To be negligent in working, taking up more time than needs, or not to endeavour to do it well. Not to be ſloathful, is to be ready and forward to be employed, Eſay 6. 8. and to be diligent, and expeditious, and induſtrious, to do buſineſs in the beſt manner, Gen. 31. 6. That every Chriſtian Man and Womans duty, is to be thus employed continually, appears, becauſe God prohibits ſloathfulneſs, and commands diligence, Heb. 6. 12. Pro. 6. 9. Gen. 3. 19. Mark 13. 34. 1 Theſ. 4. 11. Curſeth ſloathfulneſs, and bleſſed diligence, Pro. 10. 47. 23. 21. 24. 30. to the end. Jer. 48. 10. Pro. 13. 11. 28. 19. Eccl. 5. 12. Mat. 25. 16, 17, 21, 23. O that every one would look upon idleneſs and ſloth as a great ſin, as theft. 2 Theſ. 3. 10, 11, 12. Prodigality. Pro. 18. 9. Sodomy, a ſin that diſpoſeth a Man to all manner of ſin; and which ſhall be puniſhed with the vengeance of Eternal Fire, Mat. 25. 26, 30. And Heathens and Bruits ſhall riſe up in Judgment againſt idle ſloathful Chriſtians. You therefore that are ſure you dwell in God, take heed of damping your aſſurance, and blurring your evidence, by giving the leaſt way to idleneſs, or ſloathfulneſs in your Callings. Are you Magiſtrates? be continually imploying, and applying your power and authority to the uttermoſt, for the ends for which God hath given it to you. Rom. 13. 4. 1 Tim. 2. 2. 2 Chr. 19. 6. to the end. Conſider God's wrath declared againſt you, if you be ſlothful to execute Judgment, even upon your deareſt Relations that deſerve it. In the example of Eli, 1 Sam. 3. 13, 14. On the other ſide, the pleaſure he will take in you, and delight to do you good, if you be faithful, and ſevere: Jer. 22. 15, 16. Numb. 25. 11, 12, 13. 2 King. 10. 30. If you be Miniſters, let the weightineſs of the work, and glorious reward promiſed to laboriouſneſs therein, and the Plagues threatnedActs 20. 20, 31. againſt loyterers, move you. 1 Cor. 4. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 15. 4. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 5. 2. Eſ. 58. 1. 2 Cor. 2. 16. Dan. 12. 3. Jer. 1. 1. 1 Cor. 9. 16. If you be Governours of Families, ſet before you the example of the virtuous Woman, Pro. 31. 13—28. If Servants, Eleazar and Jacob, Gen. 24. 31. 6, 40. Col. 3. 22. to the end. Remember the promiſe of protection of Angels, while you are diligent in your Callings, Pſal. 91. 11, 12. and how God hath graciouſly, and gloriouſly appeared unto them he found therein, Exod. 31. 2. Judg. 6. 11. 2 Sam. 7, 8. Amos 7. 14, 15. And how he will welcome you with a well done, good and faithful Servant, Mat. 25. Only be ſure to follow theſe Rules in your particular Callings: 1. Labour principally for ſpiritual and heavenly things, Mat. 6. 33. Eſay 55. 2. Joh. 6. 27. 2. Let your end be right. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Acts 20. 35. Eph. 4. 28. And 3. For the manner, do your work without all carking care. And without diſcontent of any providences, and with a heavenly mind. Phil. 3. 20.
3. Be alway rejoycing; God hath declared abundantly his will and pleaſure, that you who dwell in him ſhould be continually cheerful and comfortable in your Spirits; and he hath in his Word, as oft charged you to be ſo: and he hath charged you to fear him, and live a godly life. Pſal. 119. Pſal. 2. 117. 32. 11. 33. 1. 48. 11. 5. 11. 68. 4. Mat. 5. 12. Phil. 3. 1. 1 Theſ. 5. 16.
And he is delighted to ſee you cheerful, and offended much, when you are diſconſolate and uncheerful. Deut. 28. 47, 48. You are the only People that have right and title to joy and comfort. Pſal. 116. 15. 47. 11. 64. 10. 106. 4, 5. Rom. 5. 1. 14. 17. 15. 13. The objects of your joy are ſuch, as have in every one of them force and power, if ſeriouſly pondered to keep up your hearts in frame of comfort, and ſo fill them with joy at all times.
Quest. What are theſe objects?
Anſw. 1. The Lord himſelf, he is the prime main ultimate adequate object of your joy, Phil. 4. 4. Pſal. 4. 6, 7. Hab. 3. 17, 18. Jeſus Chriſt, John 16. 33. Phil. 3. 3. 4. 13. The word of God, Pſal. 119. 92. 94. 19. Rom. 15. 4. All the Ordinances of God, eſpecially Prayer, Phil. 4. 6, 7. The works of God, theſe are alſo a great object of his Peoples joy, both the internal eminent ones, that werewrought within himſelf, eſpecially Election: Luk. 10. 20. And the outward, viz. Creation and providence, Pſal. 107. 22. Eſpecially the work of Redemption. Pſal. 53. 6. 71. 23. 126. 1, 2. All the gifts of God, Faith: Hab. 2. 4. 1 Pet. 1. 8. Hope, Rom. 5. 2. The teſtimony of your ſanctified Conſcience, 2 Cor. 1. 12. Experiences of the love of God. Pſal. 63. 3. Remiſſion of ſins, Mat. 9. …. Co-operation of all things for their good▪ Rom. 8. 28. The Attendants of the holy Angels, the immenſity of their wages for their works, which is from free grace, 2 Tim. 4. 8. Heb. 11. 26. Rom. 8. 18. Afflictions themſelves of all ſorts, both natural, being prepared for them, corrected with Lenitives, one whereof is commonneſs: 1 Cor. 10. 13. Another, that they are lovetokens, like the Rain-bow. And another the effects they produce, whereof you have heard much; and much more accidental for Religion, and Chriſtianity ſake: Mat. 5. 11, 12. Col. 1. 24. 1 Pet. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 12. 15. Acts. 5. 41. Jam. 1. 2.
4. Be alway praying, opening your deſires to God, with reverence and confidence in the name of Chriſt, for things agreeable to his will: viz. That he will glorifie his own great name immediatly, by himſelf, and by all his providential Diſpenſations: That his paternal Kingdom may be brought to perfection, both by means and gifts of grace: That his will may be done by your ſelves, and others, as the Angels in Heaven do it chearfully without murmuring, ſpeedily without delaying, totally without mincing or reſervation, ſincerely without ſelf-ſeeking, conſtantly without fainting: That you & your fellowes may enjoy all neceſſary temporal bleſſings, perſonal, domeſtical, Political, National, have title to them, leave to uſe them, and comfort in the uſe of them: That he will free you from the guilt of ſin, grant you remiſſion free and full: And that he will ſanctifie you and them throughout, giving you conqueſt over all temptations, and perſeverance to the end. Neglect not to keep a conſtant courſe of praying twice a Day at leaſt, Morning and Evening, and occaſionally Day and Night, ſending up ſervent ſhort Ejaculations. Continue in Prayer, and watch in the ſame with thanks-giving: which is the next duty to be performed, and the next which every Day muſt be payed duly.
5. Be alway giving thanks, 1 Theſ. 5. 18. In thankſgiving there is both the Memory, Meditation, and ſerious acknowledgement of God's bleſſings. And in token of the truth thereof, and dedication, and conſecration of our Bodies and Souls, with all we have, to divine uſe, that is, to the honour and ſervice of God. This was figured in the Sacrifices of the old Law, which were firſt ſet before the Altar, and ſo preſented to God, and then afterward were offered unto him. This dedication is made, when the intention of our mindes, and purpoſe of our hearts, and in all our affections we give up, and ſet our ſelves apart. This was firſt done in our Baptiſme, and is continually renewed in the Lord's Supper. Thankfulneſs is all the Rent God requires of us for the Houſe we dwell in, and all the accommodations thereunto annexed, Pſal. 5…. 15. We would not forfeit any thing we hold for non-payment of rent. Take we heed leſt for want of thankfulneſs, we give God occaſion to diſpoſſeſs us of himſelf, and of all the good things we enjoy in him.
6. Be alway willing to remove from theſe loweſt, into higher Rooms in this Houſe. By Death we do no more, but change our Lodging, from lower to higher Rooms in the ſame Houſe. Be willing to dye at any time: So Simeon was, Lord now letteſt thou Luk. 2. 29.thy Servant depart in peace. So was Paul, Having a deſire to depart, Phil. 1. 2▪ 3.and to be with Chriſt, which is far better. Be alway prepared to dye, by dying to ſin, and to the World continually. And by making every Day your dying Day, by breaking off ſins; and avoiding all occaſions of ſinning, and embracing all occaſions of doing good: and doing all in ſuch a manner, as you would, if you knew you ſhouldEſay 38. 1. dye preſently. Making alſo to yourLuk. 16. 9. ſelves, Friends of the Mammon of Unrighteouſneſs, and ſetting your Houſe in Order, and praying to God continually, To teach you to Pſal. 9. 12.number your Dayes, that you may apply your hearts unto Wiſdom.
FINIS.
IMPRIMATUR.
Rob. Grove R. P. D. Humph. Epiſc. Lond. a Sac. Dom. Mart. 9. 1668/9.
End of the text · John Bryan, Dwelling with God (1670)