Five Discourses, Discourse 4
DISCOURSE IV. How to take the truest Wisdom of Worldly men in their Managements, and apply it with admirable Use and Advantage in the Improvement and Perfection of Holy Obedience.
On Luk. 16.8. For the Children of this World are wiser in their Generation, than the Children of Light.
THIS is our Blessed Saviour's reflection, on the unjust Stewards fore-cast, and provision for his present State. When he had lost the favour of his Lord; he seeks how to make Friends among his Tenants, that they may receive him into their Houses, when he is cast out of his Lord's Service. Now tho' he is to be blamed for his injustice and dishonesty, yet the Lord commends him for his prudence and forecast, or for that in his way, or in the way of Worldly men, he had done wisely, v. 8.
And this he observes is not peculiar to him, but is common to the Children of this World. Tho' they are not careful more than the unjust Steward was, of innocence and honesty; yet they are wise in their worldly Managements, yea wiser in their Generation, than the Children of Light are in theirs. And tho' we are to leave their injustice with them; yet our Blessed Lord would have us learn Wisdom of Management from them.
In Discoursing upon these words, I shall shew.
First, Who are the Children of this World, and who are the Children of Light.
Secondly, What it is for the Children of this World, to be wiser in their Generation.
Thirdly, Note those things, wherein their foresight, and discretion is more particularly imitable; and wherein we may and ought to learn Wisdom from them.
1. I shall show, who are the Children of this World, and who are the Children of Light.
The Children of this World, are they who give themselves up to mind worldly Ends and Matters, and pursue them by worldly Rules and Managements, not regarding the Innocence, more than the unjust Steward did, but only the Serviceableness and Expedience of them.
The Children of Light are they, who profess to walk in Belief and Obedience, to the Religion and Commands of Jesus Christ. Whatsoever doth make manifest, saith the Apostle is Light, Eph. 5.13. and our Blessed Lord is come to manifest to us, all the Will of God, and the way to Heaven, and therefore calls himself the Light, Jo. 8.12. and chap. 9.5. and 1.7. and all who give themselves up to follow and obey him, to believe his Doctrine, and to walk in this way which he discovers and prescribes to us, are the Children of Light.
2. What it is for the Children of this World, to be wiser in their Generation.
Now their Generation, is that Age or Time wherein they live; and those men of that time, of like ends, Professions and Managements, with themselves amongst whom they live. And their being wiser in their Generation than the Children of Light are in theirs, is their managing their several worldly Ends, and Professions among one another in their time, with more true forecast, and Wisdom, than Christians in their day are wont to manage their Profession, of paying their Services, and all Holy obedience unto Jesus Christ, or of doing their Duty in all Points unto him. I come now,
3. Which is the main Point I am to insist upon from these words, to note those things, wherein the forecast and Discretion of worldly men, is more particularly imitable by us, and wherein we may and ought to learn Wisdom from them. And this I shall note in these following Particulars.
1. 'Tis one part of their Wisdom, that they fix to themselves some certain end, and so act not loosely, and by chance, but have a certain mark to aim at.
2. That when they have once fix'd their end, they openly own and profess it.
3. That they are particularly careful, to be well skill'd in, and thorowly to understand all the Parts and Offices belonging to their Occupation or Profession.
4. That having thus fix'd themselves upon their end, and made that their Profession, it is the constant mark in their Eye, and daily Care and Employment of their Life, and they are still vigorously intending and driving it on.
5. That they carefully and timely foresee, and provide for Futurities, so as that nothing may be wanting to set on this end and profession, or fall out to its prejudice.
6. That they are ready to cast off any other Cares or Concerns, when they either find, or foresee they are like to prove Impediments or Incumbrances to their main business.
7. They are studious and observant, to direct all Accidents and Occurrences, and cast about how they may pick out, any advantage from them, or make them serviceable, to their own great purpose.
8. When any thing is propos'd to them, their Eye falls in the first place upon their chief end, and they either accept or refuse the same, according as it may be like to serve, or disserve them in their Prosecution or Attainment thereof.
9. They are jealous of their great end, and examine nicely, and are very difficultly brought to give way to any thing, that seems to bear any colour, or may in any Likelihood turn to its prejudice.
10. They are very active and industrious to engage Succours, where they are needful to their great Purposes.
1. One point of the Wisdom of the Children of this world, very fit for us to imitate and learn from them, is this, That they fix to themselves some certain end, and so act not loosely, and by chance, but have a certain mark to aim at. Each one Proposes some particular thing or other to himself; so that his Actions are not loose and without a steady aim, but he has every day a fixt Point, whereto to direct them. One sets up for Pleasure, another for Power, a third for Profit, but generally all of them for one thing or other, and this makes some order and coherence in Life; their Actions are not loose, or unrelated to each other, but a second backs and promotes the former, and all concurr to carry on, and compass the end which is fixt for them.
Now this Point of their Wisdom, is very fit to be imitated by the Children of Light. Not that they must propose to themselves wrong aims like them. Either such as are ill, or low and mean ones, which will be offensive to God, and unworthy of themselves, and no ways fit to recompence the pains which they lay out upon them. But, as they do, Christians must fix to themselves some end. They must not live in their way as unthinking men, who have no design, and whose Actions are altogether uncertain, carried about here or there, as chance occasions, or undirected and ungovern'd Fancy or the Humour calls them. But they must always propose some spiritual aims to themselves, and fix their mark, whereto they are to steer their Course; and to direct their labours and endeavours.
And this Mark in one word, is their doing their Duty to their Blessed Lord in all Points, and at all times, which is the only way to please God, and to preserve a good Conscience, and to love their precious and immortal Souls. This is the end which they are to fix themselves upon, who profess to have here no abiding City, but to seek one to come, Heb. 13.14. who have renounced this world, and laid up their Treasures in heaven, Mat. 6.20. who look for the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, and would be accepted by him at his coming, Tit. 2.13.
2. Another Point of their Wisdom is, that when once they have fix'd their end, they openly own and profess it. They espouse the same in the Face of all, by making it their Trade, their Occupation, their Employment in the World. And this way they do more publickly engage themselves, to be careful and constant in the Prosecution thereof, and bespeak the favour of all their Friends and well Wishers, who may be in any Capacity, to help and further them therein.
And this 'tis very fit the Children of Light should learn from them. They must not conceal and smother the Service which they bear to their ever Blessed Saviour, but be ready to make it known, and turn it into a free and avow'd Profession. They must as occasion serves, give all to understand that God is their great fear, and that doing their Duty at all times towards him is, and shall be their chief Profession and care: And this way they will strongly and openly have engaged themselves ever after, to make good their own religious Pretences; and put a timely check upon ill men, not to tempt them with any ill thing; nor to speak, nor do any thing offensive to God, or to a good mind, if they expect to keep them Company.
And this we are call'd to, when we are call'd together in one Body, 1 Cor. 12.13. Rom. 12.5. For that is to make open and united Profession of it, as a visible Society. And when we are bid to let our light shine before Men, Mat. 5.16. To own our Saviour Christ and his laws, in an evil and adulterous Generation, Mar. 8.38. And with the mouth to make Confession to Salvation, Rom. 10.10.
3. Another is that they are particularly careful, to be well skill'd in, and thorowly to understand all the parts and Offices belonging to their Occupation or Profession. A man may be ignorant of some things without blame; and the ignorance of others may deserve Commendation. For 'tis both a part of Innocence, and a Guard to it, to be ignorant of the ways of doing ill. And 'tis a means of his quiet to be ignorant of other mens Affairs; and not busily inquisitive into their Matters. And 'tis a sign of the well employ'd to be ignorant of trifles and empty things. But 'tis a shame for any Man to be ignorant of what he professes; for that is to be at a loss in his own business. And this all men are thorowly apprehensive of; and therefore all Trades serve Apprenticeships, and are train'd up for several years, to be thorowly skill'd in all the parts of the Occupation which they profess; yea, even the ordinary Husband-man, knows very well how to order and manage his ground, when to Plow, and when to Sow, and when to Reap; and what are the fittest and properest Seasons for the Market. However ignorant they may be in other things, they are careful to know their own business, and Professions, and to be well skill'd, so as to need no Teachers in their own Employments.
And this is a most especial instance of Wisdom, which it necessarily behoves the Children of Light to learn from them. For one of the first things, and of the most necessary in the way of a Christian man to Heaven, is to be thorowly instructed in all those things, which God has made Articles of his Salvation. If he must at last be judged by them, it is absolutely necessary that he set himself in the mean time carefully to observe them. And if he must observe them, he must first know them; yea, and have them made familiar to his Conscience, so that it may readily remind him of them, as oft as any Opportunities occurr in course of Life, for him either to keep, or break them. This knowledge of every particular Duty, which is to be a matter of our final Account, as it is of prime necessity and singular advantage, so will it cost pains and labour to attain it. But I know not how any truly good, and sincerely pious minds, can employ themselves better. They must read good Books, where the Catalogues of such Duties are most particularly recited and explain'd; and the particular necessity of our Observance of them, (that we may give up a good Account at the great day,) is shewn most particularly from the Holy Scriptures. And these they must read attently and often, till they have made themselves Masters of them, and their Consciences are ready upon any occasion to remind them thereof, as they are call'd at any time to observe them in the Course of Conversation; and when their Conscience doth thus remind them of any of them in Conversation, let them by no means take off their Eye from what their Conscience tells them, is a matter of their final Account; and instead thereof, follow the Practice of other men, it may be, reputed good, or men of Note for knowledge and understanding. For tho' 'tis a sad Reflection, yet 'tis a very true one, that numbers of Christians, and those too of note and eminence for Piety and Understanding, seem in their daily converse, to make no Account at all, of a great number of those Duties, which God has declared, he will call us all to a strict Account for. And therefore having themselves happily attain'd this particular knowledge of all necessary Duties, let them stick to their own knowledge on every occasion, and follow it without disputing; and not once think of leaving the same, to follow the general neglect of many of these things, which he may every where observe in other men.
And this we are call'd to in Scripture, when we are bid, To understand what the will of the Lord is, Ep. 5.17. To be men in understanding, 1 Cor 14.20. To give all diligence to add to our virtue, or courage knowledge, 2 Pet. 1.5. To be fill'd with all knowledge, Rom. 15.14. To be fill'd with the knowledge of his will, Col. 1.9.
4. Another Point of their Wisdom is, that having thus fix'd themselves upon their end, and made it their Profession, it is the constant mark in their Eye; and the daily Care and Employment of their Life, and they are still vigorously intending and driving it on. It fills their thoughts, that they can afford little room, to any thing else. It is the full Employment of their time, and they labour in it with Pleasure, and are ready to deny themselves their necessary food, their rest, their ease, to serve the end of their Occupation.
And herein it is most fit and needful for the Children of Light to imitate them. The doing their Duty faithfully, and in all Points to their Blessed Lord, which is their End and Profession, should be the constant mark in their Eye, and matter of their Care, as being the chief thing they have set themselves to mind, and daily to labour and employ themselves. It is the one thing necessary which they have fix'd and propos'd to themselves, and must be their every days thought and business. For in every day, and in all Companies and Dealings, they will have Opportunities enough, to do their Duty in sundry Points, or transgress it. And therefore every day, their Eye must be kept earnestly intent, and their Care watchful, and they seriously, and vigorously at work, to do the business of their Profession, and discharge faithfully, as they are call'd to them, all those Duties which their Blessed Lord requires of them. And this we are call'd to in the Holy Scriptures, under the several Expressions of walking with God, Gen. 5.24. of walking before God, Gen. 17.1. Of setting the Lord always before us, Psal. 16.8. of being always upon our watch, Mar. 13.35, 37. and walking circumspectly, or still having our Eyes intent in every Affair or time, how we may keep off from all sin, and faithfully discharge all those particular Duties, which do await us therein, Eph. 5.15.
5. Another Point of their Wisdom, is that they carefully and timely foresee, and provide for Futurities, so as that nothing may be wanting to set on this end, and profession, or fall out unawares to prejudice the same. They are intent and careful, not only to use what comes, and make it serve their turn; but to look on carefully to what may come, and consider how it may be made serviceable to their Purpose, or how to prevent or remedy, what might likely be an hindrance; or any ways hurtful to it.
And this part of their Wisdom, in forecasting, and making provision for Futurities, I shall consider in these three Particulars.
First, They forethink, what means and methods to take, as most proper for their End and Profession, and fittest to serve it.
Secondly, Having studied and laboured diligently and constantly to compass their desired End, they are careful to secure their Claim and Title to it; and carefully fift and inquire into it, and take all ways they can to make it good, when a Tryal is like to be brought upon it.
Thirdly, They timely provide and forecast Supplies against streights and accidents, that when they come they may be as little hurt by them, as may be, or otherwise provide against them, the best they can.
1. They forethink what means and methods to take, as most proper for their End and Profession, and fittest to serve it; the Merchant wisely and carefully considers, what Ports 'tis fittest to send to, and when, and what Goods give greatest appearance of making the best return.
And men in all Trades consider well with themselves, where 'tis best to buy, and what things are likeliest to sell, and forecast in their own minds, what ways and methods are likeliest to make them thrive in their several Occupations. A King going to War, as our Lord observes, will first very carefully consider his forces. And a Builder going to build must consider his Purse; and what it is like to cost him both in Work and Materials, Luk. 14.31, 32. and Verse 28, 29. and the unjust Steward forecasting for his future support, in his way, wisely resolves on passing false Accounts, that he may find reception among his Lords Tenants, Luk. 16.3, 45, 8.
And this is another piece of Wisdom, most fit for the Children of Light, to imitate and learn from them. They must wisely consider and observe before hand, what things do most help and further, what do most tempt and ensnare, what do most obstruct and hinder them, in the way of their Profession, or in faithfully discharging all the Duties of a Christian. They must have carefully, and discreetly forethought with themselves against they enter upon every days Actions, and Business, what Duties they will be likely call'd to exercise therein, and how they may discharge them to the best advantage; what Temptations also they may likely meet withal, and how likely they are to withstand them; or how to prevent, or get seasonably out of their way, if they are like to endanger, or prove too hard for them. They must, by no means, be off-hand, and unstudied Livers; but have their Actions wisely fore-thought, and be still in a readiness, to take the best ways of going on in the work of their Profession; and sincerely discharging their Duty to their Blessed Lord in all the Points thereof.
And this wise and careful forecast, and fixing on the fittest ways to serve our Purpose, we are called to in the forecited Parables, of the Builder, and the King going to War; and in the Parable of those, who built their houses, one upon a rock, and another upon the sand, Mat. 7.24, 26. If forecast and wise contrivance doth not direct Actions and Undertakings, Folly and Shame are but too like to be the issue and event of them.
But on this Point of their Wisdom, in forecasting, and fixing on the properest ways and methods, I shall observe three other imitable Points of their Wisdom, concerning the execution of them. For they put them in execution,
I. Speedily,
II. With Assiduity and Diligence.
III. With Resoluteness.
1. They put their well chosen means of thriving in Execution speedily. They stay for nothing, but make the most of their good contrivance as soon as they can. If they have put themselves in readiness against a good Market, without more ado they take it. If they have laid in for a good Bargain, without any delay they are for making an end of it. Where they have prepared an advantage, they are for the first opportunity of taking Possession of it. So that they lose nothing by delays, or by slipping their times and seasons. But earnestly desiring to accomplish their Ends, they are still in a readiness hastily to accomplish any wise means, which will make them Masters of it.
Now in this they should be followed by the Children of Light. For it is not for them, after once they are wisely and well resolved upon their Duty, either a good Life at large, or the Amendment and Improvement of some particular part thereof, to use delays, and put it off from one Duty to another. They must not be on and off in this great work, as men who are uncertain; nor slow as men who are unwilling. Delays shew nothing but the inability, or insincerity of their own Purposes, and are a loud call for themselves, to renew and make them better. But they must execute their wise Purposes of holy Living without more ado. They must lose no time, but be eager of growing more perfect in it the next day, than they were the day foregoing; they must make no stops, but still earnestly push on; and not cease, till they have made themselves Masters of the Grace, or good Improvements, which they had propos'd to themselves.
And this we are call'd to in the Holy Scriptures, when 'tis said, To day if ye will hear his voice, Psal. 95.7, 8. and I made hast and delayed not to keep thy commandments, Psal. 119.60. work, whilst it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work, Joh. 9.4. And in this great and most important business, no day is to be neglected, because no man knows, but it may be his last.
2. They put their well chosen ways of thriving in Execution with Assiduity and Diligence. The Tradesman will stick to his Shop from morning till night. And men of other Occupations will be constantly attending, and ready to take all advantages in the way of their business. And this they do with Good-will, with great Diligence, and Vigour of Application. They will spare no pains, they will miss no advantages, they are not slothful, but push on with all their might, and shew how they can bestir themselves to gain their Purposes.
And this 'tis extremely fit the Children of Light should learn from them. 'Tis not for them to be negligent or slothful, in the work and service of the Lord. It is their one thing necessary; the chief Point they have, or profess to mind; and therefore they must constantly attend upon it, and stand ever ready to perform a Duty, or avoid a Sin, as any Affairs or Accidents of Life shall give them occasion for the same. And this they must do heartily and earnestly, diligently laying out themselves upon it, and putting what strength they have to it, which can never be better employ'd, nor laid out in any thing, for which it shall in any comparable degree, be so happily and infinitely rewarded.
And this the Holy Scripture requires of us, when it calls us to be always upon our watch, Mar. 13.35, 37. to attend this as the one thing necessary, Luk. 10.42. To give all diligence in it, 2 Pet. 1.5, 10. and to serve the Lord with all our mind, and with all our strength, Mar. 12.30. and the like.
3. They put these well chosen means in Execution with resoluteness; they are not discouraged by occurrent Difficulties, nor driven back by the Labour or Pains, or by the length and tediousness of their business. They are not weary of their work, but overlook troubles, and bear Self-denials, and go on with Zeal, and without Faintness, till they have accomplish'd their desired Purpose. All labour is easie to them, that accomplishes their desire, and they will not cease labouring, till they have done their utmost, to gain what they seek for.
And this also should be imitated by the Children of Light. If they want Zeal and good Resolution, they are not like to do much; nor are sure to be constant in the work of good Living. But they must go on without Fear or Slackness; they must think no Pains too dear, to perfect themselves in any Duties. They must be ready, and willing to part with any thing else, rather than wittingly transgress their Duty in any particular, or fall short of eternal Happiness. That is the pearl of price, which they must sell all to purchase, Mat. 13.44, 46. they must shun no troubles, or fly from any losses, which will surely be repaid, with such an inestimable recompence. Nay, instead of shunning them, they have the truest cause to give thanks, and rejoyce therein.
And this the Holy Scripture requires, when it calls us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Ephes. 6.10. to be terrified in nothing by our adversaries, Phil. 1.28. Not to put on the spirit of fear, but of love to God, of power, or Courage and of a sound mind, 2 Tim. 1.7. and to be always stedfast and unmoveable in the work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15.58. To deny ourselves, and to take up the Cross, and bear it after Christ, if we would be his disciples, Mat. 16.24. and ch. 10.38.
2. Another instance of their forecast, and provision for Futurities, is, that having studied and labour'd thus to compass their end, they are careful to secure their Claim and Title to it. But more especially careful to sift and inquire into it, and to take all ways they can to make it good, when a Tryal is like to be brought upon it. If it be a Tryal for Estate, or much more for Life, how forecasting and busie are they, in inquiring into the merit of their cause; in collecting and clearing up Evidences; in preparing Witnesses, consulting Counsel, and making their Case as good, as it can be made against the Great Assize.
Now the Children of Light are absolutely inexcusable, if they learn not this Point of Wisdom from them. For the Interest which they have to secure, is not like that of worldly men, vain transitory and fading, which may soon be taken from them, or which they shall surely be soon taken from. But it is an eternal life, Mar. 10.30. A crown of glory that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5.4. a State where they need no sun to light them; where all tears are wip'd away from their eyes, and there shall be no more crying, nor sorrow, nor pain, Rev. 21.4. and 23.
Now all this most happy State depends upon our perfecting our Obedience, to all the Laws of our Blessed Saviour, whilst we are here in this world. And whether we have faithfully discharged the same or no, must come to a most fair and just Examination and Account, when we all come (as we all most certainly shall soon come) to be tryed upon the same at the last Judgment. And therefore, it infinitely concerns all good serious Christians, to be often and carefully before-hand inquiring into the State of their Souls, to see whether they are fit to stand in that Tryal or no. They must pose themselves upon all those Points, upon which God will try them; at least according to the best of their knowledge they have of them, or under their Circumstances and Opportunities, are sincerely able to compass of the same; and where they find they have wilfully fail'd in any part of that Obedience, which God necessarily requires, they must instantly amend, and recover themselves into a state of Bliss, and Happiness. And this they must do; not only once or twice; for mens spiritual State is often variable, and their Life is always uncertain, and therefore it is a thing that needs more frequent doing; especially till they come to acquire a steadiness in a safe Condition, that so they may be always ready, and if God call them unawares, they may not be surprized thereby, but go with comfort to give up their Accounts to him.
And this God requires of us, when he calls us, To give all diligence, to make our calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. and to fear least having a promise left us of entring into his rest, any of us should fall short of it, Heb. 4.1. and to look diligently least any man fail of the grace of God, Heb. 12.15.
3. They timely provide and forecast Supplies, against Straights and Accidents; that when they come, they may be, as little hurt by them as may be, or otherwise provide against them the best they can. And this was the Wisdom which the Lord commended in the unjust Steward: for he was in a great straight, being warn'd out of his Lords Service; and makes a wise, speedy and seasonable provision for himself, by taking Care to be received among his Lords Tenants. And 'tis the same with men of all other Occupations. If straights or misfortunes are like to come upon them, they foresee them in time, and try all ways in due Season to prevent them; or to keep them off as long as they can, or to make them fall as light as may be, when they do come. But be it better, or worse, they are careful to make the best for themselves, which they are able to do in their present Circumstances and Condition.
Now in this also, it is very fit the Children of Light should learn from them. They must have their eyes before them, and timely foresee; where they want Counsel, and there provide instruction; where they may be attacked on a weak side, and there contrive how to keep out of the way of Temptation; where they are like to be call'd to do their Duty; and there forecast how to do it faithfully and profitably; where they are like to meet with Difficulties, and disoblige Friends, and disserve Interests, and there either wisely contrive, how to withdraw themselves from them, or vigorously, and steadfastly resolve to break through them, where Crosses are like to come, how they may meet and receive them with Meekness and Patience. A good Christian must not want fore-sight, and be plung'd in Difficulties, and fall into Folly unawares; but must wisely and seasonably foresee what may happen, and be ready to make the best of all when it comes.
And this the Holy Scripture calls for in the Parable of the wise and foolish Virgins; the difference betwixt which two, lay in their fore-cast, and in making, or not making seasonable and sufficient provision for Futurities, Mat. 25.1, &c. Of the two men building their houses, one upon a rock, and the other upon the sand, Mat. 7.24, 26. Of the Builder fore-casting well with himself, how to defray all Charges, and Accidents of work, and Materials, and how able he is to finish, Luk. 14.28. and the like.
6. A sixth Instance formerly noted of the Wisdom of worldly men in their Managements, is, that they are ready to cast off any Cares, or Concerns, when they either find or foresee, that they are like to prove Impediments, or Incumbrances in their main business. If they have grasp'd at more business than they can manage to advantage, they will ease their hands, by laying that aside which is least for their Purpose. If some proves to be but of little Profit, and uncertain hazard, and of much Pains; they will try another way, which is like to yield better, with more ease and less uncertainties. They are ever true to their Point, and will not engage themselves in ways, which make against it.
Now this likewise is very fit to be learnt of them by all good Christians. 'Tis not for them to engage themselves for any Inducement in any ill things, for that is absolutely contrary to all their obedient Professions. Nor in any Occupations, or business which abound so much with strong Temptations, that there is no reasonable expectation, of their keeping Innocence, and faithfully discharging their Duty therein.
In their Consideration, and Choice of all these things; the first thing to be looked at and cared for, is keeping Innocence, and whether their business is fairly consistent, with an intire discharge of their Duty in all Points. And where he can make a moderate, and reasonable advantage, by Innocence and Fairness, there a good man will be easie and exemplary too in his Occupation. Nor must they give way to over-much business; Religion as our Saviour says, being eat up by the Cares of this world. Nor meddle with more, than allows them daily to discharge their Duty both towards God and Man. And faithfully to attend, and acquit themselves in all the Duties of a Christian as they come before them.
Now this the Holy Scriptures require of us, when they tell us, that the world is crucified to us in Christ Jesus; and we unto the world, Gal. 6.14. to lay aside every weight, that oppresses us, Heb. 12.1. and not intangle our selves in any Affairs, to the hindrance of his Service, who hath chosen us to eternal Life in Heaven, 2 Tim. 2.4.
7. They are studious and observant, to direct all Accidents and Occurrences, and cast about, how they may pick out any advantage from them; or make them serviceable to their own great Purpose. They are quick to espy an advantage, and as quick to pursue it, and let nothing pass by them neglected; if they can serve themselves thereof: And by this they bring in to themselves many an accidental Advantage, in the way of their several Occupations.
And this 'tis very fit the Children of Light should imitate them in. In all they do, and in all they receive, or meet withal, they should look about, and carefully consider; how they may turn it to give Praise, or to do Honour unto God; how it may be improved for the advantage and exercise of any Vertue, for the greater sleighting, and contempt of this World, and preference of the next; for the Encouragement, and Love of whatsoever is good; and for the Hatred, and Discouragement of whatsoever is evil. And this is to Spiritualize all the things of common Life; to turn Conversation, Business, and the accidents of this World into Religion; to own God as the beginning, and to make him the end of every thing. And it will produce a marvellous encrease of Goodness, Devotion, Godly care, and spiritual Heavenly living.
And this the Holy Scripture calls for, when it bids us, Whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31. And whatsoever we do, in word, or deed; to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Col. 3.17.
8. When any thing is proposed to them; their Eye falls in the first place upon their chief end, and they either accept or refuse the same, according as it may be like to serve, or disserve them; in their Prosecution and Attainment thereof. Their first Reflection is, how it suits with the interest of their Occupation; whether it may be made serviceable thereto; or is like to be of no use to them, or it may be a diversion, or prejudice to them, in their Prosecution of the same. And they are sure to be true to their main Interest, and listen to nothing, that would take them off from, or disserve them in it. He who sets up for Gain, will neglect Power, or Pleasures, where they are like to cause much expence. He who pursues Pleasures, will not listen to the motions of Gain, or Business, when they are like to cost much Pains, or prove inconsistent with his Diversions. He who is set upon Improvement of knowledge, will set aside worldly Cares and Interests, when they take him from the Prosecution of his Studies. Their great End is the rule of all the rest; and they stand true and fixt to it; and rate and measure, the Desireableness of all things thereby, which are offer'd to them.
Now this is an excellent Point of Wisdom, for the Children of Light to learn from them. Whatsoever is offer'd to them, their Eye must fix in the first to sift, and examine the Innocence, before they listen at all to any Suggestions of the worldly Expedience of it. If it is ill, or tends to ill, or would hinder them in the doing of their Duty, or expose them to transgress it; or make for the Dishonour of God, or the Disparagement of the way of Godliness; no Considerations in the World must make them listen to it; or deliberate with themselves, whether they should or no. They must measure all Proposals, by their Usefulness to their Souls, and take God and Religion into their Consideration in the first place: And this is to act like men, who have immortal Souls, and seek immortal Happiness, and know the price of both. And this will make them not to judge, or act like other men. But they will carefully seek, what others carefully shun; and be thankful, where they complain. It will make them chuse Self-denials, and Mortifications, which are a worldly Uneasiness, when they are needful to a spiritual advantage; and refuse the Pleasures of the flesh, and any advantages of this World, when they are like to prove a spiritual prejudice. Yea, to embrace any worldly Losses and Prejudices, and that with joy, when they come upon them for keeping strictly to the way of Righteousness; and for doing their Duty faithfully to their Blessed Lord and Saviour, as they ought to do.
Now this also the Holy Scripture calls for, when it requires us to love God with all our heart; that is to love him, above all, Matt. 12.30. That if we regard iniquity in our heart, the Lord will not hear us, Psal. 66.18. That if we love lands, or father, or mother, or our own lives, more than our Blessed Lord, we are unworthy of him, Mat. 10.31. Luk. 14.26. And the like.
9. They are jealous of their great end, and examine nicely, and are very Difficultly brought to give way, to any thing that seems to bear any colour, or may in any Likelihood turn to its prejudice. They may be over-seen in lesser matters, but they are suspicious about this, which they count of price. They will fear as far, as there is any cause or pretence to fear, and resolve with great wariness, and be ready to start any possible Detriments, and Objections, and pause on any appearance of Inconveniencies which it may bring to them in prosecuting the same.
And this again, is an admirable and useful Point of Wisdom, for the Children of Light to take up from them. They must not be for taking the utmost Liberties in any Duties, and coming as near the breach thereof as they can. Nor for abiding in the Neighbourhood, or within the Confines of sin, where they may be in great danger of being won at last by its Temptation. But they must keep all at the greatest distance, which may be like to damnifie, or endanger their Holy Obedience. They must carefully preserve the Virgin innocence, the first Modesties, Fears, and Reluctancies of Conscience, against every evil thing. And not sit down by Dangers, or dwell with Temptations, or indulge small degrees, or listen in the least to any ill Advice, or bear the proposal of any evil things: But take Alarm at the remote approaches, and first appearances of sin; and keep all Temptation, that may draw on the love and practice of any sin, as far off from them as they can. They must rather wisely forbear lawful and safe things, than by allowing themselves therein, bring themselves into any hazard of others, which may bring danger with them.
And this the Holy Scriptures requires at our hands, when they tell us, that we stand by faith; and must not be high minded, but fear, Rom. 11.20. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into Temptation, Matt. 26.41. To abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thes. 5.22. And to have no fellowship with any deeds of darkness; but to reprove them, Eph. 5.11.
10. They are very active and industrious to engage Succours, when they are needful to their great Purposes. So the Steward was in the Text, when he had lost the Friendship of his Lord, he seeks to make Friends among his Lords Tenants. And thus the King going to war, if he finds he is too weak, seeks about to strengthen himself by assistance of other Princes; which if he cannot effect, he sends timely to offer terms and conditions of peace, Luk. 14.31, 32. Where danger appears they are careful, if they can ingage help by any means, not to stand by themselves, but to be prepared with such helps and succours, as may give Protection from them.
And this also is a great and most serviceable piece of Wisdom, for the Children of Light to learn from them. They must strengthen themselves in every good and difficult work, and desire some good Christian Friend to be their admonisher therein; yea, they are mutually to teach and admonish one another, Col. 3.16. To exhort one another daily, Heb. 3.13. To stand fast and strive together, Phil. 1.27. To pray for one another, Jam. 1.16. And earnestly to desire each others Prayers, 1 Thes. 5.25. To pray earnestly themselves to God for his grace, Jam. 5.13. 1 Thes. 5.10. And to be liberal in Alms, which send up a sweet smell before God; and which though in the men of this World, who get Money ill, and spend it ill, it be call'd the Mammon of unrighteousness; yet in Christians, who get it justly, and lay it out virtuously and charitably, our Blessed Lord tells us, it will make them friends in everlasting habitations, Luk. 16.9.
Such as these are the Instances of Wisdom, which I thought fit, pursuant to our Lord's Direction in the Text, to note in the Managements of worldly men; and earnestly to recommend to the Children of Light from them. And 'tis not to be imagined what advantage they would find to themselves in the perfecting of their spiritual Course, if they would but wisely observe, and remember these excellent Rules of their Managements, and carefully use and follow them, in pursuing their own infinitely better, and more happy Purposes.
For this way their Duty would continually be their Mark, and in their Eyes; they would not only secretly propose, but openly profess it; they would study to be thorowly inform'd in every part thereof, that they might not be wanting in the knowledge of their Profession; they would make it as their daily Mark, so their daily Care and Employment, and be continually driving it on; they would timely and carefully foresee, and provide for Futurities, contriving and fixing on the fittest means of improvement in their way, and executing them with speed, Assiduity and Resoluteness; and look oft, and inquire before hand, into the state of their Souls; to see whether they are fit to give a good Account of themselves to God in the last Judgment; and if they are not, to supply what is wanting; and that without delay, now whilst they have time for it; and timely provide and fore-cast, against any spiritual streights and accidents; that when they come, they may not be unready, or surprized by them; they would be ready to cast off any Cares and Concerns which prove, or are like to prove an hindrance, an incumbrance, or any ways a snare to them in the way of their Holy Obedience. They would study how to direct all Accidents and Occurrences; and seek how they may spiritualize, or pick any thing out of them; for the Honour of God, and Improvement of themselves or others, in the way of Holy Obedience and Religion. When any thing were offer'd to them, their first Reflection and Inquiry would be, whether it were innocent, and lead to good, and made for the easier, and more profitable discharge of their Duty, not staying to give the least ear thereto, if it tend to the contrary; they would even be jealous about doing their Duty, and keep all Dangers far off, and not come near any thing, that may any wise lessen their Aversion to what is ill, or tempt them to the Commission of it. And they would be very studious and industrious to gain Succours, seeking out for all good and proper spiritual Helps, when they are needful to their Holy Obedience.
Now what a Body of Christians would these ways make, would they all govern themselves thereby, in the faithful discharge of their Duty, as I have directed? We should hear no Complaints of the impossibility, or extreme difficulty of doing their Duty. We should see a Generation of Saints, fit to be Lights to the World, to live without any imputable fault or blemish; and die with Comfort, and enter into everlasting joy and peace. Which God of his infinite Grace and Mercy grant unto us all, for the sake of the Son of his Love, and our only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the Blessed for evermore. Amen.