A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity, Text (3 of 3)

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity · Text (3 of 3)

p. 130Those to be imputed to the Servants themselves are.

1. Their want of reverence to their superiors.

2. Their backbiting and slandring of them.

3. Their unfaithfulness, in serving of them.

4. Their murmuring at their lawful commands, &c.

From all these Domestick iniquities let every one depart that religiously nameth the name of Christ. And before I leave this head, let me, to inforce my exhortation, urge upon you a few considerations to work with you, yet further to depart from these house-iniquities.

First, A mans house, and his carriage there doth more be speak the nature and temper of his mind, than all publick profession. If I were to judge of a man for my life, I would not judge of him by his p. 131open profession, but by his Domestick behaviours. Open professio… is like a mans best Cloak, the which is worn by him, when he walketh abroad, and with many is made but little use of at home. But now what a man is at home, that he is indeed. There is abroad, my House, my Closet, my heart; and my House my Closet shew most what I am: though not to the world, yet to my family, and to Angels. And a good report from those most near, and most capable of advantage to judge, is like to be truer than to have it only from that which is gotten by my observers abroad. The outside of the Platter,Mat. 23.25, 26, 27, 28.Matt 23:25Matt 23:26Matt 23:27Matt 23:28 and Cup may look well, when within they may be full of excess: The outward shew and profession may be tolerable: When, within doors may be bad enough.Jos. 24.15.Josh 24:15 I and my house will s…rve the Lord, is the character of a godly man.

Secondly, As the best judgment is made upon a man from his house: so that man is like to have the approbation of God for good, that is faithful in all his house. I know Abraham, p. 132says God,Gen. 18.17, 18.19.Gen 18:17Gen 18:18Gen 18:19 that he will command his children and his houshold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. To make religion, and the power of godliness the chief of my designs at home, among those, among whom God by a special hand has placed me, is that which is pleasing to God, and that obtaineth a good report of him. But to pass these, and to come to other things.

1. A Master of a family, and Mistress of the same, are those that are intrusted of God, with those under their tuition and care to be brought up for him; be they children or servants. This is plain from the Text last mentioned: wherefore here is a charge committed to thee of God: look to it, and consider with thy self, whether thou hast done such duty and service for God in this matter, as, setting common frailties aside, thou canst with good Conscience lift up thy face unto God: The which to be sure, thou canst by no means do, if iniquity, to the utmost, be not banished out of thy house.

p. 1332. And will it not be a sad complaint that thy servant shall take up against thee, before the Judge at the last day, that he learnt the way to destruction in thy house, who art a professor. Servants though themselves be carnal, expect when they come into the house of professors, that there they shall see religion in its spangling colors; but behold, when he enters thy door, he finds sin and wickedness there. There is pride instead of humility, and heighth and raillery instead of meekness and holiness of mind. He looked for an house full of Vertue, and behold, nothing but Spiders-webbs. Fair and plausible abroad, but like the Sow in the Mire at home. Bless me, saith such a servant, are these the religious people! Are these the servants of God, where iniquity is made so much of, and is so high…y entertained! And now is his …eart filled with prejudice against all religion, or else he turns …ypocrite like his master and his mistress, wearing, as they, a cloak p. 134of religion to cover all, abroad, while all naked and shameful at home. But perhaps thy heart is so h…d, and thy mind so united to the pleasing of thy vile affections, that thou wilt say, what care I for my servant. I took him to do my work, not to train him up in religion. Well, suppose the soul of thy servant be thus little worth in thine eyes: Yet what wilt thou say for thy children, who behold all thy ways, and are as capable of drinking up the poyson of thy footsteps, as the Swine is of drinking up swill: I say, what wilt thou do for them? Children will learn to be nought of Parents, of professing Parents soonest of all: They will be tempted to think all that they do is right. I say, what wilt thou say to this? Or art thou like the Ostrich, whom God hath deprived of wisdom and has hardned her heart against her Young?Job 39.13.14, 15, 16.Job 39:13Job 39:14Job 39:15Job 39:16 will it please thee when thou shalt see that thou hast brought forth Children to the murderer? or when thou shalt hear them cry, I learnt to go on in the paths of p. 135sin by the carriages of professing Parents. If it was counted, of old,Hos. 9.13.Hos 9:13 a sad thing for a man to bring forth children to the Sword, as Ephraim did: What will it be for a man to bring up children for Hell, and damnation? But,

Fifthly Let those that name the name of Christ,Answ. 5. depart from the iniquity of their Closet. This may be called part of the iniquity of the house: But because it is not publick, but as a retired part, therefore I put it here by it self. There are are many Closet sins that professors may be guilty of, and from which they have need to depart: as,

First, There is the pride of a library, that is, the study or Closet, and I doubt this sin and iniquity to this day is with many great professors: and in my judgment it is thus manifested.

1. When men secretly please themselves to think 'tis known what a stock of Books they have; or when they take more pleasure in the number of, than the matter contained in their books.

p. 1362. When they buy books rather to make up a number, than to learn to be good and godly men thereby.

3. When, though they own their books to be good and godly, yet they will not conform thereto.

This is an iniquity now on foot in this Land, and ought to be departed from. 'Tis better to have no books, and depart from iniquity, than to have a thousand, and not to be bettered in my soul thereby.

Secondly, There is an iniquity that attends the Closet, which I may call by the name of vacancy. When men have a Closet to talk of, not to pray in; a Closet to look upon, not to bow before God in; a Closet to lay up Gold in, but not to mourn in for the sins of my life. A Closet, that could it speak, would say, my owner is seldom here upon his knees before the God of Heaven: seldom here humbling himself, for the iniquity of his heart, or p. 137or to thank God for the mercies of his life.

Thirdly, Then also a man is guilty of Closet-iniquity, when though he doth not utterly live in the neglect of duty, he formally, carnally, and without reverence and godly fear performs it. Also when he asketh God for that which he cannot abide should be given him, or when he prayeth for that in his Closet, that he cannot abide in his house, nor his life.

Fourthly, Then also a man is guilty of Closet-iniquity, when he desireth that the sound of the devotion he doth there, may be heard by them without in the house; the street, or of those that dwell by.Mat. 6.6, 7.Matt 6:6Matt 6:7 For a Closet is only for the man, and God, to do things in secretly.

These things let the professor beware of, lest he add to his iniquity, sin; untill he, and it comes to be loathsom. The Closet is by God appointed for men to wait upon him in, and to do it without hypocrisie. To wait there p. 138for his mind, and his will, and also for grace to perform it. And how can a man that went last time out of his Closet to be nought, have the face to come thither again? If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer; and if so, then he will not meet me in my Closet; and if so, then I shall quickly be weary thereof, being left to my self, and the vanity of my mind.

It is a great thing to be a Closet-Christian, and to hold it: he must be a Close-Christian, that will be a Closet-Christian. When I say, a Close-Christian, I mean one that is so in the hidden part, and that also walks with God. Many there be that profess Christ, who doe oftener (in London) frequent the Coffee-house than their Closet; and that sooner in a morning run to make bargains, than to pray unto God, and begin the day with him. But for thee, who professest the name of Christ, do thou depart from all these things; do thou make conscience of reading, and practising, p. 139do thou follow after righteousness; do thou make conscience of beginning the day with God: for he that begins it not with him, will hardly end it with him. He that runs from God in the morning, will hardly find him at the close of the day: Nor will he that begin… with the world and the vanities thereof, in the first place, be very capable of walking with God all the day after. 'Tis he that finds God in his Closet, that will carry the savour of him into his house, his shop, and his more open conversation: when Moses had been with God in the Mount,Exo. 34.Exod 34 his face shone; he brought of that glory into the Camp.

Sixthly, I add again,Answ. 6. let those that name the name of Christ, depart from the iniquity that cleav…th to opinions. This is a sad age …or that; let opinions, in them…elves, be never so good, never …o necessary, never so innocent, …et there are spirits in the world …hat will entail iniquity to them, …nd will make the vanity so inseparable p. 140with the opinion, that 'tis almost impossible with some to take in the opinion and leave out the iniquity, that by craft and subtilty of Satan, is joyned thereto. Nor is this a thing new, and of yesterday. It has been thus almost in all ages of the Church of God, and that not only in things small, and indifferent, but in things fundamental, and most substantial. I need instance in none other for proof hereof, but the doctrine of faith, and holiness. If faith be preached as that which is absolutely necessary to Justification; then faith-fantastical, and loosness and remisness in life (with some) are joyned therewith. If holiness of life be preached, as necessary to salvation, then faith is undervalued, and set below its place; and works as to justification with God set up and made co-partners with Christ… merits in the remission of sins. Thu… iniquity joyneth it self with the great and most substantials of th… Gospel, and 'tis hard to receive an… good opinion,Ephes. 5.12, 13.Eph 5:12Eph 5:13 what ever, but iniquity will joyn it self thereto p. 141Wicked spirits do not only tempt men to transgress the moral law, but do present themselves in heavenly things, working there, and labouring in them, to wrest the judgment, and turn the understanding and conscience awry in those high and most important things. Wherefore, I say, we must be the more watchful, and careful lest we be abused in our notions and best principles, by the iniquities that joyn themselves thereto.

'Tis strange to see at this day, how, notwithstanding all the threatnings of God, men are wedded to their own opinions, beyond what the law of grace and love will admit. Here's a Presbyter, heres an Independent, an Anabaptist, so joyned each man to his own opinion, that they cannot have that communion one with another, as by the testament of the Lord Jesus, they are commanded and injoyned. What is the cause? Is the Truth? No! God is …he author of no confusion in the Church of God.1 Cor. 14.33.1 Cor 14:33 It is then because every man makes too much p. 142of his own opinion, abounds too much in his own sence, and takes not care to separate his opinion from the iniquity that cleaveth thereto. That this confusion is in the Church of Christ, I am of Paul, I of Apollo, I of Cephas, & I of Christ, is too manifest. But what unbecoming language is this for the Children of the same Father, members of the same body, and heirs of the same glory to be accustomed to? whether it is Pride, or Hypocrisie, or Ignorance, or Self, or the Devil, or the Jesuite, or all these joyntly working with the Church, that makes and maintains these names of distinction. This distance, and want of love, this contempt of one another, these base and undervaluing thoughts of brethren, will be better seen, to the shame and confusion of some, in the Judgment.

In the mean time, I advise thee with whom I am at this time concerned, to take heed of this mixture, this sinful mixture of trut… and iniquity together. And to help thee in this thing: keep thine eye much p. 143upon thine own base self, labour also to be sensible of the imperf…ctions that cleave to thy best performances, be clothed with humility, and prefer thy brother before thy self: and know that Christianity lieth not in small matters, neither before God, nor understanding men. And it would be well if those that so stickle by their private and unscriptural notions (which only is iniquity cleaving to truth): I say it would be well if such were more sound in faith, and morals, and i… by their lives they gave better conviction to the world, that the truth and grace of Christ is in them.

Sometimes, so much iniquity is mixed with good opinions that it prevails, not only to hurt men in this world, but to drown them in misery everlasting. 'Twas good that the J…ws did own and allow the ceremonies of the law, but since the iniquity that joyned it self thereto, did prevail with them to make those ceremonies copartners with Christ in those matters that p. 144pertained to Christ alone: therefore they perished in them. The Galatians also with many of the Corinthians had like to have been overthrown by these things. Take heed therefore of that iniquity that seeketh to steal, with the truth, into thy heart, thy judgment and understanding.

Nor doth one iniquity come without another, they are linked together, and come by companies, and therefore usually they that are superstitious in one thing, are corrupted in several other. The more a man stands upon his points to justifie himself, and to condemn his holy brethren: the more danger he is in of being overcome of divers evils. And it is the wisdom of God to let it be so, that flesh might not glory in his presence. His soul, that is lifted up;Hab. 2.4.Hab 2:4 to wit, with his good doings, with his order, and methods in religion, his soul is not upright in him. I have often said in my heart, what is the reason that some of the brethren should be so shy of holding communion, with p. 145those every whit as good, if not better, than themselves? Is it b… cause they think themselves u… worthy of their holy fellowship? No verily: it is because they exalt themselves, they are leavened with some iniquity that hath mixed it self with some good opinions that they hold, and therefore it is that they say to others, stand by thy self, come not near me, Isa. 65.5.Isa 65:5for I am holier than thou: But what is the sentence of God concerning those? Why, these are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Wherefore, as I said before, so I say now again, take heed of the iniquity that cleaveth to good opinions. The which thou wilt in no wise be able to shun, unless thou beest clothed with humility. But,

Seventhly, Let them that name the name of Christ,Answ. 7. depart from Hypocrisies. This exhortation is as the first, general; for hypocrisies are of that nature, that they spread themselves (as the leprosie of the body) all over; not the faculties of the soul only, but all the p. 146duties of a man. So that here is a great iniquity to be parted from, an over-spreading iniquity. This sin will get into all thy profession,Mat. 23.15. Luk. 20.19, 20. Ezek. 8.12. Mat. 26.20, 21. 2 Tim. 1.5. 2 Cor. 6.6. Mal. 2.23. Mat. 23.15. Col. 2.23. Mat. 6.2. 1 Cor. 13.3. Luk. 12.1.2.Matt 23:15Luke 20:19Luke 20:20Ezek 8:12Matt 26:20Matt 26:212 Tim 1:52 Cor 6:6Mal 2:23Col 2:23Matt 6:21 Cor 13:3Luke 12:1Luke 12:2 into every whit of it, and will make the whole of it a loathsome stink in the nostrils of God. Hypocrisie will be in the Pulpit, in Conference, in Closets, in Communion of Saints, in Faith, in Love, in Repentance, in Zeal, in Humility, in Alms, in the Prison, and in all duties. So that here is, for the keeping of thy soul upright and sincere, more than ordinary diligence to be used. Hypocrisie is one of the most abominable of iniquities. It is a sin that dares it with God. It is a sin that saith, God is ignorant, or that he delighteth in iniquity. It is a sin that flattereth, that dissembleth, that offereth to hold God, as it were, fair in hand about that which is neither purposed nor intended. It is also a sin that puts a man upon studying and contriving to beguile,Hypocrisie a vile sin. and deceive his Neighbour, as to the bent and intent of the heart, and also as to the cause and end of actions. p. 147It is a sin that perswadeth a man to make a shew of Civility, Morality, or Christian religion as a cloak, a pretence, a guise to deceive withal. It will make a man preach for a place, and praise, rather than to glorifie God and save souls; It will put a man upon talking that he may be commended; It will make a man, when he is at prayer in his Closet, strive to be heard without doors; It will make a man ask for that he desireth not, and shew zeal in duties, when his heart is as cold, as senseless, and as much without savour, as a clod: It will make a man pray to be seen and heard of men, rather than to be heard of God. It will make a man strive to weep, when he repenteth not, and to pretend much friendship, when he doth not love. It will make a man pretend to experience, and sanctification, when he has none; and to faith and sincerity, when he knows not what they are. There is opposed to this sin, simplicity, innocency, and godly sincerity, without which three graces, thou wilt be an p. 148Hypocrite, let thy notions, thy knowledge, thy profession, and commendations from others be what they will.Pro. 16.2. Pro. 21.2. Luk. 16.15.Prov 16:2Prov 21:2Luke 16:15 Helps against this sin there are many, some of which I shall now present thee with.

1. Believe that Gods eye is always upon thy heart to observe all the ways, all the turnings, and windings of it.

2. Believe that he observeth all thy ways, and marks thy actions. The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, Pro. 5.21.Prov 5:21and he pondereth all his goings.

3. Believe that there is a day of judgment a coming, and that then all things shall be revealed and discovered as they are.Luk. 12.2, 3.Luke 12:2Luke 12:3 For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness, shall be heard in light, and that which ye have spoken in the ear in Closets, shall be proclaimed upon the house tops.

4. Believe that an Hypocrite, with the cunning and shrouds for his hypocrisie, can go unseen no p. 149farther than the grave, nor can he longer flatter himself with thoughts of life.Job 20.5, 6, 7, 8.Job 20:5Job 20:6Job 20:7Job 20:8 For the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment. Though his exellency reach up to the heavens, and his head reacheth unto the clouds: yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung, they which have seen him, shall say where is he? He shall fly away as a dream and not be found; yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

5. Believe that God will not spare an Hypocrite, in the judgment;Luk. 20.47.Luke 20:47 no nor punish him neither with ordinary damnation: but as they have here sinned in a way by themselves, so there they shall receive greater damnation.

Of all sins, the sin of Hypocrisie bespeaks a man most in love with some lust, because he dissembleth both with God and man to keep it.

For a conclusion upon this sevenfold answer to the question above propounded; let me advise those that are tender of the name of Christ, to have regard to these things.

p. 150First, Be well acquainted with the word, and with the general rules of holiness; to wit, with the moral law, the want of this is a cause of much unholiness of conversation. These licentious and evil times, wherein we live, are full of iniquity, nor can we (though we never so much love God) do our duty as we are injoyned, if we do not know it. The law is cast behind the back of many, when it should be carried in the hand, and heart, that we might do it to the end, the Gospel, which we profess, might be glorified in the world. Let then the law be with thee to love it, and do it in the spirit of the Gospel, that thou be not unfruitful in thy life. Let the law, I say, be with thee, not as it comes from Moses, but from Christ; for though thou art set free from the law, as a Covenant for life, yet thou still art under the law to Christ, and it is to be received by thee, as out of his hand, to be a rule for thy conversation in the world.1 Cor. 9.18.1 Cor 9:18 What then thou art about to do, do it or p. 151leave it undone as thou shalt find it approved, or forbidden by the law. And when ought shall come into thy mind to be done, and thou art at a stand, and at a loss about the lawfulness, or unlawfulness thereof, then betake thy self to the law of thy God, which is in thy hand, and ask if this thing be good, or to be avoided.

If this were practised by professors, there would not be so much iniquity found in their Beds, their Houses, their Shops, and their conversations as there is.

Secondly, As thou must be careful to find out the lawfulness or unlawfulness of a thing before thou puttest forth thy hand thereto: so thou must also consider again, whether that which is lawful is expedient. A thing may be lawful in it self, and may yet be unlawful to thee, to wit; if there be an inconveniency, or an inexpediency attending the doing of it.1 Cor. 6.12. chap. 10.23.1 Cor 6:12 All things are lawful for me, says the Apostle, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edifie not. This p. 152then thou must consider, and this also thou must practise.

But this is a hard lesson, and impossible to be done except thou art addicted to self-denial. For this Text, and so the practice of what is contained therein, has respect chiefly to another, to wit, to thy neighbour, and his advantage and edification; and it supposeth, yea, injoyneth thee, if thou wilt depart from iniquity, to forbear also some things that are lawful, and consequently profitable to thee, for the sake of, and of love to thy neighbour. But how little of this is found among men? Where is the man that will forbear some lawful things, for fear of hurting the weak thereby. Alas! how many are there that this day profess, that will not forbear palpable wickedness: No, though the salvation of their own souls are endangered thereby; and how then should these forbear things that are lawful, even of godly tenderness to the weakness of their neighbour?

p. 153Thus much have I thought good to speak, in answer to this question, what iniquity should we depart from, that religiously name the name of Christ: and now we will make some use of what hath been spoken.

And the first shall be an use of examination. Art thou a professor?Use. 1. Dost thou religiously name the name of Christ? If so, I ask, dost thou according to the exhortation here, Depart from iniquity. I say, examine thy self about this matter, and be thou faithful in this work: for the deceit in this will fall upon thine one pate. Deceive thy self thou maiest, but beguile God thou shalt not. Be not deceived, Gal. 6.7.Gal 6:7God is not mocked, for what a man soweth, that shall he reap ▪ Wherefore let no man deceive himself, either in professing, while he lives viciously; or in examining whether his profession of this name, and his life and conversation do answer one another. What departing from iniquity is, I have already shewed, in the former part of this book: Wherefore I shall not here handle that point p. 154farther, only press upon thee, the necessity of this exhortation, and the danger of the not doing of it faithfully. The necessity of it is urged,

1. From the deceitfulness of mans heart, which will flatter him with promises of peace and life, both now and hereafter, though he live in iniquity, while he professeth the name of Christ. For there are that say in their hearts, or that have their hearts say unto them, I shall have peace, Deut. 29.19.Deut 29:19though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. And what will become of them that so do, you may see by that which followeth in the Text. The heart therefore is not to be trusted, for it will promise a man peace in the way of death and damnation. I doubt not but many are under this fearful judgment to this day. What means else their quietness of mind, their peace and boasts of Heaven, and glory, though every step they take, as to life and conversation,Jer. 17.9. Pro. 28.26.Jer 17:9Prov 28:26 is an apparent step to Hell and Damnation; these sayings, p. 155The heart is deceitful: and, he that trusts his heart is a fool; were not written without a cause. Let as many therefore as would examine themselves about this matter have a jealous eye over their own heart, and take heed of being beguiled thereby: let them mix hearty prayer with this matter, unto God, that he will help them to be faithful to themselves, in this so great a matter, yea, let them compare their lives with the holy Commandment, and judge by that rather than by the fleshly fondness, that men naturally are apt to have for, and of their own actions. For by the Verdict of the word, thou must stand and fall, both now, at Death, and in the day of Judgment. Take heed therefore of thy Heart,Joh. 12.48.John 12:48 thy carnal heart, when thou goest into thy Life, to make a search for iniquity. Take the word with thee, and by the word do thou examin thy self.

2. It is urged from the cunning of Satan. Wouldest thou examin thy self faithfully as to this thing, then take p. 156heed of the flatteries of the Devil: Can he help it, thou shalt never find out the iniquity of thy heels. He will labour to blind thy mind, to harden thy heart, to put such vertuous names upon thy foulest vices, that thou shalt never, unless thou stoppest thine ear to him, after a godly sort, truly examin and try thy ways,Lam. 3.40. 2 Cor. 13.5.Lam 3:402 Cor 13:5 according as thou art commanded. Wherefore take heed of him, for he will be ready at thy side when thou goest about this work. Now for thy help in this matter, set God, the Holy God, the All-seeing God, the sin-revenging God, before thine eyes; for our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12.29.Heb 12:29And believe that he hath pitcht his eyes upon thy heart, also that he pondereth all thy goings,Pro. 5.21. chap. 21.2.Prov 5:21 and that thy judgment, as to thy faithfulness, or unfaithfulness, in this work, must proceed out of the mouth of God. This will be thy help in this thing, that is, if thou usest it faithfully; also this will be thy hindrance, if thou shalt neglect it, and suffer thy self to be abused by the Devil.

p. 1573. It is urged from the dangerousness of the latter days. Wouldest thou examin thy self, then make not the lives of others any rule to thee in this matter. 'Tis prophesied long ago, by Christ and by Paul, Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.7, 8.Matt 24:122 Tim 3:12 Tim 3:22 Tim 3:32 Tim 3:42 Tim 3:52 Tim 3:62 Tim 3:72 Tim 3:8concerning the latter times, that iniquity shall abound, and be very high among professors. Therefore it will be a rare thing to find an exemplary life among professors. Wherefore cease from man, and learn of the word, try thy self by the word, receive conviction from the word; and to take off thy self from taking of incouragemnt from others, set the judgment before thine eyes, and that account that God will demand of thee then; and know that it will be but a poor excuse of thee to say, Lord such an one doth so, did so, would do so: and they professed, &c. Whether thou wilt hear me, or not, I know not, Prov. 9.12.Prov 9:12yet this I know, If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

p. 158Let me then, to press this use farther upon thee, shew thee in a few particulars, the danger of not doing of it, that is of not departing from iniquity, since thou professest.

First, The iniquity that cleaveth to men that profess, if they cast it not away, but countenance it, will all prove Nettles and Bryers to them: And I will assure thee, yea, thou knowest, that Nettles and Thorns will sting and scratch but ill-favouredly. I went, saith Solomon,Pro. 24.30, 31.Prov 24:30Prov 24:31 by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. And lo, it was all grown over with Thorns, and Nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Suppose a man were, after work all day, to be turned into a bed of Nettles at night: or after a man had been about such a business, should be rewarded with chastisements of Bryers and Thorns: this would for work be but little help, relief, or comfort to him; why this is the reward of a wicked man, of a wicked professor, from God; p. 159Nettles and Thorns are to cover over the face of his Vineyard, his Field, his Profession, and that at the last of all; for this covering over the face of his Vineyard, with Nettles and Thorns, is to shew what fruit the slovenly, slothful, careless, professor will reap out of his profession, when reaping time shall come.

Nor can he whose Vineyard, whose profession is covered over with these Nettles and Thorns of iniquity, escape being afflicted with them in his conscience: For look as they cover the face of his Vineyard through his sloth now, so will they cover the face of his conscience, in the day of judgment. For profession and conscience cannot be separated long: If a man then shall make profession without conscience of Gods honour in his conversation, his profession and conscience will meet in the day of his visitation. Nor will he, whose condition this shall be, be able to ward off the guilt, and sting of a slothful and bad conversation, from covering the face of his conscience, by retaining in his profession p. 160the name of Jesus Christ: For naming, and professing of the name of Christ, will, instead of salving such a conscience, put venom, sting, and keenness into those Nettles, and Thorns, that then shall be spread over the face of such consciences. This will be worse than was that cold wet cloth that Hazael took and spread over the face of Benhadad, 2 King. 8.15.2 Kgs 8:15that he died. This will sting worse, tear worse, torment worse, kill worse. Therefore look to it.

2. Nor may men shift this danger by their own neglect of inquiring into the truth of their separation from iniquity, for, that God himself will search them. I search the reins and the heart, saith he, to give unto every one of you according to his ways.Revel. 2.23.Rev 2:23

There are many that wear the name of Christ for a Cloak, and so make their advantages by their iniquity; but Christ at death and judgment, will rent this Cloak from off such shoulders, then shall they walk naked, yea, the shame of their nakedness shall then appear. Now since p. 161no man can escape the search of God, and so, not his judgment: it will be thy wisdom to search thine own ways, and to prevent judgement by judging of thy self.

3. Christ will deny those to be his that do not depart from iniquity, though they shall name his name among the rest of his people. Depart from me, saith he,Luk. 13.25, 26, 27.Luke 13:25Luke 13:26Luke 13:27 all you that departed not from iniquity. Yea, they that shall n…me his name religiously, and not depart from iniquity, are denyed by him all along.

1. He alloweth them not now to call him Lord.Luk. 6.46.Luke 6:46 And why call ye me Lord, Lord, saith he, and do not the things which I say? He cannot abide to be reputed the Lord of those that presume to profess his name,Ezek. 2.39.Ezek 2:39 and do not depart from iniquity. The reason is, for that such do but profane his name, and stave others off from falling in love with him and his ways.Rom. 2.24. Jer. 44.26.Rom 2:24Jer 44:26 Hence he says again, Behold I have sworn by my great name, saith the Lord, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah.

p. 162Psal. 66.18.Ps 66:182. He regardeth not their prayers. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer. And if so, then what ever thou hast at the hand of God, thou hast it, not in mercy, but in judgment, and to work out farther thine everlasting misery.

3. He will not regard their soul, but at the last day will cast it from him, as a thing abhorred by him. As is evidently seen by that thirteenth of Luke, but now noted in the margent.

Wherefore from these few hints, thou, whoever thou art, maiest well perceive what an horrible thing it is to make a profession of the name of Christ, and not to depart from iniquity. Therefore let me exhort thee again to examin thy self, if thou hast, and dost, (since thou professest that name) depart from iniquity.

And here I would distinguish, for there is two parts in iniquity, to wit, the guilt, and filth. As for the guilt, that is contracted by inquity, I perswade my self, no man p. 163who knows it, needs to be bid to desire to depart from that; nay, I do believe that the worst Devil in Hell would depart from his guilt, if he could, and might: but this is it, to wit, to depart from the sweet, the pleasure, and profi… of iniquity. There are that call evil good, iniquity good, and that of professors too: this is that to be departed from, and these are they that are exhorted to forsake it upon the pains and penalties before threatened. Therefore, as I said, let such look to it, that they examin themselves if they depart from iniquity. And come, now thou art going about this work, let me help thee in this matter.

1. Ask thy heart, what evil dost thou see in sin?

2. How sick art thou of sin?

3. What means dost thou use to mortifie thy sins?

4. How much hast thou been grieved to see others break Gods Law, and to find temptations in thy self to do it.

p. 164For the First, 1. There is a soul-polluting evil in iniquity,

2. There is a God provoking evil in iniquity.

3. There is a soul-damning evil in iniquity. And untill thou comest experimentally to know these things, thou wilt have neither list, nor will, to depart from iniquity.

For the Second. I mean not sick with guilt, for, so the damned in hell are sick, but I mean sick of the filth,Numb. 11.14, 15. 1 Chro. 4.9, 10. Rom. 7.24. 2 Cor. 5.1, 2, 3. Philip. 3.10, 11, 12, 13, 14.Num 11:14Num 11:151 Chr 4:91 Chr 4:10Rom 7:242 Cor 5:12 Cor 5:22 Cor 5:3Phil 3:10Phil 3:11Phil 3:12Phil 3:13Phil 3:14 and polluting nature of it. Thus was Moses sick of sin, thus Jabez was sick of sin, and thus was Paul sick of sin.

For the Third. You know that those that are sensible of a sickness, will look out after the means to be recovered; there is a means also for this disease, and dost thou know what that means is, and hast thou indeed a desire to it? Yea, couldest thou be willing even now to partake of the means that would help thee to …hat means, that can cure thee of this disease? There are no means can cure a man that is sick of sin, but glory; and the means to p. 165come by that is Christ, and to go out of this world by the faith of him. There is no grace can cure this disease; yea, grace doth rather encrease it: For the more grace any man has, the more is he sick of sin; the greater an offence is iniquity to him. So then, there is nothing can cure this disease but glory: but immortal glory. And dost thou desire this Medicine. 2 Cor. 54.And doth God testifie that thy desire is true, not feigned. I know that there are many things that do make some even wish to die: but the question is not whether thou dost wish to die: for death can cure many diseases: but is this that that moveth thee to desire to depart; to wit, that thou mightest be rid, quite rid, and stript of a body of death, because nothing on this side the grave can rid thee and strip thee off it. And is hope, that this day is approaching, a reviving cordial to thee? And doth the hope of this strike arrows into the heart of thy lusts, and draw off thy mind, and affections, yet farther, from iniquity.

p. 166To the Fourth. How much hast thou be…n grieved to see others break Gods Law, and to find temptations in thy self to do it? I beheld the transgressors and was grieved, Psal. 119.158.Ps 119:158said David, because men kept not thy word. The same also had Paul, be…ause of that body of sin and death which was in him. Professor, I beseech thee be thou serious about this thing, because it will be found, wh…n Go… comes to judge, that those that profess Christ, and yet abide with their iniquity, are but wooden, earthy professors, and none of the silver or golden ones: and to consequently such as shall be Vessels, not to honour, but to dishonour; not to glory, but to shame.

Vse 2.Secondly, My next shall be a use of terror. Has God commanded by the mouth of his holy Apostles and Prophets, that those that name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity: Then what will become of those that rebel against his word. Where the word of a King is▪ t…ere is power; and if the wrath of a King be as the roaring of a p. 167Lyon, what is, and what will be the wrath of God, when with violence it falls upon the head of the wicked?

Sirs, I beseech you consider this, namely, that the man that professeth the name of Christ, and yet liveth a wicked life, is the greatest enemy that God has in the world, and consequently, one that God, in a way most eminent, will set his face against. Hence he threatneth such so hotly, saying, And the destruction of the transgressors, Isa. 1.28. chap. 33.14.Isa 1:28and of the sinners shall be together; and that they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed. But what sinners are these? why, the sinners in Zion, the hypocrites in the Church. So again, The Lord shall purge out from among you the Rebels, Ezek. 20.38. Amos 9.10.Ezek 20:38Amos 9:10and them that transgress against him. All the sinners of my people shall die with the sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. For though such do think that by professing of the name of Christ, they shall prevent their going down to hell, yet they shall go down thither, with those that have p. 168lived openly wicked and profane:Jer. 9.26.Jer 9:26 Egypt, and Judah, the circumcised with them that are not; for it is not a profession of faith that can save them. Whom dost thou pass in beauty, saith God? wherein art thou bettered by the profession, than the wicked? go down, and be thou laid wi…h the uncircumcised.Ez…k. 32.19.

This in general: But more particularly, the wrath of God manifesteth it self against such kind of professors.

In that the Gospel, and means of salvation shall not be effectual for their salvation, but that it shall work rather quite contrary effects. It shall bring forth, as I said, quite contrary effects.2 Cor. 2.15.16.2 Cor 2:152 Cor 2:16 As,

1. The preaching of the word shall be to such, the savour of death unto death, and that's a fearful thing.

2. Yea Christ Jesus himself shall be so far off from being a Savour unto them,Isa. 8.13.14, 15.Isa 8:13Isa 8:14Isa 8:15 that he shall be a snare, a trap and a gin to catch them by the heel withal;chap. 28.13. That they may go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

p. 1693. The Lord also will chose out such delusions for such,chap. 66.3, 4. Psal. 125.5.Ps 125:5 as will best suite with the workings of their flesh, as will effectually bring them down, with the Bullocks and with the Bulls to the slaughter: yea, he will lead such forth with the workers of iniquity.

4. Such, above all, lie open to the sin against the Holy Ghost, that unpardonable sin, that must never be forgiven. For alas, it is not the poor ignorant world, but the enlightened professor that committeth the sin that shall never be forgiven.

I say, 'tis one inlightened,Heb. 6.4. 1 Joh. 5.16.Heb 6:41 John 5:16 one that has tasted the good word of God, and something of the powers of the world to come; 'tis one that was counted a brother, that was with us in our profession: 'tis such an one that is in danger of committing of that most black and bloody sin. But yet all and every one of those that are such, are not in danger of this; but those among these that take pleasure in unrig…eousness,2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12.2 Thess 2:102 Thess 2:112 Thess 2:12 and that rather than the… p. 170will lose that pleasure, will commit it presumptously. Presumptuously, that is, against light, against convictions, against warnings, against mercies. Or thus, a presumptuous sin is such an one as is committe… in the face of the command, in a desperate venturing to run the hazzard, or in a presuming upon the mercy of God, through Christ to be saved notwithstanding: This is a leading sin to that which is unpardonable, and will be found with su…h professors that do hanker after iniquity. I say, it is designed by the Devil, and suff…red by the just judgment of God, to catch and overthrow the loose & carnal Gospelers. And hence it is that David cries unto God, that he would hold him back from these sort of sins. Cleanse thou me from my s…cret faults, says he. And then adds, keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, Psal. 19.12, 13.Ps 19:12Ps 19:13and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

p. 171If there were any dread of God, or of his word, in the hearts of the men of this generation, the consideration of this one Text is enough to shake them in pieces: I speak of those that name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity. But the word of God must be fulfilled; In the last days, iniquity must abound; wherefore these days will be perilous and dangerous to professors.Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.Matt 24:122 Tim 3 In the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blaspheemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. I do the oftner harp upon this Text at this time,Vers. 5. because it is a prediction of what shall be in the latter days, to wit, what a Sea and Deluge of iniquity, shall in the latter days over-spread and drown those that then shall have a form of godliness, and of Religion. So that this day is more dangerous than were the days that have been before us. Now iniquity, even immorality, shall with professors be in fashion, be pleaded for, be loved and more p. 172esteemed,Vers. 3. than holiness it self. Now godliness, and self-denyal shall be little set by; even those very men that have a form of godliness, hate the life, and power thereof; yea, they shall despise them that are good. Now therefore Ministers must not think that what they say of the Doctrine of self denial among professors, will be much, if at all regarded. I say, regarded, so as to be loved and put in practice by them that name the name of Christ. For the strong hold that iniquity shall have of their affections, will cause that but little, effectualness to this end will be found to attend the preaching of the word unto them.

But what will these kind of men do, when God that is just, God that is holy, and God that is strong to execute his word, shall call them to an account for these things?

Quest.Now some may say, But what shall we do to depart from iniq…ity?

Answ.I answer, 1. Labour to see the odio…sness and unprofitableness thereof; which thou maiest do by the p. 173true knowledge of the excellent nature of the holiness of God: For until thou seest a beauty in holiness, thou canst not see odiousness in sin and iniquity. Danger thou maiest see in sin before, but odiousness thou canst not.

2. Be much in the consideration of the Power, Justice, and Faithfulness of God to revenge himself on the workers of iniquity.

3. Be much in the consideration of the greatness and worth of thy soul.

4. Be often asking of thy self, what true profit did I ever get by the commission of any sin.

5. Bring thy last day often to thy bed side.

6. Be often thinking of the cries, and roarings of the damned in Hell.

7. Be often considering the lastingness of the torments of H…ll.

8. Be often thinking what would those that are now in Hell give, that they might live their lives over again.

p. 1747. Consider often of the frailty of thy life, and that there is no repentance to be found in the Grave, whither thou goest.

10. Consider that Hell is a doleful place, and that the Devils are but uncomfortable companions.

11. Again, Consider together with these, how the patience of God has been abused by thee; yea, how all his Attributes have been despised by thee, who art a professor, that does not depart from iniquity.

12. Moreover, I would ask with what face thou canst look the Lord Jesus in the face, whose name thou hast profaned by thine iniquity?

13. Also; how thou wilt look on those that are truly godly, whose hearts thou hast grieved, while they have beheld the dirt and dung that hath cloven to thee and to thy prof…ssion.

14. But especially consider with thy self, how thou wilt bear, together with thine ow…, the guilt of the damnation of …th…rs. For as I have often said, a p…o…essor, if he p. 175perishes, seldom perishes alone, but casteth others down to hell with himself: The reason is, because others, both weak professors, and carnal men, are spectators, and observers of his ways. Yea, and will presume also to follow him specially in evil courses, concluding that he is right.Rev. 12.4. Isa. 9.14, 15.Rev 12:4Isa 9:14Isa 9:15 We read that the Tail of the Dragon, or that the Dragon by his Tail, did draw, and cast down abundance of the Stars of heaven to the earth: The Tail. The prophet that speaketh lies, he is the Tail. The Prophet that speaketh lies, either by opinion or practice, he is the Tail, the Dragons Tail,Isa. 9.14.15.Isa 9:14Isa 9:15 the Serpentin Tail of the Devil. And so in his order, every professor that by his iniquity draweth both himself and others to hell, he is the Tail. The Tail, says the holy ghost, draws them down: draws down even the Stars of heaven. But whither doth he draw them? The answer is, from Heaven, the throne of God; to earth, the seat of the Dragon. For he is the God of this wo…ld. The professor then that is p. 174duplicate page p. 175duplicate page p. 176dishonourable in his profession, he is the Tail. The antient and honourable, he is the Head; and the Prophet that speaketh lies, he is the Tail. Nor can Satan work such exploits by any, as he can by unrighteous professors. These he useth in his hand, as the Giant useth his Club; he, as it were, drives all before him with it. ('Tis said of Behemoth, that he moveth his Tail like a Cedar:Job 40.17.Job 40:17 Behemoth is a Type of the Devil, but behold how he handleth his Tail, even as if a man should swing about a Cedar.Rev. 9.Rev 9) This is spoken to shew the hurtfulness of the Tail: as it is also said in another place. Better no professor than a wicked professor: better open profane, than a hypocritical namer of the name of Christ: And less hurt shall such an one do to his own soul, to the poor ignorant world, to the name of Christ, and to the Church of God.

Let professors therefore take heed to themselves, that they joyn to their naming of the name of Christ, an holy and godly conversation: for away they must go else with the workers p. 177of iniquity to the pit, with more guilt, and bigger load, and more torment by far than others. But,

Thirdly, Vse 3.My next word shall be to those that desire to be tru…, sincere professors of the name of Christ.

First, Do you bless God, for that he has put not only his name into your lips,Mark 9.49.Mark 9:49 but grace into your hearts, that thereby that prof…ssion which thou makest of him, may be seasoned with that salt; Every sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt. Now naming of the name of Christ is a sacrifice, and a sacrifice acceptable, when the salt of the Covenant of thy God is not lacking,Heb. 13.15. Levit. 2.13.Heb 13:15Lev 2:13 but mixed there with. Therefore I say, since God has put his name into thy mouth to profess the same, and grace into thy heart to season that profession with such carriage, such behaviour, such life, and such conversation as doth become the same: thou hast great cause to thank God. A man into whose mouth God has put the name of Christ to profess it, is as a man that is to act his part upon a stage in the Market-place; p. 178if he doth it well, he brings praise both to his Master and himself: but if he doth it ill, both are brought into contempt. No greater praise can by man be brought to God, than by joyning to the profession of the name of Christ a fruitful life and conversation.Joh. 15.8.John 15:8 Herein, saith Christ, is my my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my Desciples. Fruitful lives God expecteth of all that profess the name of Christ. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Bless God therefore if he hath kept thee from blotting, and blemishing of thy profession; if thy conversation has not been stained with the blots and evils of the times. What thou feelest, fightest with, and groanest under by reason of the working of thine inward corruptions, with that I meddle not, nor is thy conversation the worse for that, if thou keepest them from breaking out. Thou also shalt be counted holy unto God through Christ, if thou be of an upright conversation: though plagued every day with the p. 179working of thine own corruption.

As Gods grace is the salt of Saints, so Saints are the salt of God.Mat. 5.13.Matt 5:13 The one is the salt of God in the heart, and the other is the salt of God in the world. Ye are the Salt of the earth: that is, the salt of God in the earth. For the earth would be wholly corrupt, and would altogether stink, if professors were not in it: But now if the professor, which is the salt, shall inde…d lose his savour, and hath nothing in his conversation, to season that part of the earth, in which God has placed him, where with shall it be seasoned? The place where he dwels, as well as his profession, will both stink odiously, in the nostrils of the Lord: And so both come to ruin and desolation.

Indeed, as I have shewed, the professor will come to the worst of it: for that God doth deny further to give him salt.Luk. 14.35.Luke 14:35 If the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? wherewith shall the salt be salted? with nothing. Therefore it is thenceforth good for nothing: No, p. 180not for the Dunghill, but to be cas… out, and troden under foot of men. He tha… hath ears to hear, let him hear.

How much therefore, is the tender hearted, and he that laboureth to beautifie his prof…ssion with a Gospel conversation, bound to bless God for the salt of his grace, by the which his heart is seasoned, and from his heart, his conversation.

Secondly, As such Christians should bless God, so let them watch, l…t them still watch, let them still watch and pray, watch against Satan, and pray yet for more grace, that they may yet more and more beautifie their profession of the worthy name of Christ, with a suitable conversation. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garment; that is, his conversation clean, nor is their any thing, save the overthrowing of our Faith, that Satan seeketh more …o destroy. He knows holiness in them that rightly, as to doctrine, name the name of Christ, is a maul and destruction to his Kingdom, an allurement to the ignorant, and a cutting off those occasions to p. 181stumble, Levit. 19.14.Lev 19:14that by the dirty life of a professor is laid in the way of the blind. He knows that holiness of lives, when they shine in those that profess the name of Christ, doth cut off his lies that he seeketh to make the world believe; and the slanders that he seeketh to fasten upon the professors of the Gospel. Wherefore as you have begun to glorifie God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods: so I beseech you do it more and more.

Thirdly, To this end,1 Tim. …6.5. 2 Tim. 2.22.1 Tim 6:52 Tim 2:22 shun those prof…ssors that are loose of life and conversation: From such withdraw thy s…lf, saith Paul, and follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. If a man, if a good man takes not good heed to himself, he shall soon bring his soul into a snare.Isa. 1.4.Isa 1:4 Loose professors are defilers, and corrupters; a man shall get nothing but a blot by having company with them. Besides, as a man shall get a blot by having much to do with such; so, let him beware that his heart learn none of their ways. Let thy company be the excellent p. 182in the earth; even those that are excellent for knowledge and conversation. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Be content to be counted singuler, for so thou shalt, if thou shalt follow after righteousness, &c. in good earnest, for holiness is a rare thing now in the world. I told thee before that it is foretold by the word, that in the last dayes, perilous times shall come, and that men shall walk after their own lusts, yea, professors, to their destruction. Nor will it be easie to keep thy self therefrom. But even as when the Pestilence is come into a place, it infecteth, and casteth down the healthful: So the iniquity of the last times will infect and pollute the godly. I mean the generality of them. Were but our times duly compared with those that went before, we should see that which now we are ignorant of. Did we but look back to the Puritans, but specially to those that but a little before them, suffered for p. 183the word of God, in the Marian days, we should see another life than is now among men, another manner of conversation, than now is among professors. But I say, predictions and prophecies must be fulfilled, and since the word says plainly, that in the last days there shall come scoffers, 2 Pet. 3.3, 17.2 Pet 3:32 Pet 3:17walking after their own lusts; and since the Christians shall be endangered thereby, let us look to it, that we quit our selves like men, seeing we know these things before; lest we being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from our own stedfastness.

Singularity in godliness, if it be in godliness, no man should be ashamed of. For that is no more than to be more godly, than to walk more humbly with God than others: and for my part, I had rather be a pattern, and example of piety: I had rather that my life should be instructing to the Saints, and condemning to the world, with Noah, and Lot; than to hazard my self among the multitude of the drossie.

p. 184I know that many professors will fall short of Eternal life, and my judgment tells me, that they will be of the slovenly sort of professors, that so do. And for my part, I had rather run with the foremost and win the prize,1 Cor. 9.24. 2 Tim. 2.4.5. Tit. 2.14.1 Cor 9:242 Tim 2:42 Tim 2:5Titus 2:14 than come behind, and lose that, and my labour and all. If a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, ex…ept he strive lawfully. And when men have said all they can, they are the truly redeemed, that are zealous of good works.

Not that works do save us, but faith, which laieth hold on Christs righteousness for justification, sanctifies the heart, and makes men desirous to live in this world, to the glory of that Christ, who died in this world to save us from death.

For my part I doubt of the faith of many, and fear that it will prove no better at the day of God, than will the faith of Devils. For that it standeth in bare speculation, and is without life and soul to that which is good. Where is the man that walketh with his Cross upon p. 185his shoulder? Where is the man that is zealous of moral holiness? Indeed, for those things that have nothing of the Cross of the Purse, or of the Cross of the Belly, or of the Cross of the Back, or of the Cross of the Vanity of houshold affairs; for those things I find we have many, and those very busie sticklers: but otherwise, the Cross, self-denial, charity, purity in life and conversation is almost quite out of doors among professors. But man of God, do thou be singular as to these,Ephes. 5.7.Eph 5:7 and as to their conversation. Be not therefore partaker with them, in any of their ways, but keep thy soul diligently; for if dammage happeneth to thee, thou alone must bear it.

But he that will depart from iniquity, must be well fortified with Faith, and Patience, and the love of God, for iniquity has its beauty spots, and its advantages attending on it:Zech. 5.7▪ 8.Zech 5:7Zech 5:8 hence it is compared to a Woman; for it allureth greatly. Wherefore, I say, he that will depart therefrom had need have faith, that being it which will help him p. 186to see beyond it, and that will shew him more in things that are invisible,2 Cor. 4.….2 Cor 4 than can be found in sin, were it ten thousand times more intangling than it is. He has need of patience also to hold out in this work of departing from iniquity. For indeed to depart from that is to draw my mind off from that, which will follow me with continual solicitations. Samson withstood his Dulilah for a while, but she got the mastery of him at the last; why so? Because he wanted patience,Judg. 16.15, 16, 17.Judg 16:15Judg 16:16Judg 16:17 he grew angry and was vexed, and could withstand her solicitation no longer. Many there be also that can well enough be contented to shut sin out of doors for a while; but because sin has much fair speech, therefore it overcomes at last.Pro. 7.21.Prov 7:21 For sin and iniquity will not be easily said nay:Jer. 3.Jer 3 It is like her of whom you read, she has a Whores fore-head, and refuses to be ashamed. Wherefore departing from iniquity is a work for length, as long as life shall last. A work, did I say? 'tis a War; a continual combate: Wherefore he p. 187that will adventure to set upon this work must needs be armed with Faith and Patience, a daily exercise he will find himself put upon,Mat. 24.13. Revel. 3.10.Matt 24:13Rev 3:10 by the continual attempts of iniquity to be putting forth it self. This is called an enduring to the end, a continuing in the word of Christ, and also a keeping of the word of his patience. But what man in the world can do this, whose heart is not seasoned with the love of God, and the love of Christ? Therefore he that will exercise himself in this work, must be often considering of the love of God to him in Christ: for the more sense, or apprehension a man shall have of that, the more easie and pleasant will this work be to him. Yea, though the doing thereof should cost him his hearts blood. Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes (says David) and I have walked in thy truth. Psal. 26.1, 2, 3.Ps 26:1Ps 26:2Ps 26:3Nothing like the sense, sight or belief of that, to the man of God, to make him depart from iniquity.

p. 188Object.But what shall I do, I cannot depart therefrom as I should?

Answ.Keep thine eye upon all thy shortnesses, or upon all thy failures, for that is profitable for thee.

1. The sight of this will make thee base in thine own eyes.

2. It will give thee occasion to see the need, and excellency of repentance.

3. It will put thee upon prayer to God for help, and pardon.

4. It will make thee weary of this world.

5. It will make grace to persevere the more desirable in thine eyes.

Also it will help thee in the things which follow.

1. It will make thee see the need of Christs righteousness.

2. It will make thee see the need of Christs intercession.

3. It will make thee see thy need of Christs advocateship.

4. It will make thee see the riches of Gods patience.

5. And 'twill make Heaven and eternal life the sweeter to thee when thou comest there.

p. 189But to the question. Get more grace. For the more grace thou hast, the further is thine heart set off of iniquity, the more also set against it, and the better able to depart from it, when it cometh to thee, tempteth thee, and intreats thee for entertainment. Now the way to have more grace, is to have more knowledge of Christ, and to pray more fervently in his name: also to subject thy soul and thy lusts with all thy power to the authority of that grace thou hast, and to judge and condemn thy self most heartily before God, for every secret inclination that thou findest in thy flesh to sin-ward.

The improvement of what thou hast, is that, as I may say, by which God judges how thou wouldest use, if thou hadst it, more; and according to that, so shalt thou have, or not have, a farther measure. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful (and will be so) also in much, and he that is unjust in the least, is (and will be) unjust also in much. I know Christ speaks here about p. 190the unrighteous Mammon,Luk. 16.10, 11, 12.Luke 16:10Luke 16:11Luke 16:12 but the same may be applied also unto the thing in hand.

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another mans, who will commit unto you that which is your own? That is a remarkable place to this purpose in the Revelations. Behold, saith he, I have set before thee an open door (that thou maiest have what thou wilt, as was also said to the improving Woman of Canaan) and no man can shut it:Revel. 3.8. Mat. 15.28Rev 3:8Matt 15:28 for thou hast a little strength, and hast held fast my word, and hast not denyed my name.

A good improvement of what we have of the grace of God at present, pleases God, and ingages him to give us more: but an ill improvement of what we at present have, will not do so.Mat. 25.24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.Matt 25:24Matt 25:25Matt 25:26Matt 25:27Matt 25:28Matt 25:29Matt 25:30 To him that hath, (that hath an heart to improve what he hath) to him shall be given; but to him that hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he hath. Well weigh the place and you shall find it so.

p. 191I know that to depart from iniquity so as is required, that is to the utmost degree of the requirement, no man can; for it is a copy too fair for mortal flesh exactly to imitate, while we are in this world. But with good Paper, good Ink, and a good Pen, a skillful and willing man may go far. And 'tis well for thee if thy complaint be sincere; to wit, that thou art troubled that thou canst not forsake iniquity, as thou shouldest: for God accepteth of thy design and desire, and 'tis counted by him as thy kindness.Pro. 19.22.Prov 19:22 But if thy complaint in this matter be true, thou wilt not rest, nor content thy self in thy complaints, but wilt, (as he that is truly hungry, or greatly burdened, useth all lawful means to satisfie his hunger, and to ease himself of his burden) use all thy skill and power to mortifie and keep them under by the word of God. Nor can it otherwise be, but that such a man must be a growing man. Every branch that beareth fruit, Joh. 15.2.John 15:2he purgeth it, that it may br…ng forth more fruit. Suc… a man shall not be a p. 192stumbling in Religion, nor a scandal to i…, in his calling, but shall (according to Gods ordinary way with his people) be a fruitful and flourishing bough.

And I would to God this were the sickness of all them that profess in this nation. For then should we soon have a new leaf turned over in most corners of this Nation: Then would graciousness of heart, and life, and conversation be more prized, more sought after, and better improved, and practised, than it is. Yea, then would the throats of ungodly men be better stopt, and their mouths faster shut up, as to their reproaching of religion, than they are. A Christian man must be the object of the envy of the world; but 'tis better, if the will of God be so,1 Pet. 2. & 3 chapters.1 Pet 2 that we be reproached for well doing, than for evil. If we be reproached for evil doing, 'tis our shame; but if for well doing, 'tis our glory. If we be reproached for our sins, God cannot vindicate us; but if we be reproached for a vertuous life, God himself is concerned, p. 193will espouse our quarrel, and in his good time will shew our foes our righteousness, and put them to shame and silence. Briefly, A godly life annexed to faith in Christ, is so necessary that a man that professes the name of Christ, is worse than a beast without it.

But thou wilt say unto me, Why do men profess the name of Christ, that love not to depart from iniquity?

I answer, There are many reasons for it.

1. The preaching of the Gospel, and so, the publication of the name of Christ, is musical and very taking to the children of men. A Saviour! A Redeemer! A loving sin-pardoning Jesus! What better words can come from man? What better melody can be heard? Son of man, said God to the Prophet, Lo thou art to them as a very lovely Song, Ezek. 33.32.Ezek 33:32or as a Song of loves, of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. The Gospel is a most melodious note, and sweet tune, to any that are not prepossessed with slander, reproach and p. 194enmity against the professors of it. Now its melodious notes being so sweet, no marvel, if it intangle some, even of them (that yet will not depart from iniquity) to take up and profess so lovely a profession. But,

2. There are a generation of men that are and have been frightned with the law, and terrified with fears of perishing for their sins, but yet have not grace to leave them. Now when the sound of the Gospel shall reach such mens ears, because there is by that made publick the willingness of Christ to die for sin, and of God to forgive them for his sake; therefore they presently receive and profess those notions, as the only ones that can rid them from their frights and terrors, falsely resting themselves content with that faith thereof, which standeth in naked knowledge; yea, liking of that faith best, that will stand with their pride, Covetousness, and leachery, never desiring to hear of practical holiness, because it will disturb them: wherefore they usually cast dirt at p. 195such, calling them legal preachers.

3. Here also is a design of Satan set on foot. For these carnal Gospellers, are his Tares, the children of the wicked one. Those that he hath sowed among the wheat of purpose, if possible, that that might be rooted up by beholding and learning to be vile and filthy of them.Mat. 13.36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42.Matt 13:36Matt 13:37Matt 13:38Matt 13:39Matt 13:40Matt 13:41Matt 13:42

4. Another cause hereof is this, the Hypocrites that begin to profess, find as bad as themselves already in a profession of this worthy name: and, think they, these do so, and so, and therefore so will I.

5. This comes to pass also through the righteous judgment of God, who through the anger that he has conceived against some men for their sins, will lift them up to Heaven,Mat. 11.20, 21, 22, 23, 24.Matt 11:20Matt 11:21Matt 11:22Matt 11:23Matt 11:24 before he casts them down to Hell, that their fall may be the greater, and their punishment the more intolerable. I have now done, when I have read to you my Text over again; And let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.

THE END.