The Faith of Dying Jacob, To the reader
TO THE READER.
THE Nation is too ingenious to be imposed upon by a precarious, aiery, fallacious insinuation in telling it, this and that Book was extorted and squeezed out, by the mighty enforcements of others perswasions; and knows well enough what men mean by their annihilations of self-worth, and abilities oft designed as a stirrup, or foot-stool to their greater reputation, that beauty may ray out the brighter through a thin cypress veil: It also knoweth when it hath foreign, fruitless flourishes, instead of enriching treasure, being able to distinguish 'twixt a flood of words and a drop of reason, 'twixt an wholesome dish and unnourishing farcements. And I know well what a surcharging Plethory and Surfet the stomach hath by many Books; and how little fear can be of a vacuity in an Age, so richly furnished with all sorts of reading, as also how short lived Books, long in conception are, much like that foreign the Historian Creature, but of one daies Life, dying as soon as bred, or like Jonah's Gourd, springing up in one day and withered in the next: And sometime I was thinking what Saul did among the Prophets, what Eldad and Medad did medling in Prophetical matters: And again thought of Hadrian, who sent his Servant a Box o'the Ear, for walking between two Senators. This, Reader, I have to tell thee, whatever inducements I had to this small Book, where presumption and imperfection are met together, my Principal reason was, I being a debtor to God and man, to make some thankful Recognition of my Creators mercy, raising me from a low degree to be put in trust with the dispensation of his most Glorious Gospel, as also to tell those of the World that know me, and have been kind to me; that I am desirous, as Gratitude binds me, to be thankful, and if the Lord favour me, to add one poor mite to their edification in that faith, and love that is in Jesus. I row but in a small bottom, and liking the valleys, hope to escape the blasts and torturings of proud Envy: And whereas an artificial daubing paint as a slovenly dress, are both an impairment of a well complexioned constitution, whose native simplicity is its own best Ornament, I have shun'd both so far as I could. 'Tis mans duty sui saeculi felicitatem & infelicitatem sapere, to take some cognisance of the good or evil, of the daies he lives in, and finding the whole universe concern'd in some beneficial service, my dull drowsie Soul began to forget its torpose and inability; as the beggar did his lameness, running away without his Crutches, when the Souldiers brake into the Temple. In this small concern, I have laboured no big words that exceed the bores of common Ears, nor long spun sentences that snap in the middle before the memory can wind up one half: If thy charitable reception and interpretation may help towards any edification, Glory be to the Father Son and holy Ghost. Amen.
Yours to serve in the Lord Jesus. R. Gouge.
The Faith Of Dying JACOB.
Genesis 48. 21.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I Die, but God shall be with you.
WHen I behold all the Coin of the heavenly, and earthly Creation, I find this Motto and stamp in the Circle, I Die. What is life? but a Circle that ends where it began, Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return. The blessed Angels died morally, falling from the life of God and glory. Adam was cloathed with skins, veluti quadam morte indutus, the figures of his dying condition. The glorious Heavens that have endured so long, at last shall perish, at least by immutation, that the dross and stains of sin may be burnt out, if not by abolition; not only Nature, but the God of Nature dies, though he was not foreign, Heb. 9. 12. of ordinary humane Creation, even his stately and exquisitely compacted Fabrick, that could bear more than all the world, was cracked and dissolved by the force of death. This is the devourer of all the brood of time: The Leveller that Eveneth all at its foot: pares nascimur, pares morimur; all dusts shake hands, and embosom together without strife for precedency. Diogenes groveling among the Ashes of the Tombs, could smell no difference between the rich and poor: Death with its Sithe goes into all the Fields of Nature, till it hath Inned the Harvest of all. What was but supposed of other Conquerors, is true of this Black Prince, the whole world must yield to its over-matching Sword, and puissant Mace. It is like Leviathan, made without fear, beholdeth all high things, and is King over all the Children of Pride: Like the War-horse, it paweth in the Valley, and rejoyceth in its strength; it goeth on to meet the armed man; it mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted, neither turneth he back from the Sword, and saith among the Trumpets, Ha, Ha. At the gates of this Conqueror are piled up the Prince's Scepter, the Senator's Robes, the Judges Gown, the Soldier's Sword, the Rustick's Spade, the Scholars Library. This eats asunder the strongest sinews, and joynts of the whole Creation. The stoutest Oak, the tallest Cedar, the whitest Lilly, the fairest Rose do it homage: 'Tis not confined to one Climate, but is an under God over all the world: It impartially treadeth on the threshold, and knocks at the doors of all. The Prince and Peasant dance in one Ring; 'tis the way of all the Living, Josh. 23. 14. I know, saith Job, that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living, c. 30. v. 23. Post Genesin sequitur Exodus. There is no man that liveth that shall not see death, by dissolution or mutation: In this Road innumerable Travellers are gone before, and innumerable are following after by the irreversible Decree of Heaven: All must lie in this Bed; the Grave enquires after all: 'Tis the common Inn for all, though in the morning of the Resurrection the Travellers take their divers Roads, some to the everlasting Hills, and others to the infernal Valleys. The Butler and Baker came both out of Prison, the one to Promotion, the other to Execution. Two men are unstrip'd, one to be scourged, the other to be cloathed with new costly Apparel.
This universal mutability Israel confirms, Behold I Die, but God shall be with you. Joseph had sent him Chariots to fetch him to Egypt, and God was sending Chariots to fetch him to his heavenly Canaan. Loe, a grateful mixture, Death and Life are before him; looking with his bodily Eye he crys, Terram video, I espy Earth; and looking with his believing Eye he crys, Coelum video, I descry Heaven: At once he smells the savour of Life and Death, and revives at both.
In this report of Israel to his posterity about him, we have,
1. A word of Sorrow; the voice of Nature respecting himself, I Die: He that conquered and prevailed over God, is now to be conquered by Death. This sound certainly more brake their hearts than Paul's did the Ephesians, saying, Ye shall see my face no more. I your Father, a Patriarch, a Prophet, the Feoffee of the Covenant, I Die; every word doubtless made their hearts to bleed, and the fountains of their eyes to gush out with tears.
2. An awakening Herauld, Behold; a word to quicken attention and consideration, q. d. mind the stroke, and consider what you have to do: I put off my Harness, you must put it on. I have fought my good fight, run my race, yours is yet to come; your present loss is great, future storms and calamities more, therefore Behold.
3. A word of Faith, and comfort, But God shall be with you. The cold Winter calls for a good fire: The dark Night for lighted Candles, Tempests for Anchors, swouning fits for Cordials, and Distressing Times for an encouraged Active Faith, else Prayer fainteth, Duty sinketh, Enemies Spirits get up, and Holy Hearts drop down. Without this Shield, envenomed deadly shafts pierce the Soul, congealed Blood freezeth into a crusty benummed Ice, a man is like a Soul-less body, a Ship without Sails, a Boat without Oars, Janua sine cardine, quite off the hooks. As Christ, the night in which he was betrayed instituted the refreshing Supper; So this good man after an holy useful life fortifies, like a good Physician, with a Soveraign Elixir, the hearts of his fainting Posterity: But God shall be with you.
Like a Wax-candle he expireth with a sweet savour of Prayer, Counsel and Comfort, drops the sweet Ointment from his head to the beard and Skirts. So did Isaac before in his Prophetick Extasie, Gen. 27. Elijah ascending dropt his Mantle of blessing. Paul nigh his departure takes care of the Church, 2 Pet. 1. 15. And blessed Jesus left this World blessing his Disciples, Luke 24. 51. In rogo Imperatorum, in burning the dead bodies of Emperors, perfumes were used. Morientium mens oculatissima, dying men see best; the setting Sun shines fullest. Bucholcer that excelled others, at his last Sermon when led up by two excelled himself. Bolton dies preaching on the joys of Heaven. Preston on Gods glorious Attributes. Old Simeon breaths out a sweet Swan-like Song; the Candle nigh extinct hath the greater flame. Moses near dying unrakes the covered fire, unmasks the face of the Good will of him that dwelt in the Bush, of which matter little had been said before. When Solomon had travell'd over the joys of the whole World, the people gathering about him to hear what news he brought after his return to God, preacheth this lesson, Vanity of Vanity, all is Vanity, lest others should venture into his misguiding paths. Old Israel after his long earthly Pilgrimage returning home, reports this good news and experience, But God shall be with you.
Faith is a great Prophetess; it sees best at midnight, sings sweetest sitting on a grave, or as the Nightingal with a thorn at its breast, or with Jonah in a dark Chappel like the Belly of Hell: it makes the sweetest Musick over Waters, it findeth Honey in the Lions carcase, gathers Grapes of Thorns: Like the good Wife riseth at midnight to give Bread to its Houshold. In a gloomy night it tells of a fair day. Nube solet pulsâ candidus ire dies, when death gathers apace to the Heart, the Curtain's drawn, the Coffin ready, and dying knell rung out, though laughed at, as Christ attempting to raise the Rulers Daughter, it prophesieth life, saying, she is not dead, but sleepeth. Like the Admiral Ship it carries the light in a dark night: if hungry with the Lepers, 'twill venture into the Enemies Camp, and conclude as the good Spies, they are Bread for us: If in danger 'twill have a Victory, though as Jonathan and his Armour-bearer, it creeps amidst the rocks, on hands, and knees; 'twill rap at Gods doors, though he saith, He and his Children are in Bed: though it sees Cities walled up to Heaven, it hath Ramshorns to batter all down: It minds not delays, or denials, but grows more importunate, and turns stones cast at it into Bread, Matth. 15. 27. Like the Ball cast down rebounds the higher: Like the Smiths fire becomes more intense by the sprinkled water, or as Spring water, 'tis warmest in the Icy Winter. It knows no impossibilities though all seems desperate, cum res rediit ad Triarios, it can live like a Salamander in flames, and like the triumphant Ark disdain the swelling waves. In this manner our Israel, with a confiding erect Faith, like a double-faced Janus looking backward and forward, foretelleth that all would do well, though he died. Nondum omnium dierum soles occiderunt. Though I a Star of the greatest magnitude am setting, yet the Sun will arise and shine upon you. Behold I die, but God shall be with you.
Observ. 1. From this report of himself observe, That the most Godly and Useful Saints must dye; Your Fathers where are they? Death is not onelyonly the Tribute and Homage of sinful humane nature in general, but of the best of men. The bravest Ships that sail on this Sea must strike and lower their Top-sails to its Flag: The green as the dry Tree must yield to its Axe: The Flower and its goodliness must fade, fine Grass as course, painted as plain. Grace freeth the Soul from moral corruption, not the Body from mortal corruption, from sins eternal condemnation, not from its temporal execution. The Sheriff and the condemned Prisoner ride in the same road, though not for the same end. The best must go through this dark dirty Lane, over this stormy Causey to get to the Royal City; the Countrey house of the Body must down that the Soul may go to its City-house. All must come under the stroke of the Angels Sword to get again into Paradise; must feel the pains of death, before they feel the comforts of life; must die to nature e're they live in glory: The Lamp and Candle of Nature must be burnt out, before the Lamp of Glory be lighted: The Phaenix must be burnt to ashes to generate a new Offspring. Two deaths must be undergone to get to Heaven, the death of the Body, and the death of Sin. Death is the Bridge 'twixt Time and Eternity. All must uncloath; it would not do well to put the Vestment of Glory over Natures course, russet suit.
Here first consider what Israel's voice imports.
1. It is the voice of a diligent Labourer, who had finished his work, and had nothing to do but to die; who had with David served his generation served out his Apprentiship; I have finished the work, saith blessed Jesus, which thou gavest me to do. It is finished, and he bowed the head and gave up the Ghost, John 17. 4. and 19. 30. The idle truanting Child is loth to see the Father's face. Rest is sweet to the Labourer, not to the Loiterer. Work dispatched, a man dies with his own consent. The good Wife having got all ready, hath nothing to do, but to welcom her Husband long longed for. Israel could feriari Deo, keep holy-day with his God: His Ship was laded and rigged waiting only for Wind and Tide. After many fieldbattels he had only to put on the incorruptible Crown of glory, and after his labour in the Vineyard to take his golden penny. A faithful Steward is glad of his Audit, waiting only his discharge, and Plaudit, Well done good and faithful Servant: He had not now to believe, repent, and make his peace: He had not so lived as to be afraid to die, or to desire to live his life over again. 'Tis the godly life that makes the welcom death. Aristippus, in the storm, the Sailors wondering he was not afraid, said, You fear the torments due to a vicious life, and I expect the rewards of a virtuous life. Caesar Borgius was prepared for all things but to die. One, told by the Physician he must die, cryed out, And how much work have I to do? Another cryed out, Wounds, side, heart, must I die? 'Tis sad to see the Lamp of Nature wasted, and the Lamp of Grace not lighted, who are still to repent, still to believe. The comfort of a well-employed life is a great secret, hid Manna that none know, but they that have it. Hilarion thence chode his backward Soul, Egredere, egredere anima, quid times? why my Soul dost thou fear who hast served Christ these sixty years? Isa. 38. 3.
2. 'Tis the voice and language of Faith in the Covenant of Grace. The first violated Covenant said, In dying thou shalt die. Death came double, dissolution to the Body, and damnation to the Soul. The Gospel tells us of a second death, a death unto death, of death and its follower; there is death and its sting, death and the bitterness of death. Israel saw but a single disarmed death, John 8. 51. He that believeth shall not tast of death. The Believer does but just dip his finger in the Vinegar sauce, just sip of the Cup, and pass it away. Justice hath a Cup without mixture, without the least dram or drop of sweetning; and of a Cup full of mixture, tempered with all dreadful ingredients: To Believers all is sweetned, that foreign. Rev. 6. that is pale, wan, withering to a sinner, is verdant and refreshing to a Saint: The old enemy is made a friend. Windelmuta told, you have not yet tasted death, replyed, nor never shall. Christ hath promised it, Job 27. 15. The wicked are buried in death, that is, soon forgotten, or thus, their Body is buried in the grave, and their Soul in Hell. Faith parts with a life that cannot be kept, and foreseeth a life that cannot be lost. Democritus, asked by Philip, if he did not fear the loss of his life and head, answered, If I do, the Athenians can give me a life that is immortal. Faith puts into the possession of a life that never dies: He had first seen the Basilisk, and knew it could not kill him.
3. 'Tis the voice of one willing to die, rejoycing at its foresight: He is not startled, nor at all appall'd; shews no regret or recoiling thoughts; the blood in his face made no retreat for fear; he had more acquaintance with God than to be afraid: Though he felt a weak Body, he found a strong Faith; he knew though his Body was going to the Land of darkness as darkness its self, Job 10. 22. that his Soul was going into everlasting light: The Body with its dark black Mantle goes to an house where are all black hangings, but the Soul in her purled works and bright embroideries goes into the King's Palace with g…d…ss. Israel joyed before at the Waggons that fetched him from an earthly Famine, and now at God's Waggon to carry him to an heavenly Feast. Nautae dulcia patriis oscula figunt littoribus. The Sea-men kiss and leap on the wish'd for Shoar. Mr. Dod cryed, How shall I be willing to live? What Nature loaths and abhorreth, Grace dearly loveth. Death's paleness is better than the purest beauty. Cato so died, ut causam moriendi se nactum esse gaudeat, that he had obtained the occasion of dying. Cyprian received the sentence with a Deo gratias, thanks be to God, take me from men, return me to my Master. Antisthenes, initiated into the mysteries of Orpheus, hearing that all of that Religion were happy, said, Why do they not then die? Who is loth to go home where most known and knowing? The Sea man gladly goes off the raging Sea ad fortunatas insulas. The Soldier after many bloody battels is glad of his quietus est, of his quiet and well-provisioned winter-quarters. Is a Prisoner loth to be unfettered? the Bird to be out of the Cage? the poor man to put off his raggs for princely Robes? Saints have death in desire, life in tolerance. Sinners have life in desire, and death in tolerance, because they cannot avoid it. Knowing God is reconciled, and that they are getting out of sins, Satans, and sinners hands, finding Conscience serene, what should make them unwilling or undesirous? The Prince is glad of his gaudy Inauguration; the Conqueror of his splendid Triumph. Frederick the third Elect. Palat. said to his Friends wishing his recovery, I have lived enough to you, let me now live for my self, and with my Lord Christ. 'Tis he who fears death that will not live with Jesus. Homely Messengers are received with respects for their Masters and Errands sake.
Israel saw the grim Servant on his pale Horse, he felt him knocking with his black Rod at Natures door, beheld his commanding Mace requiring his appearance to the King of Kings, yet his Heart could meditate terrour, digest the thoughts of all without terror, as the Ostrich can digest Iron. He knew his Master and his Errand, and could freely step up behind him to be carried to a better Place, better Relations, to Christ the Mediator, and the innumerable company of Angels. Socrates was glad dying he should see Homer and Hesiod, and other brave Philosophers; adding, 'twould be sad to die, if not going to better Company than he left behind.
Israel had sent out Scouts to acquaint him with the Enemies strength and intent, in laying Siege with his Granadoes to batter down his Clay walls, and like a valiant Souldier does not stay till the Enemy came up to him, but went out to meet and fight him. He had heard the Cocks crowing, and the Clocks giving warning, and that 'twas high time to arise, and be gone: He saw his Voyage nigh ended, and the Tide coming, and so with joy hoyseth up his Sails. Evangelick Job cries out, I know my Redeemer liveth; and familiarly talks of his Kindred, I have said to corruption, thou art my Father, to the Worm, thou art my Mother and my Sister, Chap. 17. ver. 14. The Child is not afraid to behold its Father, Mother, or Sister. 'Tis said of Moses that he died with Gods kiss, ad os Dei: the Babe kissed with its Mothers smiling face quietly lies down. Who should be loth to go to a place where are all Thanksgiving days, those foreign? as Naz. calls them, speaking of his Sister Gorgonias death: Hence that expostulation, pati timetis, exire non vultis, quid faciam? Ye are loth to suffer, and loth to be gone, what shall I do? The Antient Primitive Church waiteth for you, the Saints desire you.
4. 'Tis the voice of one peaceably resigning and submitting, ready to make a well-pleased redelivery of the Soul which God had given him, knowing he received it on those terms to restore it upon demand. Aaron was silent. Christ before the shearers was dumb, he opened not his mouth: He did not repine, murmur, or rage, as that Marshal Biron; he did not flie at, and gnaw the stone cast at him: He did not draw at the Arrest of Gods Serjeant: Tiribazus the Persian drew his Sword, but hearing it was an Arrest from the King, he put it up and submitted: Shall I not, saith patient blessed Jesus, drink the cup my heavenly father giveth me to drink? To a Believer 'tis Calix, not Cadus, a cup, not an hegs-head; 'tis a cup that smells of the fathers hand, the dregs whereof the wicked shall drink. He did not quarrel or strive to escape deaths hands: He kissed the black rod, yields to Gods Mace, without any harsh resentments, he gives quiet and full seizin, saying, 'tis the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good. Non tamen abhorruit anima à corpore, he was not displeased with, or weary of his old yoak fellow: He knew his Soul and Body married to part, and that they also should meet again: The Body saith to the Soul, like a man lying down to sleep, farewell, my Dear, till the morning; the Soul saith to the Body, as a man going a long voyage, My Dear, farewell, but after a few months I purpose to return.
Israel doth not capitulate or proffer terms for a renewed lease, but is willing to give in his old, willing to exchange his rural Cottage, for a royal Palace, his dark, narrow house for one more large, lightsome, and commodious: The Musician is willing to change his worn, cracked, unstringed instrument for a new one: So the Seaman, to exchange his crazy weather-beaten ship, for one new and strongly built. He knew his times to be in Gods hand and dispose: Socrates dying said to his friends, that the Gods only knew whether 'twere better for him to live or die. He was not dubiae jurisdictionis 'twixt the Collisions of Faith and Fear, but could say as Paul, I know whom I have believed, and that he is able to keep what I have committed to him. The Child is willing to put the precious jewel into its Fathers hands, to be safely laid up in his Cabinet for it. He saw death flying to him, as a Dove with an Olive Branch of peace, and not like an Eagle to make a prey of him. He saw it a Friend to invite home, not as an Enemy or Pursevant of offended, avenging justice; as a Ferry Boat to waft Gods children over to their Fathers house.
The sinner would fain flee out of his hand, Job. 27. 22. he believes he shall not return out of darkness, he feels scaring hellish flashes in conscience; sees the black Dog in his Chamber: Looking backward, he beholds a dismal train of lies and oaths, and a sinful unprofitable life: Looking forward, he hath the prospect of eternal fiery flames; looking inward, there is an hellish heap of sin, and a wounded gnawing conscience; looking upward, there is an holy incensed Almighty God: There is a dreadful sound in his ears, the ratling of Hells Chains, and the smell of its loathsome sulphur is in his nose, the sparkles of the fiery lake oft scorch him; Spectrums and Apparitions affright him, much he feels, worse he fears: Animula blandula quò vadis. And I saith Reuben, whither shall I go. Hinc transeundum, quò abeundum. Rebekah asked, Wilt thou go with this man? answered; I will go: A Believer is willing to go along with death, but the sinner knows 'twill bind him, and carry whither he would not go. Dying is an act of obedience, not to be performed by children of disobedience; he that hath no grace in his life, can have no peace at death. 'Tis the oyl of grace that generates the oyl of gladness: The noise of the doleful funeral knell, the sight of the Beir or Scull, an hours sitting by a dead ghastly body appalls them. Saul that had a Lions heart, fainteth away: Belshazzar though his concubines and cups were at hand, grows wan, trembles and his joynts knock against one another: Ahab droops and hangs his feathers, Nabal is sullen like a stone, Judas bursts asunder: Cur hoc quod p…lles? Cur quis non prandeat? At a feast what sainting blushings are there, the blood coming and going overmatch'd with fear? However in a bravado Gulls, and Gallants, when the mystick foreign of Wines inspirits them, jest at death in their carpet vaunts and Thrasonical flourishes, canting to the viol, and playing upon the strings of vanity, and call for death when they think it far off, as Gaal for Abimelech, yet the least tread of its foot makes them like Pashur, terrours to themselves, the Jewish Doctors fancy that Absolom hanging by the hair saw Hell open, and to protract time would not cut himself down: Leporina pretended to die with her Husband, yet only sipt of the poysonous cup, leaving him the dregs, and over-living him, entred the inheritance of a second marriage. Death is so terrible that men yield to the greatest miseries, mutilations, dismembrings, and cauterisings, yea venture to kill their Souls, to save their Bodies; Marcellinus 'twice casts in incense into the Idol fire, Ecebolius turns 'twice; even Peter denies, and forswears: men will live with maimed bodies, and perjured Souls to protract a short Life.
Hence in cool blood, and rational deliberation, every sinner averts from death; death is ever violent, Luke 12. 20. This night thy Soul shall be required of thee; required, not resigned: his Soul is haled or forced away, as the Prisoner by the Serjeant, Job. 27. 8. as a Sword from a rusty Sheath, or a Cloth eat into the flesh, or the Foot from a strait pinching shoe.
But our Israel, is serene, calm without any impatient perturbation, a smooth Sea, not desiring respite for a day or an hour: But with Simeon, the arms of his Soul and Body filled with Christ, could say, Now Lord lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace; or with David, Return, O my Soul, to thy rest. He saw a blessed train of good works, prayers, piety and charity following him; and glorious Angels with open arms and acclamations of joy, ready to conduct him into an everlasting rest.
5. 'Tis the voice of one satisfied, undesirous of longer living, or of abiding in natures fields.
1. He had a satiety and fulness of Nature; the glass of his Life was leisurely run out, its thread spun to its length: The fruit hung on the tree till fully ripe, that he came to the grave in a full age; like as a shock of corn cometh in, in his season, Job 5. 26. He had Davids blessing, With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my Salvation, Psal. 91. last. Abraham, Jsaac, Job, were full of years, Gen. 25. 8. Job 42. 16. had as many as their backs could well bear, their candle was not blown out, nor quenched with overflowing moisture, but burnt in the socket wanting moisture. The ripe fruit was ready to fall, and the corn to shule in the field. And as the child perfected in natures ware-house, when the mother hath gone her full time knocks to have the doors unbolted; so were these Saints desirous of a larger liberty: