Mount Zion, Part 4

Mount Zion · Part 4

p. 119I have already ſhewed you a draught of the True Church; and now I will ſhew you a Map of the World: The whole World lies in wickedneſs, 1 Joh. 5.19. Love not the World, neither the things that are in the World; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him; for all that is in the World, the luſt of the Fleſh, the luſt of the Eyes, and the pride of Life, is not of the Father, but is of the World, and the World paſſeth away, and the Luſt thereof, but he that doth the will of God, abideth for ever, 1 John 2.15, 16, 17.

Firſt, It is a dead World, dead in Sins, dead in treſpaſſes. When the Aſſyrian Army came up againſt Jeruſalem, to deſtroy the Church of God, the Lord ſent an Angel, that did deſtroy that great Army, one hundred fourſcore and five thouſand; this was done in one night, Iſa. 37.36. and when the inhabitants of Jeruſalem aroſe early in the morning, they were all dead Corps; what a ſight was this to behold? Should we ſee great numbers of dead Corps lie upon the Earth, this would not be deſireable to us, the ſight would offend us, and the ſmell would offend us, and the thoughts of it would trouble us, O! what is it then, to behold, and ſee a dead world, a world that lies in wickedneſs, a world that is ſpiritually dead; this is the ſad fate and condition of every man and woman of the World; they p. 121live, and yet they are dead, they are without ſpiri ual life. But ſhe that liveth in pleaſure, is dead while ſhe liveth, 1 Tim. 5.6. They live in the pleaſures of ſin, but the Spirit of Truth liveth not in them, they live, but without God in the World. At that time ye were without Chriſt, being aliens from the common-wealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers from the covenants of promiſe, having no bope, and without God in the World, Eph. 2.12. Oh! how can they expect to live with God in another World, that live without God in this? this is next to living in Hell, with Devils, and Damned Spirits; wicked men are but as ſo many walking Ghoſts. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, wherein in time paſt ye walked according to the courſe of this world, according to the Prince of the Power of the Air, the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of diſobedience, among whom alſo we had all our converſations in times paſt, in the luſts of our fleſh, fulfilling the deſires of our fleſh, and of the mind, and were by nature the Children of wrath, Eph. 2.1, 2, 3. You ſee here theſe Gentiles walked; though they were dead, dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, yet they walked; but how did they walk? they walked as the moſt of men and women walk now.

1. They did walk according to the courſe of this World.

2. According to the Prince of the power of the Air, the Spirit that now worketh in them.

3. The Children of diſobedience.

4. Fulfilling the deſires of the fleſh, and of the mind.

5. They were by nature the Children of wrath. For this my Son was dead, and is alive again, he was loſt, and is …ound, Luk. 15.24. How loud need a man to ſpeak, that the dead may hear; their bodies are but as ſo many living Coffins, to carry about their dead Souls in; the Worlds faith is a dead faith; the worlds worſhip is a dead worſhip; the worlds miniſtry is a dead miniſtry; how can a dead world have a living faith? how can a dead miniſtry ſpeak forth the words of ſpirit and life? how can a dead worſhip be profitable to men, and acceptable to the living God? There was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a houſe where there was not one dead, Exod. 12.30. There was then a great cry in Egypt, and the cauſe of this cry was, becauſe the Lord had paſſed through his Enemies to ſmite them, for there was not a houſe where there was not one dead; where is that family to be p. 123found amongſt us, that there is not one or more dead in it? dead in their ſins, dead Godward, and Chriſtward, and Heavenward? Are there not in moſt houſes all dead, Parents dead, and Children dead? Maſters dead, and Servants dead; and yet no crying heard for this? The fear of God is not in their houſes, nor his name is not there call'd upon; the Peace of God is not there, nor the love of God; they live, but Chriſt Jeſus liveth not in them, they are without all ſpiritual life and grace, and the wrath of God abideth on them, Joh. 3.36. Men will believe the words of a Prince, they will believe the words of a Man, but they will not believe the word that God hath ſpoken …o them. God hath ſaid, If ye live after the fleſh, ye ſhall die, Rom. 8.13. but who believes it? God hath ſaid, Ye ſhall die in your ſins, if ye believe not, John 8.24. but who minds it? They will be venturers, and run the riſque, and hazzard of loſing all, this is a dead world, that will not hear; Verily, verily, I ſay unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead ſhall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear ſhall live, Joh. 5.25.

Secondly, It is a dark world; it lies in darkneſs, under thick darkneſs, and how p. 124great is that darkneſs? But if thine Eye be evil, thy whole body ſhall be full of darkneſs; if therefore the light that is in thee be darkneſs, how great is that darkneſs? Mat. 6.33. To give light to them that ſit in darkneſs, and in the ſhaddow of death, Luk. 1.79. Then ſpake Jeſus again unto them, ſaying, I am the light of the World, he that followeth me ſhall not walk in darkneſs, but ſhall have the light of life, Joh. 8.12. I am come a light into the world, that whoſoever believeth on me, ſhould not abide in darkneſs, Joh. 12.46. The night is far ſpent, the day is at hand, let us therefore caſt off the works of darkneſs, and let us put on the armour of light, Rom. 13.12. Have no fellowſhip, with the unfruitful works of darkneſs, but rather reprove them, Eph 5.11. For we wreſtle not againſt fleſh and blood, but againſt principalities, againſt powers, againſt the rulers of the darkneſs of this world, againſt ſpiritual wickedneſs in high places, Eph. 6.12. But he that hateth his brother is in darkneſs, and walketh in darkneſs, and knoweth not whither he goeth, becauſe that darkneſs hath blinded their eyes, 1 John 2.11.

There be three things that have darkened the world.

1. The Devil.

2. Sin.

p. 1253. The inventions of Men.

Firſt, the Devil. He is the ruler of the darkneſs of this world; He is a ruler, but it is of darkneſs, and this darkneſs is of this world.

The Devil is Darkneſs.

His nature is Darkneſs, Jude 6.

His priſon is Darkneſs, 1 Pet. 3.19.

His power is Darkneſs, Col. 1 13.

His Kingdom is Darkneſs, Rev. 16.10.

His work is Darkneſs, Mat. 12.26. 1 Joh. 3.8.

If our Goſpel be hid, it is hid to them that …e loſt; in whom the God of this World hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, leſt the light of the glorious Goſpel of Chriſt, who is the Image of God, ſhould ſhine in them, 1 Cor. 4.3, 4.

The Devil as he is the god of this world, ſo he blinds the minds of men, and puts out their eyes, the eyes of their underſtandings, that the light of the glorious Goſpel may not ſhine into them, 2 Cor. 4.4. As he is the Prince of the Air, he worketh in the Children of diſobedience, Eph. 2.2 But what doth he work in them? No good be ſure. The Devil works in them his own …ature, his will and property; he works in them, darkneſs, blindneſs, and ignorance, that they may be like him, and do his p. 126works. Ye are of your Father the Devil, and the luſts of your Father ye will do, he was a murtherer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, bec…uſe there is no truth in him, when he ſpeaketh a lie, he ſpeaketh of his own, for he is a liar, and the Father of it, Joh. 8.44. and as he is the Ruler of the darkneſs of this World, ſo he rules in dark hearts, in dark Souls, in dark underſtandings, & fills them with ſo much darkneſs, that they love darkneſs, and hate the light. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the World, and men loved darkneſs rather than light, becauſe their deeds were evil, Joh. 3.19. the Devil is called the power of darkneſs, Col. 1.13. for he fills thouſands of People with darkneſs; Nations and Kingdoms he fills with darkneſs. And he opened the bottomleſs Pit, and there aroſe a ſmoke out of the Pit, as the ſmoke of a great furnace, and the Sun and the Air were darkned by reaſon of the ſmoke of the Pit, Rev. 9.2. And his Kingdom was full of darkneſs, Rev. 16.10. But as the Devil is the ſtrong man arm'd, that keeps this houſe; When a ſtrong man armed keepeth his Palace, his goods are in peace, but when a ſtronger than he ſhall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he truſted, and divideth the ſpoil, Luke 11.21, 22. Every p. 127wicked and dark heart is the Devils houſe, and all the Children of diſobedience are his goods, his ſlaves, and vaſſals, and captives. And that they may recover themſelves out of the ſnare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will, 2 Tim. 2.26.

Secondly, Sin darkens; Having their underſtandings darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becauſe of the blindneſs of their hearts, who being paſt feeling, have given themſelves over unto laſciviouſneſs, to work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs, Eph 4.18, 19. Who leave the paths of uprightneſs, to wal… in the ways of darkneſs, who rejoyce to do evil, and delight in the frowardneſs of the wicked, Prov. 2.13, 14. The path of the juſt is as the ſhining light, that ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day; but the way of the wicked is as darkneſs, they know not at what they ſtumble, Prov. 4.18, 19. The Apoſtle Paul ſhews the dark ſtate of the Gentiles, and of the Jews in that day; They became vain i… their imaginations, and their fooliſh heart was darkened, profeſſing themſelves to be wiſe, they became fooliſh▪ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man, and to Birds, and to four-footed beaſts, and to creeping things; wherefore God alſo gave them up to uncleanneſs, through the luſts of their own hearts, to diſhonor their own bodies between themſelves; who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worſhiped, and ſerved the creature more than the Creator, who is bleſſed for ever. Amen. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledg, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do thoſe things which are not convenient, being filled with all unrighteouſneſs, fornication, wickedneſs, covetouſneſs, maliciouſneſs, full of envy, murther, debate, deceit, malignity, whiſperers, back-biters, haters of God, deſpiteful, proud, boaſters, inventers of evil things, diſobedient to parents, without underſtanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; who knowing the Judgment of God, (that they which commit ſuch things, are worthy of death) not only do the ſame, but have pleaſure in them that do them, Rom. 1.21. to the end.) This was the ſad and dark ſtate of the Gentiles then.

Let us ſee next that of the Jews; what was their ſtate then; they were the National Church, and unto them were committed the Oracles of God; they had Moſes, and the Prophets, the Law, and the Teſtimony, the Covenant, and the Promiſe. What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumciſion? Much every way, Rom. 3.1, 2. Notwithſtanding their priviledges, and the many advantages they then had above the Gentiles, yet their ſtate was a dark ſtate; a curſed ſtate, ſin had ſo darkened their Hearts, and minds, and underſtandings, that they had forſaken, and gone out of the way of truth; as you may ſee at large in Romans 3. What then, are we better than they? No, in no wiſe; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under ſin, as it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that underſtandeth, there is none that ſeeketh after God, they are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one; their throat is an open Sepulchre, with their Tongues they have uſed deceit, the Poiſon of Aſps is under their Lips, whoſe mouth is full of curſing and bitterneſs; their feet are ſwift to ſhed blood; deſtruction and miſery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known; there is no fear of God before their Eyes, ver. 9, to 18.

Thirdly, the inventions of men darken.

When men leave the precepts of God, and follow the precepts of men; when men leave the ſcriptures of truth, and follow p. 130the traditions of men; when men leave the pure worſhip of God, and follow Idolatry; when men leave the path of the Juſt, that ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day, and walk in the way of Baal; then their Hearts are darkned, and their minds are blinded, and their underſtandings are clouded, that they ſee not whither they go; then they ſubmit to any thing, then they bow down to any thing, and worſhip any thing; thus did the Gentiles, they changed the glory of the uncorruptible God, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and to four-footed beaſts, and to creeping things, and worſhiped and ſerved the Creature more than the Creator, Rom 1.23, 25.

Thus did the Jews do of old. And the Children of Iſrael did ſecretly thoſe things that were not right, againſt the Lord their God; and they built them high places in all their Cities, from the Tower of the Watchmen, to their fenced City. And they ſet them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green Tree, and they burnt incenſe in all the high places, as did the Heathen whom the Lord carried away before them, and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger, for they ſerved Idols, whereof the Lord had ſaid unto them, Ye ſhall not do this thing; yet the Lord teſtified againſt Iſrael, and againſt Judah, by all the Prophets, and by all the Seers, ſaying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments, and my ſtatutes, according to all the Law, which I have commanded your Fathers, and which I ſent to you by my Servants the Prophets; notwithſtanding they would not hear, but hardened their Necks like to the Necks of their Fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God, and they rejected his ſtatutes, and his covenants that he had made with their Fathers, and his teſtimonies which he had teſtified againſt them, and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the Heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they ſhould not do like them, and they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worſhiped all the hoſt of Heaven, and ſerved Baal, and they cauſed their Sons and their Daughters to paſs through the Fire, and uſed Divination, and Inchantments, and ſold themſelves to do evil in the ſight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger, 2 Kings 17.9, to 17.

O learn from hence theſe four things.

Firſt, When men leave God, God leaves them; when men leave truth, truth leaves them; when men leave the true Church, the Church leaves them. I ſaid indeed, that thy houſe, and the houſe of thy father ſhould walk before me for ever, but now the Lord ſaith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me, I will honour, and they that deſpiſe me ſhall be lightly eſteemed, 1 Sam. 2.30.

Secondly, You may ſee, and underſtand by this, what that is, that blinds, and darkens, nations and people; the Devil darkens, Sin darkens, and the inventions of men darken; And he opened the bottomleſs Pit, and there aroſe ſmoke out of the Pit, as the ſmoke of a great furnace, and the Sun and the Air were darkened by reaſon of the ſmoke of the Pit, and there came out of the ſmoke Locuſts upon the Earth, and unto them was given power, as the Scorpions of the Earth have power, Rev. 9.2, 3.

Thirdly, Marvel not then, that men are ignorant and blind, ſuperſtitious, and inventers of evil things; Idolaters and Blaſphemers. What wonder then is it to ſee theſe things, when men change the Truth of God into a Lie, and hold the Truth of God in unrighteouſneſs? And for this cauſe God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſions, that they ſhould believe a Lie; that they all might be damned, who believed not the Truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs, 2 Theſ 2.11, 12. They feared the Lord, and ſerved their own Gods, p. 133after the manner of the Nations, whom they carried away from thence, 2 Kings 17.33.

Fourthly, Learn from hence the cauſe of the ſufferings of the People of God in all times. This hath been the flaming Sword of perſecution, that hath turn d every way againſt them, in all places; namely the dark World by their inventions, and by their cruel Decrees. And it was given unto him to make war with the Saints, and to overcome them, and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the Earth ſhall worſhip him, whoſe names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb ſlain from the foundation of the World, Rev. 13.7, 8. Here was a War, and this War was with the Saints, whoſe names were written in the book of Life of the Lamb ſlain from the foundation of the World. The cauſe of this War was for their not worſhipping the image of the beaſt; this the Saints of God could not do; and therefore they were ſlain. And cauſe that as many as would not worſhip the image of the beaſt, ſhould be killed; and that no man might buy or ſell, ſave he that had the mark or the name of the beaſt, or the number of his name, ver. 15.17. The Saints did not make the image; therefore they would not worſhip the image; they did not ſet up this worſhip, neither will they be worſhipers of it, with the World. God gives life to his worſhip, but the Beaſt gave life to this, by forcing, and compelling; ſaying to them that dwell on the Earth, that they ſhould make an image to the beaſt; and he had power to give life unto the image of the beaſt, that the image of the beaſt ſhould both ſpeak &c. ver. 14, 15.

This indeed is a myſtery, but if my reader be a Child of Light, he will underſtand it, by that little light I have here given him in this myſtery.

Thirdly, It is an evil World; what evil is there out of Hell, that may not be ſeen in this World? What do you ſee in this World but evil? What is there done by this World but evil? And what do you expect from this World but evil? Who gave himſelf for our ſins, that he might deliver us from this preſent evil World, Gal. 1.4. When our Lord Jeſus was upon the Earth; he then prayed for them that did believe, and he prayed for them which ſhould believe on him hereafter; he prayed long, and he prayed fervently, that all they whom the Father had given him, might be kept from the evil of the World, Joh. 17.15. Pure Religion and undefiled before God, and p. 135the father, is this, to viſit the fatherleſs and widdows in their affliction, and to keep himſelf unſpotted from the evil world, Jam. 1.27.

Firſt then, What have the Saints of God ſeen in this World but evil, and do ſtill ſee it? men wallowing in the mire and filth of ſin, and all wickedneſs; praying for their own damnation; and treaſuring up of wrath againſt their own Souls; marching in troops to Hell and Damnation. They are wiſe to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge, the thoughts of their hearts are evil and that continually; the words of their mouths are evil, full of curſing and bitterneſs; the works of their lives are evil being abominable.

Love not the World, neither the things that are in the World; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him: For all that is in the World, the luſt of the Fleſh, the luſt of the Eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the World, 1 John 2.15, 16. you ſee here what is in the World; it is luſt, nothing but luſt; the luſt of the Fleſh, and the luſt of the Eyes, and the pride of Life; the luſt of drunkenneſs, the luſt of Swearing, the luſt of Uncleanneſs, the luſt of Adultery, the luſt of Idolatry, the luſt of p. 136Covetouſneſs, the luſt of Ambition, and of Pleaſures, and Idleneſs, a fulfilling the deſires of the Fleſh, and of the Mind; this is that the World is covered with as with a Garment. Then when luſt hath conceived, it bringeth forth ſin: and ſin when it is finiſhed, bringeth forth death, James 1.15.

Secondly, what is done by the World but evil? Evil to themſelves, and Evil to the Saints. And moreover, I ſaw under the Sun the place of Judgment, that wickedneſs was there: and the place of Righteouſneſs, that iniquity was there, Eccl. 3.16. ſo I returned, and conſidered all the oppreſſions that are done under the Sun, and behold, the tears of ſuch as were oppreſſed, and they had no comforter; and on the ſide of the oppreſſors there was power, but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praiſed the dead, which are already dead, more than the living, which are yet alive; yea better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not ſeen the evil work that is done under the Sun, Eccl. 4.1, 2, 3.

This is that which provokes the Lord, and the Eyes of his glory; and this is that, that hath made the Eyes of the people of God to run down with tears. Rivers of Waters run down mine Eyes, becauſe they p. 137keep not thy Law, Pſal. 119.136. Oh! that my head were Waters, and mine Eyes a fountain of Tears, that I might weep day and night for the ſlain of the daughter of my People, Jer. 9.1. And the Lord ſaid unto him, Go through the midſt of the City, through the midſt of Jeruſalem, and ſet a mark upon the foreheads of the men that ſigh, and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midſt thereof, Ezek. 9.4. And when he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, ſaying, If thou hadſt known, even thou, at leaſt in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace? but now they are hid from thine Eyes, Lu. 19.41, 42. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the Enemies of the Croſs of Chriſt; whoſe end if deſtruction, whoſe God is their Belly, and whoſe Glory is their ſhame, who mind Earthly things, Phil. 3.18, 19. Behold, and ſee, O perſecuting World! the love and pity, that is in the Hearts of Gods Children towards you. They ſigh, and mourn for your abominations; they weep, and tears run down like water from their Eyes, for your ſins and wickedneſs; you perſecute them, and yet they pray for you; you hate and deſpiſe them, yet they pity you; and ſeek, and endeavour to ſave you. You can p. 138commit ſin with both hands, but you do not ſigh and mourn; you can treaſure up wrath againſt your ſelves, but you cannot turn it away; you can pull down Judgments upon you, but you cannot remove them.

Thirdly, What do you expect, that are the Saints of God, from this World but Evil? For I know your manifold tranſgreſſions and your mighty ſins; they afflict the Juſt, they take a bribe, and turn aſide the poor in the gate from their right, Amos 5.12. Who hate the good, and love the evil, who pluck off their skin from off them, and their fleſh from off their b…nes; who alſo eat the fleſh of my people, and ſlay their skin from off them, and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the …ot, and as the fleſh within the Cauldron, Mic. 3.2, 3. if you look into the 11th of the Hebrews, that little book of Martyrs, there you will ſee, what the ſufferings of Gods Children were of old; and if you read the Acts of the Apoſtles, that will ſhew you how cruel the world was then to the Church of God; and has it been kinder ſince? The Saints and Martyrs have not found it ſo. Confirming the Souls of the diſciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we muſt through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of p. 139God, Acts 14.22. A Leopard cannot change his ſpots, and a Lion cannot change his nature; no more can a wicked man ceaſe from evil; he hates the image of God wherever he ſees it. Let no good man expect good from the World; it did hate Chriſt Jeſus, and it now hates all his members; In the World ye ſhall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the World, Joh. 16.33. The World hath been always ſtorming the Church of God, and is always preparing to make new aſſaults expect therefore nothing from an evil World but evil; pray therefore that you may be kept from the evil of the World.

Fourthly, It is a carnal World. For to be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded, is Life and Peace. Here the Apoſtle ſhews the difference between a carnal man, and a ſpiritual man; A carnal man is dead, he hath no ſpiritual life in him, but a ſpiritual man hath both life and peace; that life which is eternal, John 10.28. and that peace which paſſeth all underſtanding. A carnal mans life is in himſelf, but a ſpiritual mans life is in Chriſt Jeſus. A carnal man receiv'd his life from God by Creation, but a ſpiritual man receiv'd his life from Chriſt Jeſus p. 140by grace; A carnal mans mind is Earthly, that is his ſin; but a ſpiritual mans mind is Heavenly, that is his Joy. A carnal mans mind cannot be ſubject to the Law of God; but the ſpiritual man, with his mind, ſerves the law of God, Rom. 7.25. A carnal mans mind is full of enmity againſt God, a ſpiritual mans mind is full of love to God. Becauſe the carnal mind is enmity againſt God, for it is not ſubject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, Rom. 8.7. Enemies may be reconcil'd, but Enmity never will be reconcil'd. This enmity that is in the Hearts, and minds of men againſt God is very great, and it ſhews it ſelf many ways.

1. They hate God, Rom. 1.30. Becauſe of his holineſs, his purity, his truth, his laws; and therefore God calls them his Enemies. Rule thou in the midſt of thine Enemies, Pſal. 110.2. Yea the fire of thine Enemies ſhall devour them, Iſaiah 26.11. But theſe mine Enemies which would not that I ſhould reign over them, bring hither, and ſlay them before me, Luke 19.27. And you that were ſometime alienated, and Enemies in your minds by wicked works, Col. 1.21. Every carnal man in the World is an open and a profeſs'd Enemy againſt God by wicked works; the works of the Devil, the works p. 141of the Fleſh, that are manifeſt, which are theſe, Adultery, Fornication, Ʋncleanneſs, Laſciviouſneſs, Idolatry, Witch-craft, Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Hereſies, Envyings, Murthers, Drunkenneſs, Revellings, and ſuch like, Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. Theſe are the works of the fleſh, wicked works; enemies in your minds by wicked works.

2. They hate the ways and worſhip of God. The natur…l man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are fooliſhneſs unto him, neither can he know them, becauſe they are ſpiritually diſcerned, 1 Cor. 2.14. The carnal World did never like the worſhip of God; Gods worſhip is too holy, and pure for carnal men; it is too ſpiritual, and ſtrict for them; they love the way that is broad, where the moſt go, Mat. 7.13. though every ſtep they take in it, be to Hell and Damnation. Carnal people do make a profeſſion, but what profeſſion is it? they profeſs that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and diſobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. They profeſs, but they do not practice; They hear, but they do not do; they learn, but they never come to the knowledg of the Truth; they confeſs p. 142their ſins, but they forſake them not; They acknowledg their iniquities, and yet continue workers of inquity: When once the maſter of the houſe is riſen up, and hath ſhut to the door, and ye begin to ſtand without, and to knock at the door, ſaying, Lord, Lo…d, open unto us, and he ſhall anſwer and ſay unto you, I know you not whence you are; then ſhall ye begin to ſay, We have eaten and drunken in thy preſence, and thou haſt taught in our ſtreets; but he ſhall ſay, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of Iniquity, Luk. 13.25, 26, 27. See here a carnal worlds profeſſion, it is words all words, and nothing but words. Let us go a little farther, and ſee the worlds worſhip? O! 'tis a brave worſhip, fine, and gawdy, to behold, if you will believe carnal men. But let us ſee what the Scriptures of truth ſay of it. Bring no more vain oblations; incenſe is an abomination unto, me; the new moons and ſabbaths, the calof aſſemblies I cannot away with, it is iniquity, even the ſolemn meetings; your new moons, and your appointed feaſts, my ſoul hateth; they are a trouble unto me, I am weary to bear th…m. And when ye ſpread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear; your hands are full of blood, Iſa. 13.14, 15. He that p. 143killeth an Ox, is as if he ſlew a man; he that ſacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a Dogs neck: he that offereth an oblation, as if he …ffered ſwines blood; he that burneth incenſe, as if he bleſſed an Idol; yea, they have choſen their own ways, and their Soul delighteth …n their abominations, Iſa. 66.3. The God of Iſrael did not condemn the worſhip, but the worſhipers; he reproved them, and thundered from Heaven againſt them by his Prophets, for their uncleanneſs, and …ilthineſs; for their ſins, and abomina…ions; for their cruelties, and oppreſſions; …heir hands were full of blood; theſe were …he worſhipers in that day, that the Lord did hate, and abhor.

In the New Teſtament you may find a worſhip ſpoken of, and worſhipers, both …ondemn'd by God himſelf, and diſal…ow'd of. Ye worſhip ye know not what: but …he hour cometh, and now is, when the true …orſhipers ſhall worſhip the Father in Spirit and … Truth; for the father ſeeketh ſuch to wor…ip him, Joh. 4.22, 23. Let no man beguile …u of your reward, in a voluntary humility, …nd worſhiping of Angels, intruding into thoſe …ings which he hath not ſeen, vainly puft up … his fleſhly mind; (touch not, taſt not, han…e not; Which all are to periſh with the uſing) …ter the Commandments and Doctrines of p. 144men, Col. 2.18, 21, 22. But alſo that the Temple of the great Goddeſs Diana ſhould be deſpiſed, and her magnificence ſhould be deſtroyed, whom all Aſia, and the World worſhipeth, Acts 19.27. And the reſt of the men which were not killed by theſe plagues, yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they ſhould not worſhip Devils, and Idols of Gold, and Silver, and Braſs, and Stone, and of Wood, which neither can ſee, nor hear, nor walk, Rev. 9.20. And all the world wondered after the Beaſt, and they worſhiped the Dragon which gave power unto the Beaſt▪ and they worſhiped the Beaſt, ſaying, Wh… is like unto the beaſt? Who is able to mak… War with him? Rev. 13.3, 4. Here is a worſhip, and worſhipers; but what ſaith the Lord of theſe worſhipers? If any ma… worſhip the Beaſt and the Image, and receiv… his mark in his forehead, or in his hand; th… ſame ſhall drink of the Wine of the wrath o… God, which is poured out without mixture int… the Cup of his indignation, and he ſhall be tormented with fire and brimſtone in the preſenc… of the Holy Angels, and in the preſence of th… Lamb, and the ſmoke of their torment aſcendeth up for ever and ever, and they have no reſ… day nor night, who worſhip the beaſt and hi… Image, and whoſoever receiveth the mark o… his name, Rev. 14.9, 10, 11. A carna… p. 145man may have the words of prayers, the form of prayers; but he hath not the grace of prayer, the Spirit of prayer. He may make a profeſſion, but ſtill holds faſt his corruptions, and will not let them go. He may have a form of Godlineſs, and …et be an Enemy to the power of Godli…eſs. He may have a ſeeming Religion, …nd yet allow himſelf to live in all open wickedneſs, Having a form of Godlineſs, …t denying the power thereof; from ſuch turn way, 2 Tim. 3.5.

Bad men deny the power of Godlineſs, …nd look moſt upon the form; Good …en deſire the power of Godlineſs, and …ook leaſt to the form. Saints muſt turn …way from evil men, that they be not par…kers with them; and ſinners muſt turn …way from the evil of their ways, that God may have mercy upon them.

3. They hate the people of God, and …ave enmity againſt them; but they ſhall …e, and be aſhamed for their envy at the …eople; yea, The fire of thine Enemies ſhall …vour them, Iſa. 26.11. This enmity was …ſt in the Devil againſt our firſt Parents, …hen they were in Paradice. And ye ſhall … as Gods, knowing good and evil, Gen. 3.5. …ut how? Ye ſhall know the good by …lling from it; and ye ſhall know the p. 146evil by undergoing it. This enmity was in the mind of Cain againſt Abel. And i… came to paſs when they were in the field, tha… Cain aroſe up againſt Abel his brother, and ſlew him, Gen. 4.8. Abel was the firſt ſufferer for truth, the firſt witneſs that wa… kill'd, the firſt righteous blood that wa… ſhed upon the Earth. This enmity wa… in Eſau againſt Jacob; and Eſau ſaid i… his Heart, The days of mourning for my Father are at hand, then will I ſlay my brothe… Jacob, Gen. 27.41. This enmity was i… the Hearts and Minds of the Egyptian againſt the Children of Iſrael. The Enem… ſaid, I will purſue, I will overtake, I wi… divide the ſpoil; my luſt ſhall be ſatisfied upo… them; I will draw my Sword, my hand ſha… deſtroy them, Exod. 15.9. This enmit… was in wicked Ahab and Jezabel, again… the Prophets of the Lord. And Ahab to… Jezabel all that Elijah had done, and wit… all, how he had ſlain all the Prophets with t… Sword; then Jezebel ſent a meſſenger un… Elijah, ſaying, So let the God… do to me alſ… and more, if I make not thy life as the life o… one of them, by to morrow about this tim… 1 Kings 19.1, 2.

This enmity was in the Scribes and Ph… riſees againſt our Saviour. If we let this ma… alone, all men will believe on him, Joh. 11.4…

p. 147This enmity was in the people of the Jews, againſt the holy Apoſtles. They took counſel to ſlay them, Acts 5.33.

This enmity was in the Heathens againſt the Chriſtians, in the time of the …en perſecutions.

This enmity was in the Beaſt, and in …he Woman that ſits upon many Waters, …gainſt the Saints and Martyrs of Chriſt Jeſus. And I ſaw the Woman drunken with …he blood of the Saints, and with the blood …f the Martyrs of Jeſus, Rev. 17.6. And …his enmity is now in the Hearts and Minds of all carnal people, againſt Gods faithful ſervants, that are redeem'd from …he Earth, and from amongſt men.

Fifthly, It is a vain World. Vanity of …anities, ſaith the Preacher, vanity of vani…ies, all is vanity, Eccleſ. 1.2. What is there …n this World but vanity? what is this World but vanity?

1. Mens thoughts are vain. The Lord …noweth the thoughts of man, that they are …anity, Pſalm 94.11.

2. Their words are vain. For when …hey ſpeak great ſwelling words of vanity, they …llure through the luſts of the fleſh, through …uch wantonneſs, 1 Pet. 2.18.

3. Their labours are vain. And the …eople ſhall labour in vain, Iſa. 51.58.

p. 1484. Their devices and imaginations ar… vain. Why do the Heathen rage, and th… People imagine a vain thing? Pſal. 2.1.

5. Their cuſtoms are vain. For th… cuſtoms of the people are vain, Jer. 10.3.

6. Their Converſations are vain. That y… henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walked in the vanity of their mind, Eph. 4.17. Fo… as much as ye know, that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, from your vai… converſations received by tradition from you… fathers, 1 Pet. 1.18.

7. Their Doctrines are vain, Jer. 10.8▪ That we henceforth be no more Children toſſed to and fro, and carried about wit… every wind of Doctrine, by the ſleight of men… and cunning craftineſs, whereby they lye i… wait to deceive, Eph. 4.14.

8. Their Religion is vain. If any ma… among you ſeem to be religious, and bridlet… not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart… this mans religion is vain, James 1.26.

9. Their Worſhip is vain. But in vai… they do worſhip me, teaching for doctrines th… commandments of men, Mat. 15.9.

10. Their Hopes are vain. Behold th… hope of him is in vain, Job 41.9. And th… Hypocrites hope ſhall periſh, Job 8.13.

How vain then is this World? it is Vanity, all Vanity, and nothing but Vanity Behold, and ſee it in theſe poſtures.

Firſt, See the World lying! It lyes, and it lyes in wickedneſs. The whole world …yes in wickedneſs, 1 John 5.19. Many of Gods dear Children have lain in Priſons, …n Dungeons, in Dens and Caves of the Earth, of whom the World was not worthy, Heb. 11.38. But the World, the whole World it lyes, and it lyes in wickedneſs.

Secondly, See the World walking; Surely every man walketh in a vain ſhew, Pſalm 39.6. They walk in a ſhew, and …his ſhew is vain. We may ſee a World of people walking, but what way do they walk in, and whither are they going? See Mat. 7. Enter ye in at the ſtrait gate, for …ide is the gate, and broad is the way that …eadeth to deſtruction, and many there be …hich go in thereat.

Thirdly, See the World ſtanding; it …tands, but not ſteddy, not faſt; it reels, …nd ſtaggers, and ſhakes. The Earth ſhall …el to and fro, like a Drunkard, and ſhall be …emoved like a Cottage, and the tranſgreſſion …hereof ſhall be heavy upon it, and it ſhall …all, and not riſe again, Iſa. 24.20. And …e maketh them to ſtagger like a drunken man, …ob 12.25. I will ſhake all nations, and …he deſire of all nations ſhall come, Hag. 2.7. The World ſhakes like a Tree that is p. 150ſhaken with a mighty wind. But the wicked are like the troubled Sea, when it cannot reſt, whoſe waters caſt up mire and dirt, Iſa. 57 20.

If the World lyes; then it is in wickedneſs. If the World walks; then it is in the broad way, that leads to deſtruction. If the world ſtands; then it is reeling, ſtaggering, ſhaking, and troubled, that it cannot reſt. O what then will it profit a man, to gain a vain world, and loſe his precious Soul? The World makes a ſhew, but it makes no man happy. Can a ſhew, a vain ſhew, make a man really happy? But this I ſay, Brethren, the time is ſhort, it remaineth, that both they that have wives, be as though they had none: and they that weep, as though they wept not: and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as though they poſſeſſed not: and they that uſe this world, as not abuſing it: for the faſhion of this world paſſeth away, 1 Cor. 7.29, 30, 31. Is not this the faſhion of this World? The Courtiers they thirſt after Honour, the Lawyers they thirſt after Riches, the Tradeſmen they thirſt after gain, the Gallants of the times they thirſt after pleaſures, Perſecutors they thirſt after filthy Lucre. And I will ſay to my Soul, Soul, thou haſt much goods laid up for many years, take thine eaſe, eat, drink and be merry, but God ſaid unto him, Thou fool, this night thy Soul be required of thee: then whoſe ſhall thoſe things be which thou haſt provided, Luke 12.19, 20. This was a Crimſon fool, a ſcarlet fool, a fool upon record; the mouth of wiſdom called him fool: of this ſort of fools a Saint may find, and ſee every where in the World. Some men would want leſs, if they had leſs; they would enjoy more, if they had not ſo much. The World that looks ſo great now, will appear to be but little, when men come to die; that which now allures them, will then torment them; that which now fills their hearts, will then diſquiet their minds. Deliver my Soul from the wicked, which is thy Sword, and from men which are thy hand, O Lord! from men of the World, which have their portion in this life, and whoſe belly thou filleſt with thy hid treaſure, Pſal. 17.13, 14. If a man look into the World, amongſt all ſorts of People, what can he ſee in it but vanity, and vexation of ſpirit? men labouring for that which cannot ſatisfie, nor ſave them from wrath to come; they are things that periſh; the world is a vain ſhew, and the faſhion of it paſſeth away: For all Nations before him are as nothing, and they are counted to him leſs than nothing, and vanity, Iſa. 40.17.

Sixthly, It is a prejudiced world: of the many evils the world lies under, this of prejudice is not the leaſt: when people are poſſeſſed, and filled with prejudice againſt God's holy Ways, his Truth, and Worſhip, and againſt them that love and fear the Lord, it is then a very hard matter to prevail with them, to hear the Truth, and to receive it. The world hath a great prejudice againſt the people of God.

Firſt, Becauſe they are but a few to the reſt of the world: You that are but a few, ſay they, Are you wiſer than all the world? you that are the leaſt in number, are you wiſer than the moſt? Are you wiſer than our Fore-fathers were? They did do, as we do now; they did walk, as we walk now; and they did believe, as we do believe now, and we are very certain that they were in the right. And the King of Iſrael ſaid unto Jehoſhaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him, for he never propheſied good unto me, but always evil: the ſame is Macaiah the Son of Jimla, 2 Chron. 18.7▪ Becauſe ſtrait is the gate, and narrow is th… way which leadeth unto life, and few ther… be that find it, Mat. 7.14. Now becauſe the people of God are but a few, therefore vain and carnal men do conclude, tha… p. 153they are in the right, and that the moſt are the beſt, and that it is a ſafe and ſure way to follow a multitude.

Secondly, Becauſe they are poor. I will alſo leave in the midſt of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they ſhall truſt in the name of the Lord, Zeph. 3.12. The true followers of the Lamb in all Ages, have been the poor of this world, but rich in Faith, and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven; and becauſe they were ſo, the world deſpiſed them, and were filled with prejudice againſt them. Then anſwered them the Phariſees, Are ye alſo deceived? Have any of the Rulers, or the Phariſees, believed on him? but this people, who knoweth not the Law, are curſed, Joh. 7.47, 48, 49. The world have always had a great prejudice againſt Truth, where-ever it was found; againſt Truth in the Word of God; againſt Truth in the Worſhip of God; againſt Truth in the Ways of God; againſt Truth in the People of God; againſt Truth in the Providences of God: this is that the world knoweth not; this is that it cannot receive; this is that it cannot bear; therefore the people of the world are filled with prejudice againſt Truth, as they have been in all times, and in all Ages paſt; that is to ſay,

p. 1541. Againſt the Morning Truth.

2. Againſt the Naked Truth.

3. Againſt the whole Truth.

4. Againſt the Love of Truth.

1. The Morning Truth is that love, light, mercy, and grace, which Almighty God hath been pleas'd to bring forth, and make manifeſt to his people, in the diſpenſations of Times, and in the Ages of the World, for the good of them that did love, and fear him. When the fulneſs of time, was come, that the Children of Iſrael were to be brought out of the Land of Egypt, and to go in and poſſeſs that good Land of Canaan, which the Lord had promis'd to give them for an inheritance, this was then the Morning truth, To believe the Lord their God, and to follow him fully; but they were filled with prejudice againſt it. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this Land, to fall by the Sword, that our Wives and our Children ſhould be a prey! were it not better for us to return into Egypt! And they ſaid one to another, Let us make a Captain, and let us return into Egypt, Numb. 14.3, 4. But when they had poſſeſſed the Land of Canaan, and had divided the Land by Lot, the Morning truth was then, To keep Gods Commandments, and to obſerve his Statutes and Judgments, and to keep themſelves p. 155from Idols and from all Idolatry, but they were filled with prejudice againſt it, and rebelled againſt the Lord their God, and built them high places, and did ſet up Images, and Groves on every Hill, and under every green Tree, 1 Kin. 14.23. And when they ſlew the Beaſts for ſacrifice, that they might offer up their blood, they were then to look through all the ſacrifices, and through the blood, to the blood of Jeſus, For if the blood of Bulls, and of Goats, and the aſhes of an Heifer ſprinkling the unclean, ſanctifieth to the purifying of the Fleſh: how much more ſhall the blood of Chriſt? Who through the eternal ſpirit offered himſelf without ſpot to God, Heb. 9.13, 14. Then the morning truth was to believe the Prophets, which ſhewed of the coming of the Juſt one, but they were filled with prejudice againſt it. Which of the Prophets have not your fathers perſecuted? And they have ſlain them, which ſhewed before of the coming of the Juſt one, of whom ye have been now the betrayers, and murderers, Acts 7.52. And in the days of our Saviour, when he was on the Earth, and preached Peace to them, and wrought many Miracles amongſt them, & went up and down doing good; this was then the morning truth, To believe in him. Neither is there ſalvation in any other, for there is none p. 156other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we muſt be ſaved, Acts 4.12. But they were filled with prejudice againſt it. Then Jeſus ſaid unto the chief Prieſts, and Captains of the Temple, and the elders which were come to him, Be ye come out as againſt a Thief, with Swords and Staves? When I was daily with you in the Temple, ye ſtretched forth no Hands againſt me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkneſs, Luke 22.52, 53. And after he was riſen from the dead, and had ſhewed himſelf ſeveral times to his Diſciples, and that all power was given to him both in Heaven and in Earth; then this was the morning truth; Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, & of the Holy Ghoſt, teaching them to obſerve all things whatſoever I have commanded you, Mat. 28.19, 20. But they were filled with prejudice againſt it. And when they had brought them, and ſet them before the counſel, the high Prieſt asked them, ſaying, Did not we ſtraitly command you, that you ſhould not teach in this name? And behold ye have filled Jeruſalem with your Doctrine, and intend to bring this mans Blood upon us, Acts 5.27, 28. But when believers were added unto the Lord, multitudes both of Men and Women; then the morning truth was p. 157the free grace of God, being Juſtified by Faith. And by him all that believe are Juſtified from all things, from which ye could not be Juſtified by the law of Moſes, Acts 13.39. but they were filled with prejudice againſt it. For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, ſubverting your ſouls, ſaying, Ye muſt be circumciſed, and keep the Law, to whom we gave no ſuch commandment, Acts 15.24. And this is the morning truth now, to worſhip the ever living God in ſpirit, and in truth; and to wait for his Son Chriſt Jeſus from Heaven, and for the rich anointing of the ſpirit, and the fulfilling of his word, and the accompliſhment of the prophecies, and the perfecting of his work, and the fini…hing of the myſteries of God; to wait in patience, in faith, and in hope, in a lamb-like ſpirit; this is the morning truth in this our day, and the World is filled with prejudice againſt it.

2. The naked truth, as it ſtands in the ſcriptures of truth, which was delivered to the Saints of God, by the Prophets, and by the holy Apoſtles, and by our Lord Jeſus. For whatſoever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, that we through patience, and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 15.4. God who at ſundry times and in divers manners ſpake in time paſt unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in theſe laſt days ſpoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom alſo he made the Worlds, Heb. 1.1, 2. To the law and to the Teſtimony, if they ſpeak not according to this word, it is becauſe there is no light in them, Iſa. 8.20. But there were falſe Prophets alſo among the People, even as there ſhall be falſe teachers among you, who privily ſhall bring in damnable hereſies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themſelves ſwift deſtruction, 2 Pet. 2.1. The World is filled with prejudice againſt the naked truth, a naked world cannot endure the naked truth. Men add to the worſhip of God, and their fear towards God is taught by the precepts of men, they dreſs truth with modes and faſhions, and mix it with their inventions, and darken it with their coverings; but when truth is naked it ſhines, and it is beautiful, and glorious; it arms a man, and makes him as bold as a Lion, when he is girt about with truth.

3. The whole truth. For I have not ſhunned to declare unto you all the counſel of God, Acts 20.27. ſome part of truth a man may believe, and own, and profeſs in any part of Europe; and this he may do p. 159without giving offence to any man, but the whole truth men will not hear, nor bear, nor receive, for they are filled with prejudice againſt it, and condemn it, and cry it down, and oppoſe it with all their might. This did the Phariſees. And ſome of the Phariſees which were with him, heard theſe words, and ſaid unto him, Are we blind alſo? Jeſus ſaid unto them, If ye were blind, ye ſhould have no ſin; but now ye ſay, We ſee, therefore your ſin remaineth, John 9.40, 41. Men may hold ſome truths, and yet be the Enemies of truth. They may profeſs ſome truths, and yet deſtroy their neighbours for the truths ſake. They may have a knowledge of ſome truths, and yet be cruel perſecutors of them that keep the whole truth; men may think that they are in the truth, and yet the truth may not be in them. Now I beſeech you, brethren, mark them which cauſe diviſions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them▪ for they that are ſuch, ſerve not our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, but their own Belly, and by good words, and fair ſpeeches deceive the Hearts of the ſimple, Rom. 16.17, 18. Truth is a Crown; O let no man take this Crown from you! It is an honour to be overcome by truth. Buy the truth and ſell it not. He that ſells the truth p. 160to gain honour, and pleaſures, and riches, and the pomp and glory of this World, will make a miſerable bargain. When a man is in trouble, truth will comfort him; when a man is in diſtreſs, truth will ſupport him; when a man is in the midſt of Enemies, truth will defend him; when a man is caſt off and forſaken, truth will be his companion, and will provide for him. Becauſe thou haſt kept the word of my patience, I will alſo keep thee from the hour of temptation which ſhall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth, Rev. 3.10.

4. The Love of Truth: Becauſe they received not the love of the truth, that they might be ſaved. And for this cauſe God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſion, that they ſhould believe a lie: That they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs, 2 Theſ. 2.10, 11, 12. A man may be under the ſound of truth, and yet not under the power of truth; a man may receive truth into his houſe, and yet not receive it into his heart; a mans judgment may be convinced by truth, and yet his conſcience not awakened: a man may follow truth for a while, and yet never know the truth as it is in Jeſus: a man may delight to hear the truth, and yet never receive it in the love of it. From that time many p. 161of his Diſciples went back, and walked no more with him; then ſaid Jeſus unto the twelve, Will ye alſo go away? Joh. 6.66, 67. For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a juſt man and an holy, and obſerved him, and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly, Mark 6.20. And as he reaſoned of righteouſneſs, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and anſwered, Go thy way for this time, when I have a convenient ſeaſon, I will call for thee, Acts 24.25. Behold a ſower went forth to ſow, and when he had ſowed, ſome ſeeds fell by the ways ſide, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon ſtony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they ſprung up, becauſe they had no deepneſs of earth: And when the Sun was up, they were ſcorched; and becauſe they had not root they withered away. And ſome fell among thorns; and the thorns ſprung up and choaked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, ſome an hundred fold, ſome ſixty fold, and ſome thirty fold, Mat. 13.3, to 8. Theſe four ſorts of ground were four ſorts of hearers, and but one of theſe four received truth in the love of it. No man, but a living man can receive truth in the love of it.

1. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to know the truth as it is in Jeſus, Eph. 4.21.

2. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to keep the truth, John 17.6.

3. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to delight in the truth, Pſal. 119.24.

4. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to value and prize the truth, Pſal. 19.10.

5. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to long and thirſt after the truth, Pſal. 42.1, 2.

6. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to obey the truth, 2 Cor. 7.15.

7. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to love the whole truth, Pſal. 119.97.

8. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to hide it in the heart, and to bring forth the fruits of it in the life, Pſal. 119.11.

9. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to part with all for truth, Mat. 13.45, 46.

10. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to deſire that others may come to the knowledge of the truth, that they may be ſaved, John 4.29.

11. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to be under the power of truth, 1 Theſ. 1.5.

12. To receive the truth in the love of it, is to have the Word of God dwell richly in you. Col. 3.16. Let the Word of Chriſt dwell in you richly in all wiſdom.

p. 163But this World is filled with prejudice againſt the truth: If a man walking in the ſpirit and falſhood, do lie, ſaying, I will propheſie unto thee of wine, and of ſtrong drink, he ſhall even be the prophet of this people, Mic. 2.11. For as concerning this ſect, we know that every where it is ſpoken againſt, Acts 28.22.

Thus I have ſhew'd you the Map of the World.

1. A dead World.

2. A dark World.

3. An evil World.

4. A carnal World.

5. A vain World.

6. A prejudiced World.

This is that World the Church of God ſhall break in pieces and conſume. And it ſhall break in pieces and conſume all theſe kingdoms. Life ſhall conſume deadneſs; light ſhall conſume darkneſs; good ſhall conſume evil; love ſhall conſume enmity; truth ſhall conſume error; power ſhall conſume prejudice. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of ſtrong holds, caſting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it ſelf againſt the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. This breaking in pieces is not by outward page missing p. 166of the Dragons in the waters: thou brakeſt the heads of Leviathan in pieces, and gaveſt him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderneſs, Pſal. 74.12, 13, 14. Where Faith is lively and vigorous, there is nothing can ſtand before it; it carries a man over all dangers, it carries him through all difficulties, it conquers all Enemies, and it gives him a ſight of that glory which is inviſible; by it he lives in Heaven while he is on Earth.

2. By Prayer. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, Jam. 5.16.

Moſes Prayer availed much. And the Lord ſaid unto Moſes, Wherefore crieſt thou unto me? ſpeak unto the children of Iſrael that they go forward, Exod. 14.15.

Jehoſhaphat's Prayer availed much. O our God! wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might againſt this great company that cometh againſt us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee, 2 Chron. 20.12.

Aſa's Prayer availed much. And Aſa cried unto the Lord his God, and ſaid, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God! for we reſt on thee, and in thy name we go againſt this great multitude: O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail againſt thee, 2 Chron. 14.11.

Hezekiah's Prayer availed much. For p. 167this cauſe Hezekiah the King, and the Prophet Iſaiah the Son of Amos, prayed and cried to heaven, 2 Chron. 22.20.

Elias Prayer availed much. Wot ye not what the Scripture ſaith of Elias, how he maketh interceſſion unto God againſt Iſrael, ſaying, Lord, they have killed thy Prophets, and digged down thine Altars, and I am left alone, and they ſeek my life, 1 King. 19.10.

Prayer hath obtained great Victories.

Prayer hath remov'd great Evils.

Prayer hath broken and conſum'd great Enemies.

Fear not, thou Worm Jacob, and ye men of Iſrael: I will help thee, ſaith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Iſrael. Behold, I will make thee a new ſharp threſhing inſtrument having teeth: Thou ſhalt threſh the mountains, and beat them ſmall, and ſhalt make the hills as chaff. Thou ſhalt fan them, and the wind ſhall carry them away, and the whirlwind ſhall ſcatter them: And thou ſhalt rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Iſrael. When the poor and needy ſeek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirſt, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Iſrael will not forſake them, Iſa. 41.14, 15, 16, 17. Theſe have power to ſhut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy; and have power over waters to turn p. 168them to blood, and to ſmite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will, Rev. 11.6. Praying always with all prayer and ſupplication in the ſpirit, and watching thereunto with all perſeverance, and ſupplication for all ſaints, Eph. 6.18. That is,

Mental Prayer, Exod. 14.15.

Vocal Prayer, Acts 4.24.

Secret Prayer, Mat. 6.6.

Accidental Prayer, Judg. 16.28.

That which makes Prayer ſo powerful and prevailing is theſe three things.

1. God, the Object

2. The Spirit, the Advocate.

3. The Saint, the Seeker.

1. God is the Object that all his people look unto, Their eyes are unto him, and the deſire of their Souls is unto his name, and to the remembrance of him. Look unto me, and be ye ſaved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none elſe, Iſa. 45.22. When we come to the Throne of his Grace, and caſt our ſelves down at his Feet, by Prayer and Supplication, God is that glorious Object we pray unto, and by Faith, behold him, and take hold of his ſtrength, and wreſtle with him for the obtaining of all Spiritual Bleſſings in Chriſt Jeſus.

This is that the Saints of God have always p. 169done, and this is that the Scriptures of truth teach us to do, that when we pray, the Lord God ſhould be the Object of our Prayers. Prayer is a great part of Gods worſhip, and of all parts this is the moſt Spiritual. Now they that have other Objects when they pray, do but deceive themſelves, and rob God of his honour, in giving that glory to graven Images, which is only due to God Almighty. But in every thing by prayer and ſupplication, with thankſgiving, let your requeſts be made known unto God, Phil. 4.6.

2. The Spirit is the Advocate. Likewiſe the Spirit alſo helpeth our infirmities: For we know not what we ſhould pray for as we ought, but the ſpirit it ſelf maketh interceſſion for us with greanings which cannot be uttered. And be that ſearcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the ſpirit, becauſe he maketh interceſſion for the Saints, according to the will of God, Rom. 8.26, 27. But God hath revealed them unto us by his ſpirit: for the ſpirit ſearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10. For through him we both have an …cceſs by one ſpirit unto the Father, Eph. 2.18. The holy Spirit maketh interceſſion, and is an Advocate for man with God, and this makes a Saint a Conqueror; for the Spirit of God that is in him ſo prevaileth p. 170with God for him, that whatſoever he asketh in Faith, according to the will of God, it is given to him. For ye have received the ſpirit of Adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father, Rom. 8.15.

Now the Spirit is a double Advocate, it is an Advocate for men with God, and it is an Advocate for God with men. The firſt of theſe I have already ſhewed you; and this will lead me to the ſecond. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himſelf by Jeſus Chriſt, and hath given to us the miniſtry of reconciliation, to wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf, not imputing their treſpaſſes unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are Ambaſſadors for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead, be ye reconciled unto God, 2 Cor. 5.18, 19, 20. By this you may ſee how God beſeecheth men to be reconciled unto him; and this he doth by the Spirit in the Miniſtry of the Word. The holy Spirit ſtrives with men, but they reſiſt the ſtrivings of it. And the Lord ſaid, My ſpirit ſhall not always ſtrive with man, Gen. 6.3. Ye ſtiff-necked, and uncircumciſed in heart and ears, ye do always reſiſt the holy Ghoſt: as your fathers did, ſo do ye, Acts 7.51. Now that which makes men do this, be theſe ſix things.

1. Worldly Intereſt.

2. Self-conceit.

3. A blind Subjection to others.

4. Pride of Heart.

5. Satan's Policy.

6. Education.

Theſe make men have an implacable hatred to all that is good. When men are governed by theſe, they imploy their rage and fury againſt the faithful. With the greater part of Mankind, theſe are ſo powerful that nothing but the mighty power of God is able to overcome them; and to reſcue men from their force. It will require a meaſure of the extraordinary graces of Gods Spirit to be poured out. And this is that good work, which the Lord works in the Souls of men, by his holy Spirit. He works in them his own Image, his own holy Will, Power and Strength, Knowledge and Underſtanding, a love to God, and a delight in him. He makes them new Creatures, and leads them into the paths of truth and righteouſneſs. This is a victory, and this victory overcometh the world, even our faith, 1 Joh. 5.4. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of ſin, & of righteouſneſs, & of judgment. Of ſin, becauſe they believe not on me. Of righteouſneſs, becauſe I go to my father, and ye ſee me no more. Of judgment, becauſe p. 172the Prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to ſay unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he the ſpirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he ſhall not ſpeak of himſelf: but whatſoever he ſhall hear, that ſhall he ſpeak, and he will ſhew you things to come, John 16.8. to 13.

3. The Saint is the Seeker. Ask, and it ſhall be given you; ſeek, and ye ſhall find: knock, and it ſhall be opened unto you, Mat. 7.7. And ſhall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18.7. There is a three-fold cry that enters into the ears of the God of Sabbaoth.

The cry of Blood, Rev. 6.10.

The cry of Prayer, Iſa. 19.20.

The cry of Sin, James 5.4.

This is that cry which taketh peace from the Earth. This is that which turns the World upſide down. This is that which brings the great Earthquake, that makes the Cities of the Nations to fall. This is that which breaks the Arm and the Bow of the wicked, and turns their counſels into fooliſhneſs. This is that which makes diſtreſs of Nations with perplexity, the Sea and the Waves roaring, mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after thoſe things which are coming upon the Earth: for the po…rs of Heaven ſhall be ſhaken.

What wonderful things have been done by Praye…? and if t…re …e but a Spirit of Prayer …pt up in Gods people, the abomination of deſolation will not be able to ſtand before them, Mat. 24.15. Elias was a man ſubject to like paſſions as we are, and he prayed earneſtly that it might not rain: and it rained not upon the Earth by the ſpace of three years and ſix months; and he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit, James 5.17, 18.

3. The Church of God ſhall conſume the Kingdoms of the world by the Word of truth. And I ſaw, and behold, a white horſe, and he that ſate on him had a bow, and a Crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering, and to conquer, Rev. 6.2. This Conqueror is the Lamb, the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; and this Conqueſt he makes by the Sword. (But what Sword is it?) not a carnal Sword, but by the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, Eph. 6.17. And out of his mouth goeth a ſharp Sword, that with it he ſhould ſmite the nations, Rev. 19.15. For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and ſharper than a two edged Sword; piercing even to the dividing aſunder of Soul and Spirit, and of the Joynts and Marrow, p. 174and is a diſcerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart, Heb. 4.12. When the Bleſſed Jeſus came in the form of a Servant, he ſpake from Heaven the Word of truth; Whoſe voice then ſhook the earth, but now he hath promiſed, ſaying, Yet once more I ſhake not the earth only, but alſo heaven; and this word, yet once more, ſignifieth the removing of thoſe things that are ſhaken, as of things that are made, that thoſe things which cannot be ſhaken, may remain, Heb. 12.26.

The Word of truth is that which ſhakes the Devils Kingdom, and Antichriſt's Kingdom; it ſhakes mens Foundations, and their ſtrong Holds; their Refuges and Confidences. And when the Lord lifts up his Name, and makes his holy Arm bare, & his Power known by the Word of Truth, and brings in his grace into the Souls of men; and works in them by his Spirit his own Will, his own Nature, his Righteouſneſs, and holy Fear; this is that which cannot be ſhaken; and this is that which breaks in pieces, and conſumes hard and ſtony Hearts, blind and dark minds, carnal and fleſhly Wiſdom, fierce and Lion-like Spirits. This changeth mens Natures into a Lamb-like Spirit, as the Prophet ſpeaketh. The Wolf alſo ſhall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard ſhall lye down with the Kid; and the Calf, and the young Lion, and the Fatling together, and a little Child ſhall lead them. And the Cow and the Bear ſhall feed, their young ones ſhall lye down together, and the Lion ſhall eat Straw like the Oxe. And the ſuckling Child ſhall play on the hole of the Aſp, and the weaned Child ſhall put his hand on the Cockatrice den; they ſhall not hurt nor deſtroy in all my holy mountain: for the Earth ſhall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea, Iſa. 11.6, 7, 8, 9. When ſin ſhall be done away, and iniquity ſhall be finiſhed, when the Tribes of the Earth ſhall be rent from the power of darkneſs; and the everlaſting Goſpel ſhall be preach'd to all nations under Heaven, then none ſhall hurt and deſtroy in all thy holy mountain.

Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day ſhall not come, except there come a falling away firſt, and that man of ſin be revealed, the ſon of perdition, who oppoſeth and exalteth himſelf above all that is called God, or that is worſhiped, ſo that he, as God, ſitteth in the Temple of God, ſhewing himſelf that he is God. Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you theſe things? And now ye know what with-holdeth, that he might be revealed in his time. For the Myſtery of Iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth, will lett, until he be taken out of the way. And then ſhall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord ſhall conſume with the Spirit of his Mouth, and ſhall deſtroy with the brightneſs of his coming, 2 Theſ. 2.3, to 8. The Apoſtle Paul having the Spirit of God, did in that Spirit tell theſe Theſſalonians what ſhould come to paſs hereafter.

Firſt, That there would be a great Apoſtacy, a falling away from the truth, v. 3.

Secondly, Out of that Apoſtacy, one would riſe up to be the head of it, whom he calls the Man of p. 176ſin, the Son of Perdition, that wicked One, ver. 3, 8.

Thirdly, 'That he ſhould be revealed in his time ver. 6. And made manifeſt, that all might know him.

Fourthly, That his coming would be after the working of Satan, with all power and ſigns, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableneſs of unrighteouſneſs in them that periſh, v. 9, 10.

Fifthly, He ſhews what he would do when he was come; oppoſe and exalt himſelf above all that is called God, or that is worſhipped; and as God, ſit in the temple of God, and ſhew himſelf that he is God, v. 4.

Sixthly, How the Lord would puniſh them, and plague them for their Apoſtacy; And for this cauſe God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſions, that they ſhould believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs, v. 11, 12.

Seventhly, This he calls the myſtery of iniquity; For the myſtery of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth, will let, until he be taken out of the way, v. 7.

Eighthly, That the Lord ſhall conſume that wicked one, with the Spirit of his mouth, and ſhall deſtroy with the brightneſs of his coming, v. 8.

God hath in all ages rais'd up faithful witneſſes, and filled them with his Spirit; and they have preach'd the everlaſting Goſpel; peace and good Will to Men on Earth, and have declared that meſſage which was from the beginning, that God is love and light, and they have vindicated that truth, which others preach'd before them, that was condemned by the World for Hereſie; and this work the Lord hath been carr…ing on in the Earth theſe many years paſt, and this is the work that the Lord is carrying on in this our day; pouring out of his Spirit upon his Sons and Daughters; ſhining into the Hearts and Minds of Men; turning them from darkneſs unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that all men may come to the knowledge of the truth, that they may be ſaved; and this is the Spirit of his Mouth; the Rod of his Mouth, that ſhall deſtroy that man of ſin, and all the w…rks of darkneſs and all that which exalts its ſelf aga …ſt Gods will and authority, his love and grace. The word of truth doth prevail, and it will prevail. This is that brightneſs that ſhall deſtro… t…e works of the fleſh wherever it comes, and …l nes into any Hearts, and this is that which ſhall …reak in pieces and conſume all theſe Kingdoms. (Namel…) The Lord ſhall conſume with the Spirit …f his Mouth, & ſhall deſ…roy with the brightneſs of his comi…g.

Before ſhe travelled, ſhe brought fort…: before her pain came, ſhe was delivered of a man child! who hath heard ſuch a thing: Who hath ſeen ſuch things? Shall the Earth be ma…e to bring for him one day? Or ſhall a Nation be born at one? For as ſoon as Zion travelled, ſhe brought ſ…ith her Children, Iſa. 66.7, 8. This ſhews the great ſucceſs of the Goſpel, how it ſhall prevail, and overcome. And he ſhall reign over the Houſe of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdom there ſhall be no end, Luke 1.33.