the Time of Finding, Chapter 6

the Time of Finding · Chapter 6

p. 120CHAP. VI. Reaſons, Wherefore the Lord will not be found of ſome People, though they call upon him in the Time of trouble.

Reaſons why no time of finding. 1. Becauſe in their proſperity they will not know the Lord.Firſt, BEcauſe in their proſperous condition, when they eeDeut. 32.15.Deut 32:15are grown thick, and covered with fatneſs, they will not know the Lord. ButffPſa. 75.5.Ps 75:5 ſpeak with a ſtiff-neck. ggJob. 21.14, 15.Job 21:14Job 21:15What is the Almighty, that we ſhould ſerve him? and what profit ſhould we have, if we pray unto him? we deſire not the knowledge of his wayes, &c. Some people in ſeeking God are like a ſort of Beggers, who ſtanding at your door, will tell you, they make not a trade of begging, neither doe they come often, and had it not been for neceſſity, they would not have troubled you at this time. Are there not many (ſhould they ſpeak truth) muſt confeſs, this is their very caſe; they make no trade of begging, unleſs they are in ſome want:hhPſal. 10. ….Ps 10 God is not in all their thoughts; neither p. 121would they ſeek him in their troubles at all, if they knew how to be helpt without him. No doubt in the dayes of Noah, when the waters came and took away the wicked people out of their houſes and beds; yea, fetcht them off from the high hils and mountains, where they fled for ſafety, there was bitter mourning and crying to the Lord, but all in vain; as they would not know him in their proſperity, ſo now he will not deliver them, wheniiJob 27.9.Job 27:9 Fear, and the pit, and the ſnare are upon them. Job ſaith, God will not hear the hypocrite, when trouble cometh upon him: that is, ſeeing he cals not upon God (unleſs it be deceitfully and mockingly) but when great diſtreſs is upon him, therefore he ſhall be left to the deſtroyer, and no eye ſhall pity him. Hence it is, that the Scriptures ſpeak ofkkIſa 55.6.Isa 55:6 Seeking the Lord while he may be found, and while he is neer: andll2 Cor. 6.2.2 Cor 6:2 of the time accepted: andmmHeb. 3.15.Heb 3:15 while it is called to day: denoting, that men may forfeit their time, and come after the Gate of Grace is ſhut. And if ſo, then no time of finding.

p. 122Beſides, the Lord takes it as not ſought unto, nor call'd upon, when men only cry to him in time of trouble. It is ſaid of Saul, nn1 Chr. 10.14.1 Chr 10:14He enquired not of the Lord, therefore he ſlew him: yet in another place it is,oo1 Sam. 28.6.1 Sam 28:6 When Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord anſwered him not, neither by dreams, nor Ʋrim, nor by Prophets: the meaning is, when Saul knew not what to do, but ſaw the wrathful hand of God ready to cut him off by the Philistims, then (like a malefactor going to execution,) He enquires of the Lord; but this the Holy-Ghoſt cals, not enquiring, becauſe it was only for his own end; and till great diſtreſs came upon him, he regarded not the Lord, but had caſt him off, & ſought himſelf in every thing. The fox in a ſnare, looks wiſhly, hangs the head, will ſigh extreamly, and you may ſee tears fall from his eyes; but all this will not ſerve his turn, nor ſave him from being knockt on the head. Reader, ſhouldſt thou live to ſee an OLD HYPOCRITE under Divine wrath, thou wouldſt ſee him juſt like a fox in a trap, his countenance altered, groan and ſigh, as if his heart would break, p. 123and tears at command. I have ſinned, I have ſinned, (will the OLD FOX ſay) in betraying that INNOCENT CAƲSE. But the Lord will neither truſt him, nor beleeve him any more; his day is now come, in which the Judge of all the earth will pay him home, for all his former craft and falſhood. So let all thy enemies periſh O God. Judg. 5.31.

Secondly, Becauſe they ppIſa. 8.12.Isa 8:12ſay, Becauſe of their ſinful places and ſtandings in Babilon & the laſt Apoſtacy.A Conſpiracy; that is, mix themſelves with the unhallowed lump, keep unſanctified places and standings, in Babylon, and the last Apostacy, and ſo qq2 Tim. 3.5.2 Tim 3:5not ſeparated from the corruptions and evils of the time: rr2 Cor. 6— 17, 18.2 Cor 6Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate, ſaith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and I will be a father unto you, &c. Plainly ſhewing, unleſs we forbear toſſExod. 23.2.Exod 23:2 follow the multitude, or, Great men: ttRev. 18.4.Rev 18:4Come out of Babylon: uuEph. 5.11.Eph 5:11Have no fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of darkneſs: AndxxNum. 16.27.Num 16:27 depart from the tents of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram, and all ſuch wicked men, the Lord will not be a Father to us, in anſwering our cries, when calamities and troubles are p. 124upon us. What the Lord may doe in reſpect of his unbounded bowels, and free grace, yyPſal. 131.2.Ps 131:2it is a thing too high for us. For he is many times better then his promiſe, and above it. But this I ſay: So long as men wrap themſelves in the ſin and guilt of others, plead for Baal, and endeavor to ſtrengthen Tyrants in oppreſſion and blood, follow Balak (as Balaam did) for the wages of iniquity; theſe cannot (thus doing) by any Scripture-promiſe, expect a time of finding: I ſpeak of a temporal deliverance, as to beaaZeph. 2.1, 2, 3.Zeph 2:1Zeph 2:2Zeph 2:3 hid in the day of the Lords anger.

There is a twofold ſeparation which the Lord requires of his people at this time. 1. From things. 2. From perſons. And the followers of the Lamb they do both.**Rev. 14.3.Rev 14:3 They are redeemed from the earth; that is, from the carnal Church-Miniſtry, worſhip, and Government; they will not communicate in any of their deviſed ſervice, forms, cuſtoms, adminiſtrations, nor contribute any thing to their maintenance. Numb. 7.3, 5. Neh. 10.23, 39. Likewiſe,††Ver. 4. They are redeemed from among men: who theſe men are, p. 125the Apoſtle ſhews, viz. the Apoſtates in the laſt days: MEN, that ſhall be lovers of their own ſelves, covetous, proud, &c. from ſuch turn aſide. 2 Tim. 1.2, 5.

Charls 9. having a petition brought to him from the Admiral Chaſtillon, he refuſed to receive it, ſaying, If he will forſake the Rebels (meaning the Proteſtants) and come to us, we will hear him: but ſo long as he encourageth the enemy, we will receive none of his Petitions. I wiſh with my Soul, that ſome eminent profeſſors would lay things to heart: How can they think that the Lord will receive any of their Petitions, if not only they abide with his Enemies, and take their part openly againſt him, but ſeek to ſtrengthen and maintain (what they can) the greateſt revolt that ever was made againſt Jeſus Chriſt? It is ſaid,bbGen. 6.8.Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord: Why Noah more then others? why was the Lord better to him then to a whole world? He wasccGen. 7.1.Gen 7:1 A SEPARATIST, and a ſtrict one too; for he made conſcience of his ways, and wherein he ſaw others differed from truth and righteouſneſs, p. 126therein he differed from them.

Qu. But why are not many profeſſors Separatiſts (like Noah) now, ſo to have a time of finding when the Flood comes?

Anſw. To ſpeak my thoughts, it is becauſe of Self-love and Covetouſneſs: Theſedd2 Tim. 2.2, 3, &c.2 Tim 2:22 Tim 2:3 two great leading ſins (like two huge Beaſts) open a wide Gap to the reſt of the ſins in the laſt Apoſtacie, ee1 Tim. 6.10.1 Tim 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while ſome coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themſelves thorow with many ſorrows. Howbeit in ſome ground there are ill VVeeds of ſeveral ſorts; yet commonly there are one or two rifer and ranker then others. I am the more confirm'd to think the laſt Apoſtacie is come, not onelyonly becauſe all the VVeeds appear foretold, but that Self-ſeeking and Covetouſneſs, firſt named, are higher and ranker then the reſt.

The Story of the Uſurer may fitly come in here: when he went abroad, people pointed at him, and ſhooke their heads; whereby he knew his way and trade was generally diſlik'd: this ſorely vex'd him, until he came home, and ſaw his Bags; then he would laugh, and ſay p. 127to himſelf, Ha, ha, Now let them laugh at me, here is that makes a mends for all: and thus his grief was over. I know, it doth many times extreamly trouble ſome profeſſors to hear and ſee what they do: That is, how they are condemn'd by all faithful people, for ſerving the luſts of men; and for countenancing Covenant-breakers, and ſuch as have betrayed the glorious Cauſe of Chriſt. This (I ſay) vexeth them at the heart; and the more, becauſe their Conſciences cannot but check them for building again the things which they deſtroyed. Notwithſtanding, when they come home, and ſee the BAG, ffAct. 19.25Acts 19:25what WEALTH IS GOTTEN BY THIS CRAFT, ſo much honor and preferment at Court, ſuch a gainful place in the Army, ſo much per ann. in the Colledge, ſuch a fat living or augmentation in the Country; beſides the pride and gallantry of their Wives and Children, all Ladies and Prince-like: Ha, ha, (ſay they) now let them laugh: what care we for the FIFTH MONARCHY-MEN, or their witneſs againſt us? they call us Time-ſervers, p. 128Turn-coates, Court-flatterers, and ſuch as will crouch for a morſel of bread. But theſe High-places, Offices and preferment, make us amends ſufficiently. Beſides, what can their poorgg1 Sam. 22.7.1 Sam 22:7 ſon of Ieſſe do for us? But let them take this into the BAG too: As the Partridge ſitteth on eggs, Jer. 17.11.Jer 17:11and hatcheth them not, ſo he that getteth riches, and not by right, ſhall leave them in the midſt of his days, and at his end ſhal be a fool. Nurſes count them good Children which though they are ready to cry at every turn, yet are eaſily quieted with ſome toy. The Devil is little troubled that men do weep and cry now and then, and are ſometimes prick's at the heart for their corrupt walking; ſo that for a little honour, pleaſure, profit, and ſuch like toys, their conſciences are ſoon quieted. Again, I ſpeak not this, as taking delight to diſcover the nakedneſs of profeſſours: the Lord knows, my deſire is, ThathhJer. 15.19.Jer 15:19 the precious might be ſeparated from the vile, and that none of Gods elect among the Back-ſliders might be partakers of their plagues. And therefore in the Bowels of Jeſus, I beſeech p. 129them to Conſider,

1. What a ſad thing it is, that men notii2 John 8.2 John 1:8 looking to themſelves, ſhould loſe thoſe things that they have wrought, and not receive a full reward. I have thought ſometimes of Ioabs caſe, after he had fought many Battels; yea, the Lords Battels, ah, that his gray hairs ſhould go to the grave under ſo much ſcandal and diſhonour: But more ſad is their caſe, who having oppoſed the Prelates, and fought valiantly for the truth; yea, (ſome of them) left their Country for the Goſpels ſake, ſhould now for looking back,kkEze. 13.9.Ezek 13:9 Not be in the Aſſembly of Gods people, neither written in the writing of the Houſe of Iſrael, neither enter into the Land of Iſrael, nor be mourned for as the prophets were, Oh my Father, my Father, llJer. 22.18, 19.Jer 22:18Jer 22:19ah his Glory.

But, 2. And this I wiſh that they would ſeriouſly lay to heart, viz. how the diſhonour of Gods great Name occaſioned by this late Apoſtacie, lies principally at their door. Our holy profeſſion had never been rendred ſo odious as it is, if Profeſſours and Church-Members had not been. Hence it is, when p. 130ſome have been told of breaking their promiſes and e…gagements, and caſting off the Lords work, and ſetting up their own intereſt: to name ſuch and ſuch profeſſours and Church-Officers who went along with them, as if they did nothing without their counſel and encouragement. The old Non-conformiſts were wont to ſay of the Conformable Miniſters, that, The beſt were the worſt; meaning, thoſe who ſubſcribed to the Prelates, and uſed the Service and Ceremonies of the Church, (though otherwiſe good men) did more hinder the work of Reformation, and harden ignorant people in Errour and Superſtition then, then all the ignorant and ſcandalous Prieſts of the Nation. And queſtionleſs it was ſo. And what may we ſay of the preſent Conformiſts? The beſt are the worſt. For howſoever in many things they walk better then the reſt, and we hope better things of them as to their Soul-ſtate; Yet conſidering how they have left the Lords work, and are fallen in with a worldly intereſt, and what evil Inſtruments they have been in obſtructing the good old cauſe, in p. 131theſe reſpects and ſuch like, it may be fairly aſſerted, The beſt are the worſt; I ſay, the profeſſor worſe then the prophane, and Church-Officers worſe then the ignorant and ſcandalous pariſh-Prieſt; eſpecially if it be minded, how many Simple hearts in City and Country have been deceiv'd by theſe men, and hindred from being faithful to Jeſus Chriſt in their Generation-work. I ſhall conclude in Pauls words,mm1 Cor. 3.13, 15.1 Cor 3:131 Cor 3:15 Every mans work ſhall be made manifeſt: for the day ſhall declare it. Becauſe it ſhall be revealed by fire; and the fire ſhall try every mans work of what ſort it is, &c. If any mans work ſhall be burnt, he ſhall ſuffer loſs; but he himſelf ſhall be ſaved: yet ſo, as by fire. What this fire means, is worthy of Conſideration.

Thirdly, No time of finding, becauſe nnIſa. 1.15. & 59.2.Isa 1:15Isa 59:2their hands are full of Blood. 3. Becauſe their hands are full of blood.The Hebrew hath Bloods, ſignifying how the Prieſts and Falſe-prophets, by their flatteries and lies, deſtroyed the Souls of the people; and the Rulers, their bodies and eſtates, by oppreſſion and cruelty. But the Alluſion which the prophet here uſeth, notably ſets forth p. 132the impudent boldneſs of theſe men: It is taken from a Murtherer, who having waſh'd his hands in innocent Blood, comes and ſhews them to the Judge, as taking delight to have them ſeen in that Bloody colour. Much blood, precious blood was ſpilt in the late wars: the which ſome men by their falſhood and breach of promiſe have not onelyonly contracted to themſelves, but bring their bloody hands to the Altar, lifting them up before the Lord, Angels and men, as glorying (it ſeems) there lies the guilt of ſo much blood upon them.

I cannot forget Davids example: when they brought unto him the water of the well of Bethlem, oo2 Sam. 23.16, 17.2 Sam 23:162 Sam 23:17He would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord, ſaying, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I ſhould do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardie of their lives? therefore he would not drink of it. It were well if ſome mens hearts would ſmite them as Davids did. Davids worthies only jeoparded their lives; no blood was ſpilt: but many of the Lords worthies in the late wars, did more then jeopard their p. 133lives, for they loſt them in the high-places of the field. But hath their Blood been poured out to the Lord, (as David did the water?) I ask againe, Hath it? or rather, have not ſome men drunk it themſelves? And with this blood purchaſe Courts, Titles, Superiority; with this blood clothe themſelves and families (like the Glutton)ppLu. 16.19. in purple and fine linen, and fare ſumptuouſly every day: Do they not with this BLOOD perſecute the very cauſe and intereſt of Chriſt for which it was ſpilt? yea more, do they not with this BLOOD build again that curſed Ierico, by which it was overthrown?qqHab. 2.12Hab 2:12 Wo to him that buildeth a Town w…th blood, and ſtabliſheth a Citie by iniquity. rrNah. 3.1.Nah 3:1Wo to the bloody City, it is full of lies and robberie, and the prey departeth not.

As ſuch men are unlike David, ſo like Nero and Iulian the Apoſtate, for all the world. The firſt having kil'd his own mother, perſwaded the people (publica fortuna extinctam) that ſhe was put to death for the publick good of the State. The other, when he opened the temples of the Pagan gods, p. 134and repaired their Altar, it was (ſecuritas reipublicae) for the ſafety of the Commonwealth: have there been none ſince, having murther'd the Commonwealth, in her Laws, Liberties, Priviledges, &c. and re-eſtabliſhed old Popiſh Idols, would make the Simple believe all is done for the publick good and ſafety of the people?rrPſal. 120.3.Ps 120:3 What ſhall be done unto thee, thou falſe tongue?

But to return to our Prophet: howſoever both Prieſts and Princes have their hands full of blood; yet theyſſIſa. 1.18.Isa 1:18 make many prayers: multiply prayer, ſaith the margin. Hence obſerve, 1. No people arettMica. 6.6, 7. more forward in outward ſervices, then Hypocrites and Apoſtates: for when they have caſt off the power of Godlineſs, they will be the more buſie about the form. 2. Whilſt mens hands are full of blood, there is no Time of finding, though they multiply prayer. This later is plain in Davids caſe:uuPſal. 32.2, 3. &c.Ps 32:2Ps 32:3 All the while he kept ſilence, and acknowledged not his ſin (which doubtleſs was blood) hisxxPſal. 51.8.Ps 51:8 Bones were broken, and waxed old, and his moiſture was turned into the drought of ſummer; that is, he could hear of no p. 135joy and gladneſs, but lay roaring under pangs of conſcience, having the ſtrength of body and ſoul conſum'd, through grief and mourning: if it were thus with David, for one mans blood, what may we think of their caſe, who (by power and policy) ſhall wrap themſelves in the guilt and blood of many thouſands; yea, more,yyHeb. 6.6.Heb 6:6 Shall crucifie to themſelves the Son of God afreſh, and put him to open ſhame; that is, ſhall treacherouſly murther Jeſus Chriſt in his righteous cauſe: and which is more, ſhall deride and mock the Lords people, and perſecute them, if they ſpeak againſt them for ſuch things?

Fourthly, Becauſe of mens allowing themſelves in ſome known wickedneſs. 4 Becauſe of mens allowing themſelves in ſome know a wickedneſs.aaPſal. 66.18.Ps 66:18If I regard wickedneſs in my heart (ſaith David) the Lord will not hear me. Obſerve, 1. He doth not ſay, If there be iniquity in my heart, but, if I regard it; that is, delight in it, and allow it, and would have it abide there as a friend and beloved. Hence we may ſee a difference between a ſincere Chriſtian, and a corrupt heart. A ſheep by occaſion may fal into mire and dirt; but he likes not to be there, he likes not the p. 136place; whereas a ſwine in dirt, is where he would be: it is true, the choyſeſt Chriſtians are ſometimes overtaken, & yet through Grace, they can ſay, We know nothing by our ſelves; that is, no evil which (knowingly) they approve of: but what God loves, they love, and what he hates they hate, whatſoever they know to be a duty and truth, they will do, and what is evil and ſinful forſake. If you caſt ſtones or gravel into a fountain, the water becomes thick and muddie: but within a little while, it purgeth it ſelf again, and is clear and ſweet as before. So a good man, by reaſon of temptations, is ſometimes troubled, and paſſions riſe in him: but through the power of Grace, he is ſoon reſtored to his former ſweet and holy walking. But with the wicked it is not ſo: his heartbbIſa. 56.20.Isa 56:20 is like the troubled ſea, when it cannot reſt: always caſting up mire and dirt. ccJob 20.12, 13.Job 20:12Job 20:13Wickedneſs is ſweet to him: he keeps it within his mouth. As men to keep their goods, have ſtrong walls and doors about their houſes; ſo have Reigning Hypocrites about them: ſome to write for them, others to preach p. 137for them: ſome to fight for them; and all is, that the Hypocrites GOODS may not be loſt: to wit, his pomp, pride, oppreſſion, &c.

Queſt. But how may it be known when a man regards iniquity in his heart?

Anſw. 1. VVhen he corrupts menddMat. 28.12, 13, 14.Matt 28:12Matt 28:13Matt 28:14 by gifts and preferment, to defend his unrighteous doings.

2.eeEſth. 3.8, 9. &c.Esth 3:8Esth 3:9 VVhen he fears not to commit the greateſt ſin, ſo he may ſatisfie his will and luſt.

3. VVhen he willff1 Kin. 21.9. Jer. 41.6.1 Kgs 21:9Jer 41:6 faſt, and pray, and weep, that he may the ſooner effect his wicked deſignes.

4. VVhengg1 Kin. 22.8.1 Kgs 22:8 he counts ſuch his greateſt enemies, who deal plaineſt with him about his foul miſcarriages.

5.hhIſa. 3.9.Isa 3:9 VVhen no thing will make him bluſh or aſham'd.

But ſecondly, This regarding iniquity is in the heart. The Scibes and Phariſees outwardly ſeem'd to be good men, religious and devout, (like the Hypocrites of our time) but Chriſt who knew their heart, ſhewed what they were: A brood of Vipers, painted ſepulchres, their inward parts very rottenneſs. p. 138The Wood-picker (a little Bird) when ſhe is ſeeking a place to breed in, lights on the ſide of a Tree, and with her Bill gives a knock; if ſhe perceive the ſame to be hollow, then to work ſhe goes, and with her Bill makes a little hole in the Tree, thorow which ſhe creeps into the hollow part, and there builds her Neſt, lays her eggs, and hatcheth her young ones. The Devil is like this Bird: when he comes to a profeſſor, and by knocking him with preferment and profit, finds he is hollow-hearted, there he falls to work, and in he goes; here he hath his Neſt, eggs, and young ones. And in truth, never had he entred into ſo many profeſſors, (as of late he hath done) but that after a little KNOCKING, (all this will I give thee) he perceiv'd they were hollow: I ſay, HOLLOW-HEARTED, notwithſtanding their oaths, vows and engagements: neither was he deceived, (as we ſee by ſad experience) for he hath found room enough in that hollow and rotten part, to build his Neſt, and hatch his young ones. But what ſaith Chriſt of ſuch people?iiMat. 12.43, 44, 45.Matt 12:43Matt 12:44Matt 12:45 The laſt ſtate of them p. 139is worſe then the firſt. There is little hope for men to have a time of finding, ſo long as Satan hath his Neſt, eggs and birds in them.

Fiftly, Should ſome men be ſpared, it would encourage them to go on in their ſinful ways; they would preſume, 5. Becauſe if ſpared, they would preſume, g…ow more confident and vile.grow more confident and vile, if poſſible. Had not Pharaoh and his hoſt periſhed in the Red-ſea, they would have been more inhumane and cruel then ever before.kkEccl. 8.11.Eccl 8:11 Becauſe ſentence againſt an evil work is not executed ſpeedily, therefore the heart of the ſons of men is fully ſet in them to do evil: that is, becauſe the judgment of God is ſo long put off, wicked men plead as it were a preſcription of impunity; & perſwading themſelves, that the execution of the ſentence (which is ſo long delayed) will never be laid on them, hence are hardned and made worſe in their ſinful courſes. In the Hebrew Text, their heart is full to do evil: that is, full of evil purpoſes, full of wicked imaginations, curſed plots and deviſes for the bringing forth the works of darkneſs; ſo full, that there is no room for the fear of Gods wrath, no room for the conſideration p. 140of their own danger, no room for the apprehenſion of their falſhood, hypocriſie, backſliding, whereby to reſtrain them in any meaſure; but they run with a full ſtream into the practiſe of all kind of wickedneſs.

It is true,llPſa. 7.11.Ps 7:11 God is angry (or angerly threatneth) with the wicked every day: the ſentence againſt every evil work, is already given: but becauſe the execution is deferred, becauſe wickedneſs is not fo…thwith checked, blamed, puniſhed, men think they ſhall be longer licenſed in ſinning. As the Stars, though in themſelves very great, yet being ſeen a far off, ſeem to be little: So Apoſtates, and other ungodly people, perſwading themſelves the day of vengeance is a long time to come, they are little or nothing moved by it: if we bring this home to the ſinners of our time, we ſhall have ground to believe that their judgment is nigh.

For, 1. The Lord having through infinite clemencie, forborn them a while, and not fallen preſently upon them, they are becomemm2 Pet. 3.3, 4.2 Pet 3:32 Pet 3:4 the Scoffers in Peter, andnnJer. 5.12, 13.Jer 5:12Jer 5:13 have belied the Lord, and ſaid, It is not he, neither ſhall evil p. 141come upon us, neither ſhall we ſee ſword or famine. And the Prophets ſhall become wind, and the word is not in them; that is, mock at Gods menaces, and jeſt at his judgments, as things that never ſhall come to paſs and be effected. As Agag, when he ſaw he was not cut off with the reſt of the Amalekites, concludes,oo1 Sam. 15.32.1 Sam 15:32 Surely, the bitterneſs of death is paſt: So becauſe they were not ſwept away in ſuch a month or ſuch a yeer, what ſay they now?ppEze. 12.22.Ezek 12:22 The dayes are prolonged, and every viſion faileth. Becauſe they do not immediately ſee the whole Propheſies accompliſhed, (concerning the Little Horn, the Laſt Apoſtacy, and the Beast which aſcendeth out of the bottomleſs pit) they contemn them, and laugh at them, as though they ſhould never be fulfill'd; and ſay,qqJer. 7.10.Jer 7:10 We are delivered to do all theſe abominations. Though we have done ſuch things (ſworn falſely, and betrayed the intereſt of Chriſt and his people) and have been grievouſly threatned for the ſame; yet we are delivered from their THREATNING TESTIMONY, and are well, ſafe, and without fear p. 142or danger, and ſhall go on, and proſper ſtill; yea, (and which is more) theyrrAmos 5.18.Amos 5:18 Deſire the day of the Lord; In a profane boldneſs provoke and dare the Lord to bring that once to paſs, which he hath ſo long threatned. Where are hisſſJer. 51.20.Jer 51:20 Battle-axes: thettRev 15.1.Rev 15:1 vial-Angels: uuIſa. 27.1.Isa 27:1his ſore great and strong ſword: xxIſa. 8.19.Isa 8:19Let him make ſpeed, and haſten his work that we may ſee it, and let the Counſel of the Holy One of Iſrael draw nigh, and come, that we may know it.

2. Iudgment not being ſpeedily executed, What is the evil that their heart is full of? yyLuk. 14.14.Luke 14:14We will not have this man to reign over us. The war now is (like that of the Old Gyants) againſt Heaven, againſt God and Chriſt, how toaaPſal. 2.3.Ps 2:3 Break their bonds aſunder, and caſt their cords from them. As Herod no ſooner heardbbMat. 2.2, 13.Matt 2:2Matt 2:13 of one born King of the Jewes, but immediately he ſought the young Child's life to destroy him. The very rumor of Chriſts coming forth to reign, and to break all corrupt powers, makes Tyrants mad, and it is their greateſt care and ſtudy how to prevent him.

p. 143But 3. And let it be heeded, when men are emboldned and made worſe, becauſe judgment is delayed; this ſhews not only thatccJer. 5.14, 15.Jer 5:14Jer 5:15 Divine wrath is very nigh at hand, but it ſhall reſt and abide upon them,ddIſa. 5.25.Isa 5:25 till they are conſum'd to aſhes (as fire doth wood) No time of finding, eeAmos 5.21. Jer. 7.16.Amos 5:21Jer 7:16for their prayers, cries and tears the Lord hates and deſpiſeth.

Sixthly,6. God is many ways glorified when corrupt men have not a time of finding. It is much to the prayſe and Glory of God, when Apoſtates, Hypocrites, and other corrupt people, have not a time of finding.

Quest. Wherein is the Lord honored, not being found of his people?

Anſw. 1. In vindicating his Justice, Providence, and Great Name. 1. In vindicating his providence and great Name.When God is ſilent, and ſpares Hypocrites,ffPſa. 50.2 i.Ps 50:2 They thinke him like themſelves, altogether as they are. As the Tyrant having a ſafe paſſage homeward, thought the gods well pleaſed with his robbery: Thus do wicked men; if they proſper in unrighteous ways, or ſee others proſper therein:ggPſa. 119.70.Ps 119:70 Their heart is as fat as greaſe; and are ready to ſay,hhZeph. 1.12.Zeph 1:12 The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil: nay, p. 144they begin to call in queſtion his Juſtice and Providence.iiMat. 2.17.Matt 2:17 Every one that doth evil, is good in the ſight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; that is, accepteth and approveth of the wicked, juſtifies them; yea more, takes pleaſure in them. How many in theſe late years, by their Atheiſtical conceits, and blaſphemous ſpeeches, have wearied and vexed the Lord! and whence hath it riſen?kkIbid. Where is the God of Judgment? As if there were no Providence, no God that did judge and govern things upon earth, becauſe he doth not preſently puniſh the workers of iniquity. As one not long ſince moſt blaſphemouſly ſayd, If he be a God, why doth he not ſhew his judgment upon ſuch a one? I could name both. Now howſoever many reaſons might be given for the proſperity of the wicked, and their impunity, yet doubtleſs, the glory of God is exceedingly manifeſted in his Government and Adminiſtration, when he breaks the power of the proud, and makes them like aſhes under the ſoles of his feet.llRev. 15.4.Rev 15:4 Who ſhall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy name? &c. for thy judgments p. 145are made manifeſt. By that revenging ſtroke from Heaven which reach'd Iulian the Apoſtate, many who formerly had ſpoken wickedly of Chriſt, repented, and acknowledged their blaſphemie, and gave glory to him. In ſome ſuch way (I am perſwaded) will the Lord vindicate his Providence and Juſtice; namely, by making SOME MEN publick Examples of his wrath: ſuch I mean, who by their falſe-ſwearing, and horrible hypocriſie (and proſpering a while therein) have occaſioned many to have had hard thoughts of God: WHERE IS THE GOD OF JƲDGMENT?

Memorable is that ſtory of Amurath at the battle of Varna: when he ſaw the ſlaughter of his men, and all things brought into extreame danger, he pluckt out of his boſom the writing wherein the late League was compriſed; and holding it up in his hand, with his eyes lift up to heaven, ſaid, Behold thou crucified Chriſt, this is the League thy Chriſtians in thy name made with me; and they have without cauſe violated: Now if thou be God, as they ſay thou art, and as we dream, revenge the p. 146wrong now done unto thy Name and me, and ſhew thy power upon thy perjurious people, who in their deeds deny thee their God. VVas a Turk heard againſt Idolaters, for Covenant-breaking, And will not the Lord much more bow his ear to the ſtrong cries of his children, holding up in their hands the Proteſtations, Vows, and ſolemn Ingagements (not of Papiſts, but) of great profeſſors, which they publickly have broken with God and men; when they ſhall ſay, (as ſtill they do) Behold Lord, ſee here, theſe are the Oaths, Atteſtations and promiſes, which thy great profeſſors have made with thee, and for the intereſt of thy Son and Zion; and without any cauſe (but to ſatisfie their own luſts) they have violated: Now therefore, as thou art a jealous God, and tender of thy great Name, Glory, Providence; ſo ſhew thy great Power, upon theſe falſe and diſſembling people, who in their works deny thee their God?

2. By making himſelf known in his truth & cauſe.Secondly, By making himſelf gloriouſly known in his truth and cauſe. That Saul had no time of finding, but was left of God in the day of diſtreſs; this made way for Davids kingdome: So p. 147when Tyrants are broken in their power and Government, it is in order to the exalting of Jeſus Chriſt in his kingdome and rights.mmPſal. 9.16.Ps 9:16 The Lord is known by the judgments which he executeth: and till then, his Name is not feared, his truth and cauſe denyed, and his honour is laid in the duſt. But when the Lord, by deſtroying the enemies of his Glory, ſhall put a Crown upon his GOOD OLD CAUSE: then it ſhall be ſaid,nnPſa. 58.11.Ps 58:11 Verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. AndooIſa. 46.9.Isa 46:9 there is none elſe. AndppDeut. 33.29.Deut 33:29 the enemies (as Lawyers, Prieſts, Souldiers, and Apoſtate-profeſſors) ſhall be found lyars. qqEze. 6.14.Ezek 6:14I will ſtretch out my hand upon them, and make the Land deſolate; yea, more deſolate then the wilderneſs toward Diblath in all their habitations. But what will the Lord get by this? And they ſhall know that I am the Lord. As if he ſhould ſay, Their loſs ſhall be my gaine; their fall, my riſing: for whereas by their Covenant-breaking, and horrible Apoſtacie, they have brought my Name and Glory under reproach; I will recover all again upon their mine.

p. 148Was not the Lord eminently known in this Nation, when he executed judgment upon the King and Prelates, and that party? To my knowledge,rrEſth. 8.17.Esth 8:17 the fear of Gods people fell upon the Nations about us: and they confeſt the Lord had done great things for us, and began to enquire after our good cauſe, and had honourable thoughts of it. But true it is, ſince this unbleſſed Apoſtacie came up, (occaſioned by profeſſours) they judge otherwiſe both of us and it. As for the Engliſh profeſſours, they call them, A pack of diſſemblers; their profeſſion, falſhood and craft; and the good old Cauſe (ſo ſignally own'd by the Lord) they ſpurn at it; nay more, (and truly I mourn as I wite it) by reaſon of the groſs miſcarriages of ſome Profeſſours, the very Name of Religion is become ſo odious, that they have made Ballads and Songs againſt it, and they are ſung by baſe fellows up and down the Nation; and what is the Burden of their Song? No Cheater like the Profeſſour.

But though this be ſo, yet when the Lord ſhall execute judgment upon p. 149thoſe men who have brought ſuch diſhonour and reproach to him, and ſo build the old waſt places, and be called, The repairer of the breach, and reſtorer of paths to dwell in: Then he will recover the glory of his great Name, and be more admired of the Nations then before, When the Scribes and Phariſees had put Chriſt to death, what ado they made to have kept him in the grave, and that he might not riſe again … butſſPſa. 2.1.Ps 2:1 they imagined a vain thing. It was not the great ſtone which they rolled before the door of the Sepulchre, nor their ſealing it, nor ſetting Souldiers to watch, that could do it: but he roſe in the ſpight of them all,ttRom. 1.4.Rom 1:4 and declared himſelf to be the Son of God. Since they crucified the Lords Cauſe, what hath been their work? but how to keep it from riſing. Truly little elſe hath been thought of, or lookt after: the help that is called for from this party, and the other, it is onelyonly to ſtrengthen the hands of the wicked. Now as the Lord will not eaſily part with his glory, ſo (I think) it will not be recovered without executing judgement upon the enemies p. 150of it, and reviving his glorious work and cauſe again: but in what caſe then are Revolters? for if God in this way be glorified, they muſt needs be aſham'd. If the Lord do magnifie his great Name, by lifting up the intereſt of Chriſt and his people, it muſt be to the ſhame and confuſion of their faces, who have brought it under foot. As thoſe that have been whores to great men, being caſt off, or their maſters dead, every body points at them and ſcorns them; there goes one that was ſuch a mans whore, fie upon her: no leſs deteſted will they be, who have ſerved the unclean intereſt of men. The time (I am perſwaded) is nigh, that they ſhall not ſhew their heads abroad, but men, women, and children will point at them, ſaying, LOE, THERE WALKS ONE, A PROFESSOR, A CHURCH-MEMBER, WHO FOR A SALARY, A PLACE, AN OFFICE, A MONOPOLY, PROSTITUTED HIS HONESTY, FAITH, CONSCIENCE, COUNTRY, TO THE LUST AND WILL OF MEN.

3. By being glorifyed of ſome, becauſe others are puniſhed.Thirdly, The Lord not granting a p. 151time of finding unto ſome, but leaving them to periſh under wrath, is glorified of many by it. I have been thinking ſometimes, what might be the cauſe, that in pouring out the ſeven laſt plagues, we finde nor anyuuRev. 11.13.Rev 11:13 to give glory to the God of Heaven, but when the ſeven thouſand were ſlain in the Earth-quake. Now my opinion is, in the deſtruction of the Laſt Apoſtacy (under the firſt vial) Gods Juſtice, Holineſs, wiſdome, &c. will occaſion ſome extraordinary glory to be given to him. For whereas he begins with a profeſſing people, and ſpares them not; this will be more to the prayſe of his Juſtice, then when his wrath afterwards fals upon Idolaters, and ſuch as know not God. And hence it is, that the Mourners in Zion, cry day and night with a loud voyce to him that ſits on the Cloud,xxRev. 14.15.Rev 14:15 Thruſt in thy ſickle and reap, for the time is come for thee to reap, for the harveſt of the Earth-Apoſtacy is ripe. Not that they fret at the proſperity of evil doers, or are impatient under their oppreſſions, or delight in blood; but becauſe of the exceeding great glory (they know) Jeſus Chriſt will have p. 152by it. When weeds overtop the corn, bryars and thorns are grown great and thick, high above the vine, unleſs they are cut down, there will be no harveſt, no vintage.yyIſa. 26.9.Isa 26:9 When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteouſneſs. When the thorns and bryars, which are grown great and high among us, are pluckt up by the roots, then will this Nation learn righteouſneſs: then ſhall the Lord have a glorious harveſt and vintage, even ſweet and bleſſed fruit; then there will be a generation of Profeſſors ſincere, ſingle hearted, faithful to God, and faithful with men: whereas now too many areaa2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4.2 Tim 3:22 Tim 3:32 Tim 3:4 Lovers of themſelves, Covetous, Boaſters, Proud, Blaſphemers, Ʋnthank-ful, Ʋnholy, Trucebreakers, Traytors, &c. Having a form of Godlineſs, but denying the power thereof.

Howſoever it be true,bbJob. 21.30Job 21:30 That the wicked is reſerved to the day of deſtruction; yet this day and deſtruction is,ccPro. 16.4.Prov 16:4 For God's own glory: but when they ſhall be brought forth to the day of wrath, how is he then glorified? Truly in nothing more, then when others p. 153ſeeing the vengeance: not only juſtifie it, but are inſtructed, and kiſs the Son, and ſtand in awe, and ſin not. ddPſa. 97.8Ps 97:8Zion heareth and rejoyceth, and glad are the daughters of Iudah, becauſe of thy judgments, Jehovah. Thoſe people which are a while without the Sun, no ſooner have a ſight thereof, but leap and clap their hands for joy, as having now their light and life and comforts reſtored to them. So long as men are under Tyranny and oppreſſion (which will be till the vial-plagues be gone) what have they, but night and darkneſs, ſorrows and vexations continually? Now Chriſt riſing in judgement, removes theſe heavy yokes and burdens, and plants peace and righteouſneſs in the Earth. Hence not only will the righteous ſhout for joy, but the Lord every where prayſed by all ſorts of people, even the whole Creation.

Fourthly,4. I… being at reſt and ſatisfied when he hath executed his judgments upon Apoſtates. As no people by their ſins do ſo much preſs and burden the Lord, as back-ſliders, and luke-warm Profeſſors; ſo he is not at reſt and ſatisfied, until he have throughly executed his judgment upon them. For this we have an example p. 154in the old Apoſtate Iſrael, when they fell into the hands of their enemies, were plundred and ſpoyl'd, had their children ſton'd, and tumbled in blood, their City and Temple burnt to aſhes, and all their power, glory and greatneſs layd in the duſt; then God cauſed his fury to reſt, his jealouſie to depart; then was he quiet and ſtill, and angry no more. The Lord ſeems to be troubled and unquiet, before his judgment is executed; but when that is once done (eſpecially upon an Hypocritical Nation) then he is at reſt, pacified and comforted.eeEzek. 5.13.Ezek 5:13 Thus ſhall mine anger be accompliſhed, and I will cauſe my fury to reſt upon them, and I will be COMFORTED: and they ſhall know, that I the Lord have ſpoken it in my zeal, when I have accompliſhed my fury in them. Again,ffHoſ. 10.10.Hos 10:10 It is my deſire, that I ſhould chaſtiſe them. As a man that longs for a thing, is unſatiſfied, and reſtleſs till he have it; ſo the Lord ſeeing them grown deſperately wicked,ggIſI. 1.24. Will eaſe himſelf, with their juſt puniſhment.

Before Ionah had judgment paſt upon him,hhJon. 1.4, 15.Jonah 1:4Jonah 1:15 There was a great wind, p. 155and a mighty tempeſt in the ſea; the Lords diſpleaſure and anger was up, and let out: but when Ionah was caſt into the ſea, when juſtice was done upon him, it is ſaid, the ſea ceaſed from her raging. God is quiet firſt, then the waters. So when judgment was executed upon Achan, the Text ſaith,iiJoſh. 7.2.6.Josh 7:2Josh 7:6 The Lord turned from the fierceneſs of his anger. Again, when judgment was executed upon the bloody houſe of Saul; kk2 Sam. 21.14.2 Sam 21:14After that, God was intreated for the Land. Till that was done, the Lord was not at reſt, his jealouſie and wrath ceaſed not. The Lord threatens to bring the Aſſyrian upon the Iews, who ſhould take away their fair Jewels, ſtrip them, and leave them naked and bare, burn their houſes, and thruſt them thorow with the ſword; and what then?llEzek. 16.42.Ezek 16:42 So will I make my fury towards thee to rest, and my jealouſie ſhall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. mmIſa. 10.25.Isa 10:25The indignation ſhall ceaſe, and mine anger in their destruction: as if he ſhould ſay, when I have deſtroyed them, and layd all waſte, then I ſhall have eaſe, my anger and fury will p. 156ceaſe.nnEſth. 7.10Esth 7:10 They hanged Haman upon the gallows, and then was the Kings wrath pacified.

And as the Lord is not quiet and ſatisfied, till he have executed judgment upon Apoſtates; neither is he at eaſe, until he have done the like upon Lukewarm Profeſſors. ooRev. 3.16Rev 3:16Becauſe thou art neither cold nor hot, I will ſpue thee out of my mouth. When a man hath ſomething upon his ſtomack, which he cannot brook, but it is loathſome to him, he hath no eaſe or quiet, till he have caſt it up. They that are not hot, having not the power of Godlineſs; nor cold, having yet the form, they are a burden and trouble to Jeſus Chriſt, till he have (by ſome judgment) quitted himſelf of them. For concluſion, I have a few things to propound, to the earth-thriving Profeſſors of this age, who are at eaſe in their fat places.

1. Whether the Lord be not more preſt and burdened with the ſins of Revolters and luke-warm profeſſors, then with the ſins of any other people?

2. Whether any people ſince the riſe of the Beaſt, have made a greater revolt from God, or have been more p. 157Luke-warm (all things conſidered) then the preſent Engliſh Revolters.

3. Whether the latter Apoſtacie mentioned by Paul, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3. be not in every particular (to the life) fulfilled in them.

4. Whether the Lord can be at reſt, ſatisfied and comforted, till he have throughly executed his judgment upon ſuch enemies of his Glory, Cauſe and Kingdom.

5. Seeing it is not the Dragon, but his Tail, that**Rev. 12.4Rev 12:4 drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven, and did caſt them to the Earth;

I query, 1. Who is meant by the Tail of the Dragon.

2. Who are the fallen Stars?

3. Unto which of the Apoſtacies do they belong? for to one they muſt, if not to both.

Seventhly,7. Becauſe men weep for the puniſhment of their ſins, but not for their ſins cauſing the puniſhment. Becauſe men mourn and weep for the puniſhment of their ſins, but not for their ſins which cauſed the puniſhment. As the Dog under the whip, howls and cries for the pain, but not for the fault and cauſe of his beating. Thus did the old Jews, when the Amorites came out againſt them, and p. 158chaſed them as Bees do, and deſtroyed them in Seir, even unto Hormah, ppDeut. 1.44, 45.Deut 1:44Deut 1:45They returned and wept before the Lord: but the Lord would not hearken unto their voyce. And why ſo? becauſe they lamented the loſs of their Brethren, but not their ſins (not their Apoſtacie, Rebellion, Ʋnbelief,) which provoked the Lord to ſmite them. When news came that the Engliſh were kil'd like ſo many Flies in Hiſpaniola; ſo ſhamefully deſtroyed, as I think never the like diſhonour and ſhame befel the Nation before; (the Lord by the judgment ſignally ſhewing his diſpleaſure againſt them) It is true, there was faſting and mourning; but why? (as the old Jews did) Becauſe their brethen were ſlain. But was there any repenting of the Cauſe? was there any ſincere acknowledgment of the ſins which had provoked the Lord ſo extreamly againſt them? who like David ſpake then to the Lord,**1 Chron. 21.17.1 Chr 21:17 and ſaid, Is it not I that commanded the people to to be numbred? even I it is that have ſinned, and done evil indeed. But as for theſe ſheep, what have they done? Let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, p. 159be on me, and on my fathers houſe; but not on thy people, that they ſhould be plagued. David had a weeping heart beſides weeping eyes, and was no Hypocrite. But the Crocodile (as ſome write) having devoured a man, weeps over the Skull, when nothing elſe is left; not repenting of his Deed, but becauſe on that bone there remains no fleſh to eat. The Hieroglyphick is applyed to … and WEEPING-HYPOCRITES, who will ſhed tears when they have murthered the people: yet ſo, as not repenting for what they have done; but fearing leſt they ſhould not have enough of MANS BLOOD to drink and ſwallow down.

Queſt. But if men acknowledge their ſins before the Lord, with faſting and weeping; ſhall they have a time of finding, doing no more?

I anſwer, No,qqJon 3.8, 10.Jonah 3:8Jonah 3:10 Except they turn from their evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. When Joſhua, and the reſt of the congregation, knew who was the TROUBLER, had they onelyonly acknowledged that great wickedneſs, and mourned for it. p. 160I ſay, done no more, there had been no time of finding: and ſo much the Lord tels them,rrJoſh. 7.12.Josh 7:12 except you deſtroy the accurſed thing from among you, I will not be with you any more.

So when it was told David, thatſſ2 Sam. 21 1, 2. &c.2 Sam 21:12 Sam 21:2 The three years famine was for Saul and his bloody houſe, becauſe he ſlew the Gibeonites: Had there been no more … …nfeſſing the ſin, and asking forgiveneſs, the Lord would not have been intreated for the Land. So it may be ſaid of all others in the like caſe, ſhould they confeſs their Apoſtacy, Falſhood, Oppreſſion, &c. I ſay, publickly acknowledge the ſame before God, Angels, and men, appoint ſolemn days of faſts to weep and mourn for their ſins; Nevertheleſs except THE ACCURSED THING BE DESTROY'D, the TROUBLER ſton'd, and judgment executed upon the BLOODY HOUSE OF SAUL, there is no time of finding, neither will the Lord regard ſuch things: and this the Scripture makes good,ttPro. 28.13.Prov 28:13 He that covereth his ſins, ſhall not proſper; whoſe confeſseth and FORSAKETH them, ſhall have mercy. If it be ſo, in what p. 161caſe then are ſuch men, who are ſo far from forſaking their ſins, as they will not confeſs them; but call evil good, &c. yea more, make account by keeping the Accurſed thing, to proſper, and to carry all before them, in ſpight (as it were) of God, and of his Son, and Zion. But the perverſneſs of tranſgreſſors ſhall deſtroy them. Prov. 11.3.