Appendix to Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence, Text (3 of 4)

Appendix to Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence · Text (3 of 4)

p. 78Since then your chief happineſs, as you are men … Chriſtians, is plac't ſo far out of the Sphere and hun… influence of all external accidents, that the worſt … them can do no more to leſſen or interrupt it, how … reaſonable is it to be much dejected for but a little grievance? Of what a ſordid ſpirit is that man who ſhould lament the loſs of his dung, or ſome ſorry trifle, whil… his houſe is well fill'd with goods, and his Coffers with money? And no more reaſon hath he to be caſt down for having his hands emptied of all his earthlie ſubſtance, whoſe heart is fill'd with the more ſubſtantial heavealie… Treaſure of Grace and Goodneſs.

Yet after all, I am afraid leaſt moſt of my Reader ſhould take what I have ſaid for meer Notions, not … to be framed into Principles, to guide them in their practiſe, and in their judgements of things. Hardlie will me… be perſwaded that riches, the Diana whom not any particular Country onlie, but the whole world worſhippe… who may number more Votaries and Martyrs than the true God; that theſe are of ſo little conſequence, and ſo little conducing to make a man happie. But yet I may well hope for better entertainment from you that haw been enlightned to behold ſuch a beautie and glorie i… p. 79spiritual things, as hath in ſome good meaſure abated your eſteem of all things elſe. And the better yet to clear and ſettle your apprehenſions, I would deſire you but attentlie to conſider your own Nature, whether you bear not ſomething about you better than fleſh and blood, and whether the gratifying and advancing of this Nobleſt part be not moſt your intereſt; and how far earthlie things, which are of a nature ſo diſtant from it, can be ſerviceable to this end? Confider moreover, what that is which you muſt live upon for ever, and then think whether ſuch kind of attainments as make the neareſt approach thereto, and are the very beginning of it, ought …ot rather to be ſtil'd your happineſs, than ſuch as are quite of another kind, and will then be whollie uſeleſs. Conſider alſo what kind of men they are to whom ordinarilie the largeſt ſhare of theſe things is allotted; how Infidels, Idolaters, and the profaneſt wretches abound therewith; and remember how little of them Chriſt himſelf, and his moſt Nobleſt Followers enjoyed; and yet bear what Paul in the name of the reſt tells us, That whilſt they were as poor, they made many rich; whilſt they ſeemed to have nothing, they poſſeſt all things, 2 Cor. 6.10. Think what were the riches they conferr'd, and what were the all things they poſſeſt, and ſee whether they confirm not what I have ſaid. Furthermore, obſerve what language Scripture gives to theſe things, as they would be any part of mans felicity, and how little regard it commands us to have for them. Call to mind alſo what you uſe to call them your ſelves in your prayers and ſerious diſcourſe, ſhadows, traſh, bubbles, and vanity; and I would hope you think of them as you ſpeak, and will be affected towards them but as ſuch things deſerve. And laſtly, take notice what their greateſt lovers think and ſay of them, when they have had p. 80the beſt they could get, and are about to leave them. Lay but all theſe conſiderations together, which for brevitie ſake I only mention, and argue thence how little of true happineſs conſiſts in the having of them, and how little hurt is done, and therefore how little cauſe of mourning given by their removal.

And let me farther add, as very Notions as theſe may ſeem, whoever he be that is not ſo thorowlie perſwaded of their truth as to frame his apprehenſions, and regulate his affections conformablie thereto, is never ordinarilie like to live any other than an unquiet, diſcontented, and therefore miſerable life, be it little or much that be hath. 'Tis a moſt true ſaying of an excellent Heather. Moraliſt, that there are puniſhments, as it were, by an irreverſible Law, appointed for thoſe, who in a conuidiction to the Divine Order and eſtabliſhment of things, conceive too great an Opinion and love for any worldly matters, which puniſhments ariſe out of the very bowels of their vicious affections. For ſuch (ſaith he) ſhall be envious, covetous flatterers; they ſhall be caſt into inward, diſturbances, and break out into womaniſh lamentarions. And was it needful, I might ſhew by many inſtances out of ſome of the moſt rational and ſober Heathens, that they by the very light of Nature and ſtrength of reaſon, diſcovered as much as I have aſſerted, that Humane Felicity depends not upon things external: Though I confeſs few of them (ſo far as I can learn) could tell much of our future perfect happineſs, and therefore wanted ſufficient Motives to recommend a contempt of the world, and the like difficult duties to their hearers: This they left for Chriſtianity to do, which hath fully done it, revealing to us a ſtate of Eternal Bliſs purchaſt by Jeſus Chriſt for all his faithful ſervants whence I may afterward particularly fetch ground … comfort.

p. 81But you may remember I told you, that if you conſidered your ſelves as in the way to this glory, your affairs are in never the worſe poſture; taking your preſent happineſs to conſiſt in working out your ſalvation, in getting meet for, and making ſure of the Heavenly Inheritance (as indeed it does) it's no whit prejudiced by the troubles you have undergone. And this plainly appears from what hath been ſaid before: If you have loſt nothing of your Grace, you are never the farther from Glorie: If that be but ſecure, as ſmall a ſtock as you …ye left you of other goods, you may drive on as quick Trade for Heaven as ever. You have loſt nothing of all that whereby you might purchaſe the favour of God, or …n entrance into the Kingdome he hath prepared: for it was not for the rich, and honourable, and proſperous, (as ſuch) but for thoſe that love him that he hath prepared it. We read, Pſa. 147.10. That God delights not in the ſtrength of an horſe, nor takes pleaſure in the legs of a man. No more doth he in any other external accompliſhment; …e regards you never the more for your wit or beauty, your wealth or dignity; but Ver. 11. He takes pleaſure in them that fear him, in thoſe that hope in his mercy. You may ſtill come as freely and boldly to him as ever, and may find as hearty welcome. Some that once ſeem'd your friends, perhaps may now grow ſtrange, and make ſhie of you, for fear you ſhould trouble them; but be of good chear, your God will not deal with you thus, whom he loves, he loves to the end. He that choſe you, not becauſe you were rich, will not reject you for being poor. The Lord of Glory, your dear Saviour and Husband, will not repent nor be aſhamed of your Alliance, for any meanneſs that you may be reduc't to; he judges not as man does; nay, 'tis the mean and deſpiſed ones of the world for whom ordinarily he hath the moſt tender regard; Not many Mighty, not many Noble are called; but p. 82he hath choſe the poor of this world rich in faith, heirs of the Kingdome. Neither Grace nor Glory are ſet to ſale for ſuch things as the poor cannot bring as well as the rich. The Romiſh Uſurper, with his gaping Officers, may de it, but Chriſt never will, nor hath he warranted them thereto, or promiſed to ſtand to their bargains: He invites all without money or price to fetch his milk and wine. You know what a terrible rebuke Simon Mag… had for thinking the gift of God might be purchaſed with money: It was ſomething more precious than ſilver and gold that purchaſt the incorruptible and never-fading inheritance; be ſure then a part in it is not to be bought with any ſuch baſe things. A willing, thankful acceptance of it, as the greateſt bleſſing that can be beſtow'd, is the great condition on your part required; this is your ſelling all for that Pearl of Price: And 'tis long of ſomething worſe than poverty, if any man have not this. Need I bid you remember that your money is no currant Coin in the other world, nor would beſlead you any thing there. The Judicature erected in the Heavens admits neither of bribes nor fees. Get a good Cauſe and you are well enough, but without that all the Gold in the Indies can neither purchaſe a Pardon, nor a Reprieve; there will then be no diſtinction betwixt the rich and the poor, the Honourable and the mean; all the difference that is made will be betwixt the godly and the ungodly, who ſhall accordingly be diſpoſed to the right hand or the left, to bleſſedneſs or woe. And if all this be ſo (as there is nothing more certain) how little reaſon have you to judge your ſelves in a worſe ſtate than formerly, or to grieve as if you were ſo? What, Sirs, is this nothing is your eſteem, that you may have acceſs to God as readily, and hear from him as frequently, and converſe with him as intimately and lovingly as ever you did, and have the ſame liberty for tranſacting with him the great affairs p. 83of your Immortal Souls? Is this nothing, did I ſay; nay, is not this in a manner all? Does not this priviledge which is yet continued, contain in it all others that are any whit conſiderable? In that you may ſtill purſue the great buſineſs of your lives as advantageouſly as ever, and carry on all your deſigns upon the Coeleſtial Kingdome with as good ſucceſs. If indeed you had been ſent into the world to gather wealth, and leave it to your Children; that you might raiſe great families which ſhould flouriſh when you were dead and gone, you had now been ſadly caſt back, and little better than quite broke; and 'tis no wonder if they take themſelves to be ſo who made this their chief end. But if your buſineſs here be, to glorifie and pleaſe him that created and redeemed you, by an holy fruitful converſation, and to get your ſouls prepar'd for an higher bliſs, (which I hope you queſtion not but it is) then, I ſay, you may follow it on with as much courage, and to as good purpoſe, as ever formerly you did, without check or hindrance by this or any the like diſaſter. Now what a ridiculous thing would it be accounted, for a General to be daunted for the loſs of a few ſtragling Souldiers, whilſt the Main Body of his Army, and all things neceſſary to carry on the War, are ſtill ſecure? Or for a Marriner to ſtand weeping for having his Ship ſomewhat weather-beaten and defac't, as to its painting and fineneſs, whilſt it's ſtill as ſufficient and well-fitted for his Voyage as before? Or for a rich Merchant to lament ſome ſuch trivial loſs as is ſcarce miſt out of his ſtock, nor is any hindrance to his great Trading? Why then ſhould the ſincere Chriſtian be ſo deeply affected with thoſe occurrences which need be no let to him in his journey, and which leave him never the leſs capable of mannaging his chiefeſt Trade for inviſible durable riches? So that, I hope, I have clear'd the truth of my Poſition, paſt all denial or doubting, and p. 84have made it to appear, that you have receiv'd no conſiderable diſadvantage by any effects of the Fire; and therefore it is a very reaſonable exhortation, that your ſorrow ſhould bear proportion to the ground of it, and not be exceſſive, when you have no cauſe, nor can ſhew any reaſon, why it ſhould be ſo.

But it's probable there may ariſe ſome ſuch Objections in your breaſt, as may ſomewhat delay your firmer aſſe…t to what is ſaid; two or three of which I ſhall mention, and endeavour to take out of your way, and ſo haſten … the next.

Obj. 1. Some may think with themſelves, If this be… indeed ſo, that the loſs of an eſtate is a matter of ſo ſmall importance, how comes it to paſs then, that men bear it ſo heavily? Surely all are not Children and Fools, to mourn for the loſing of Pins or Counters, wherefore, how can we but think the things they loſe of more worth than ſo, except we will accuſe the generality of men of extream Childiſhneſſe and F…lly?

If this ſtick any thing with you, for your ſatisfaction, I would in one word adviſe you, ſoberly to conſider all that hath been ſaid, to evince how very little, or juſt nothing, a great eſtate contributes to the happineſs of man; and if you can indeed make it out to your own impartial thoughts, that this aſſertion is falſe, and the arguments brought to prove it fallacious, and can manifeſt the contrary by ſtronger reaſons, you ſhall have my free conſent to reject it: But if you are not able to do thus, not can rationally contradict the former diſcourſe, judge your ſelves, whether the example even of the moſt, of the greateſt, or of thoſe whom the world count the wiſeſt, ought to weaken your aſſent to a plain, undeniable truth. I affirm nothing but what the Word … God himſelf, the Profeſſions of all Chriſtians, the ſtricteſt Reaſon, and the Writings of wiſeſt Heathens will very p. 85well warrant, and the convictions of almoſt all, one time or other, yield a ſuffrage to: What then have we to do with the examples of frail men, under the power of their paſſions, how many ſoever they be? May I not with as much reaſon demand, If it be true what Solomon ſaies of the vanity of all the worldlings Idols; and what David ſaies, that men diſquiet themſelves in vain, whil'ſt they are heaping up riches; and what a greater than either, even our Lord himſelf, tells us, That our life conſiſts not in the abundance of thoſe things which we poſſeſs; how then it comes to paſs, that the moſt are ſo eager and inſatiable in their deſires after them, ſo conſtant and unwearied in their labours to attain them? Is this becauſe God and good men ſpeak worſe of the world than it deſerves? Or becauſe the moſt are careleſs and inconſiderate, and think better of it than it is, purſuing the common courſe, without examining the reaſon, or foreſeeing the end of it? and ſo in a blinde zeal, making that their Idol which they ſee ſo many adore; they follow it with the ſame care and love, as if it was indeed their God and happineſs: which I know you'l grant to bee a very groſs miſtake; And yet, as bad as it is, from this very ſame miſtake, proceeds that unſeemly and exceſſive ſorrow, which you behold in thoſe from whom the things of the world are withdrawn. Whil'ſt they kept them, they let out their hearts upon, and rejoyc't in them, and even bleſt themſelves in their enjoyment of them, as if they would abide with them, and make them happy for ever: How then can it otherwiſe bee, but that when they are remov'd, they ſhould wring their hands and tear their hearts with grief, as being depriv'd of that in the fruition, whereof they took all the ſatisfaction and joy they had, and from which they had expectations of ſomething better than ever yet they had found? Who, that is of theſe carnal principles, can poſſibly bear up under p. 86the interruption of this comfort, the fruſtration of theſe hopes? Yet this weak carriage of theirs, tells us not what the worth of the world was, but what kinde of falſe apprehenſions they had of it, and how great a dependance they had upon it. Though it bee but an Idol that's carried away, yet if Micah have taken it for his God, what wonder if he follow after the men who ſpoil him of it, with a deal of lamentation and noiſe, from which he would never ceaſe, but that he perceives they are too ſtrong for him, Judge 18.24, 26. Even theſe are ſome of thoſe ſorrows with which, the Apoſtle tells us, they that covet after money, do pierce themſelves thorough.

But perhaps you'l tell me, that not only the covetous who are Idolaters, but even good men themſelves ſeem very unable to bear the loſing or leſſening of their eſtates, and are more concern'd for them, than if they were of no greater value than I ſpeak of, and therefore hence you conclude, that it's warrantable, or however unavoidable, to have a deeper ſenſe of their departure than I ſeem to allow.

To which I anſwer,

(1) It is not the example of men, what ever they be, but the Word of God, that muſt bee your direction and rule to guide you in all your apprehenſions and behaviour: And you know well enough what this tells you of the World, and how you ought to ſtand affected to it, whether it ſmile or frown; that you ſhould not, when riches encreaſe, ſet your hearts upon them, leaſt when they waſte, your comfort ſhould do ſo too. And

(2) Since you inſiſt on example, how many inſtances doth Scripture afford of good men, who arriv'd to ſuch a conſtancie of minde, and indifferencie to all worldly concerns, that no varietie of eſtate, no croſſer therein could ſhake or much diſturb them? David when in a far worſe condition, in all appearance, than you p. 87are reduc't to, even when Ziklag, the City where hee dwelt, was burnt, his Goods and his Wives taken by the Enemy; and more than all this, the people ſpake of …toning him, yet when he was thus greatly diſtreſſed, ha …couraged himſelf in the Lord his God. So Job when he was not only depriv'd of his poſſeſſions, but his Children too; yet from a conſideration, that the ſame God who had taken away, firſt gave him all, and that hee …uſt return naked to the Grave, as he came out of the Womb, calmlie concludes with Bleſſed be the name of the …ord. And if hee afterwards diſcovered any touch of impatience, it was when many other afflictions beſides …s povertie lay hard upon him, and embittered his ſpi…t. Does not Paul alſo tell us, that hee had learnt to …nt as well as to abound, and in what ever ſtate he was, therewith to be content? And that wee might not only admire his excellent frame in him, but riſe up to it our ſelves; …e tells us how he came by it, through Chriſt ſtrengthning …im, it was, that he could do all theſe things. Others we …ead of, that took joyfully the ſpoiling of their Goods, counting all things but droſs and dung ſo they might win Chriſt. And Church Hiſtory makes mention of multitudes of gallant Spirits, both in the Primitive and latter times, …hat manifeſted the ſame low eſteem of the World. And …f they could take it joyfully, to have their Goods ſpoil'd …or Gods ſake, may not you take it patiently to have them ſpoil'd by his hand? For may not their examples, who were … famous for their holineſs and wiſdome, beſt inform …ou of what value the world is, and convince you, that this patience and indifferency of minde, which I am …reſſing upon you, is no impoſſible thing. Laſtly, Granting that you ſee ſome, who may yet bee good men …r the main, that by their carriage contradict theſe examples yet may I not take liberty to ſay, that this is …ut a defect of their goodneſs, and therefore no way fit p. 88for your imitation. If David himſelf begin to … hard thoughts of God, as if he had forgotten him, he … quickly correct himſelf, and acknowledge, This was … Infirmity, Pſal. 77.10. The plain truth is, the beſt … too prone to by influenc't upon, by the common … of the multitude about them, and being but a few, … hardly bear up againſt the mighty ſtream of popular opinions, and corrupt practices that flow from them; … are ready to be born down, as men that are overpower … by a far greater number of contrary voices. So … partly from examples without, and partly from the … inclinations of a carnal principle within, not wholly ſubdued, many even of the better ſort, walk like men, to… the Apoſtles phraſe, and haſtily take up ſome of th… rules whereby the common ſort are guided, without th… ſtrict examination which in ſuch matters is requiſite. … therefore having too much the ſame conceits of rich… eaſe, and reputation in the world, that their ca… Neighbours have, when they meet with any croſs in the things, they ſhew their weakneſs in grieving much-w… as others do. Though, bleſſed be God, theſe very times, … bad as they are, yeild us, I hope, many inſtances of … who are arriv'd to a more exalted and Chriſtian-… Spirit. But what if there were fewer, yea, none ſuch what ground have you to plead againſt your duty? wh… you are perſwaded to nothing but what is poſſible, wh… is reaſonable and highly advantageous, as I may ſhew non. Wherefore labour with all your might, to de… your ſelves of all thoſe falſe opinions, which your lo… and daily converſe with a multitude of ignorant, worldly men may have poſſeſt you with, and too deeply ro… ed you in. Eſpecially beware of eſteeming Good … Evil, according to their reckoning: for miſtakes he will produce a world of inconveniencies, and unavoidably caſt you into great perplexities and diſorders, … p. 89…nce you think every thing to bee Good for you, which …eaſeth the fleſh, and that to be Evil, which makes it …mart, or any way croſſeth its intereſt (which is the …dgement of the moſt) it's next to impoſſible that you ſhould paſs your lives with any true peace and quiet. …nd truly, they that will be fooliſh and miſerable, becauſe they ſee the moſt are ſo, as they are very little ca…able of Counſel, ſo they do as little deſerve pitty.

Object. 2. But again ſome may ſay, That they are now …duc't to ſuch ſtraits, that of neceſſity they muſt follow their …llings more cloſely than they were wont, and ſo have not the …e leiſure for the Service of God, nor are ſo capable of do…g works of charity as formerly, and therefore they cannot but …ink themſelves in a much worſe condition by this Calamity?

To which I anſwer, Your greatect buſineſs and inter…t, is to comport with the Providence of God, in that eſtate and condition wherein hee ſees fit to place you, …nd to perform the duty proper to that eſtate. And …herefore as to your neceſſity of diligent labour, you …eed not be griev'd at it: For

(1) So far as God hath made it neceſſary, and ſo …r as you are taken up therewith, to that end, and in that …anner which hee hath appointed, even theſe your …abours ſhall bee an acceptable Service to him. …or

(2) Doth he require of you any ſuch Attendance up… the duties of Religion, as is ordinarily inconſiſtent …ith your lawful and neceſſary callings. It is no more …e duty of a poor man to ſpend ſo much time in hearing, reading, or praying, as would hinder him for providing for his Family, than it is of a ſick man to bee ſo much exerciſed therein, as would endanger his life.

(3) May not the diligence you are put upon in your employments, prove an advantage to you, in ſecuring …ou from idleneſs, and the temptations and miſchiefs that …e begotten by it?

p. 904. However you are not hereby diſabled for the greatest and moſt ſubſtantial vital duties of Religion: Though you ſhould not have time to hear or read ſo much … formerly, yet, I hope, you may love God and your Brother as much as ever; and be as much in the exerciſe … faith, patience, humility, and all other graces of the Spirit; and in theſe it is, the Life of Religion moſt of … lies.

And laſtly, ſee that you do but keep up your heart and affections for external duties, and you will find y… ſelves not ſo ſtraitned of time, be your imployment what they will; but you will have leiſure for the performance of them ſo far as God hath engaged you then to; nor ſhall you find this performance any ſuch his drance to your buſineſs in the world, as carnal men … wont to imagine. Keep your hearts heavenly, and earthly imployments will be no prejudice to you; ſpend no… idlely, and you may redeem time for Gods ſervice, with out any prejudice to your imployments.

And as for your incapacity of relieving the neceſſicous, the ſame anſwer in a manner may ſhew, that neither upon this account have you much ground of trouble.

For 1. So far as God by his Providence hath diſabled you for works of Charity, he requires them not at your hands, nor will blame you for not doing them, no mo… than a lame man ſhall be blamed for not walking.

2. Every condition hath its proper duty, and you contentedneſs in a low eſtate will be as acceptable … God, as your liberality when in an higher, and more pleatiful.

3. You may, notwithſtanding your poverty, maintain a charitable ſpirit: your heart may be as large, though your eſtate is not; and if it be ſo, you ſhall be never theleſs regarded nor rewarded by God. What we … p. 91in the Goſpel of the Widows Mite, may inform us, that they who do what they are able, and earneſtly deſire to do more, ſhall be reckoned amongſt the greateſt Benefactors, and dealt with as ſuch; otherwiſe it would go …ll with the beſt of men, ſince a Peter himſelf may ſometimes truly ſay, Silver and Gold have I none.

3. You had need to look well to your hearts that they deceive you not in this caſe; for ſo much of diſcontent …s you find in the abſence of riches, ſo much ſelfiſhneſs …here is in the deſire of them, ſince that proceeds rather from a love to the things themſelves, than from any …ind to glorifie God with them. For if this be that you …im at, why do you not glorifie him by acquieſcing in his Providence that hath remov'd them? You may beſt diſcover this, by reflecting upon your carriage in the daies …f your proſperity; for they who did not then improve …heir Eſtates for God, deſire them back again, its to be …ear'd, for their own ends rather than his glory; but if …ou were ſo wiſe as to honour God with your ſulſtance …hilſt you enjoyed it, this may be abundant ground of ſatisfaction to you in the want of it.

For 4. You are to conſider that you are but Stewards …f the gifts of God, whoſe buſineſs it is to keep a faithful account, and make a diligent improvement of whatever Talents you receive; and therefore you muſt wholly leave it to your Lords pleaſure what you ſhall have, …nd how long it ſhall remain in your hands: Why ſhould …e ſervant be concern'd how much ſtock his Maſter allows him to Trade with? Be it little or much, what's the difference to him, ſo he be but careful and faithful in that he's entruſted with? Nay, laſtly, if in good earneſt …u regard your ſelves but as Stewards of all you poſ…ſt, that muſt be accountable for the ſame, methinks it ſhould be but little trouble to you to have your charge …d burden leſſened. Certainly its eaſier to give an account p. 92of a ſmall Eſtate than a great one, whatever … may think of the matter. And though we ſhould refuſe no pains for our Maſters ſervice, yet ſo far as he thinks … to eaſe us, we have no reaſon to be diſpleaſed at it.

Object. 3. Some again may tell me (which is the la… Objection I ſhall here take notice of) That the affliction they have met with, have occaſioned their repining and diſcontent, and caſt them into great deſpondencies and distruſts, … therefore (according to my own arguing) have been exceeding hurtful to them, and given them very great cauſe … ſadneſs.

In anſwer whereto: 1. I grant, that ſin indeed do… hurt to any ſoul where its entertain'd, and brings al… with it juſt ground of ſorrow: and ſo far as … have given way to ſinful paſſions, you have cauſe for … miliation, which you are chiefly to manifeſt, by ender vouring to repel and baniſh them from your breaſt, and not go on overwhelming your ſelves with one grief … ter another, upon pretence of repenting for the former.

2. But pray you fee that you paſs your Cenſure … right, and then you'l eaſily find, that it is not of God… dealings with you, but of your own unſuitable carriage under them, that you have ground to complain. Whatever diſtempers of mind you have been caſt into, the have not ſo much proceeded from any outward cauſe, … from your own weakneſs and miſapprehenſions, otherwiſe the ſame cauſe would produce the ſame effect in … but you know there are many inſtances of ſuch who h… undergone more than ever you did, without any ſuch … ſturbances in their breaſts, or irregularity in their behaviour.

Yea, laſtly, So far have Gods Providences been fr… cauſing the diſtempers which may now appear, that th… have rather tended to their removal, by diſcovering th… p. 93which were bred before, but lay more ſecret and undiſcerned till this occaſion. You will not ſay, that the touchſtone makes the Gold bad, whilſt it ſhews that is …: Nor do wars and dangers make men Cowards, but manifeſt ſome to be ſuch. In time of proſperity the heart …ten ſecretly cleaves to the Creature, and yet is ſcarce …ſpected to do ſo, but when adverſity comes and be…aves it of its Darlings, then doth this immoderate …e break out into immoderate grief; as change of …r ſometimes ſtirs up thoſe humors which before lay … in the body. Whilſt the world was flowing in upon …, thoſe ſpiritual diſtempers were hatcht and nou…t, which may moſt of all ſhew themſelves upon its …ing out. The exceſs of Creature-love (which poſſeſ…h us ſooneſt when the World ſmiles moſt upon us) is …t corrupt Fountain whence thoſe many bitter ſtreams … unruly paſſions flow, as love to God is the Source …d Spring of all other holy affections. Fitly may it … ſaid of you that ſtand mourning over the Funerals of …ward comforts, what the Jews ſaid of Chriſt when he …pt over Lazarus's Grave, Behold how they loved them. …nd indeed the love we bear to children or friends, is …dome ſo much felt or expreſt as at their Funerals.

The bitter and paſſionate lamentations which David …kes for Abſalom, 2 Sam. 18.33. do very plainly re…al what kind of affections he had for him. But now was not Abſaloms death, nor Joabs hand that ſlew him, …ch leſs the Providence that permitted both, which was …e accus'd as the cauſe of all this ſorrow, but his own …dneſs which he had formerly contracted for this beau…l Son; for when this was away, he could bear the …ath of a Childe with another kind of manlineſs: It …s not then, Oh my Son, my Son, would God I had died for …e, &c. But now he is dead, wherefore ſhould I faſt? Can I …ng him back again? I ſhall go to him, but he ſhall not return p. 94to me, 2 Sam. 12.23. Since then this breaking … of the corruptions you complain of, does but ſhew … was before in your hearts, may you not look upon it an advantage to have ſuch an inſight into your ſelves (… ſhall ſhew anon) and ſo entertain the Providence wh… hath helpt you to it, rather with thankfulneſs than … muring, making ſo good an improvement thereof as … fitted and deſigned for.

3. But this brings me to a third Conſideration, wh… may work you to a very willing ſubmiſſion to what … hath laid upon you, in that, if you are not wanting your ſelves, your afflictions may be ſo far from doing you … that they may very much conduce to your good. And if … be ſo, it will be found moſt unreaſonable for you to be them with heavineſs and diſcontent. What would … think of that man who ſhould entertain courteſies … repining at his Benefactor? Now that afflictions in gearal are capable of being beneficial to thoſe that are exerciſed with them, is moſt commonly inculcated … acknowledged, and may appear very plain to any … do but conſider the expreſs promiſe of God, The … things ſhall work together for good to thoſe that love … And the experience of Saints in former times, who h… left it upon Record, that it was good for them to be … ed. Moreover, they are pronounced bleſſed whom the L… chasteneth, and teacheth out of his Law. We are told … he chaſtiſeth every Son whom he loveth, and that for their … fit, Heb. 12.6.10. Yea, had we nothing elſe to guide … but our knowledge of the infinite wiſdome and good… of God, we might hence certainly and ſafely concl… that in all his dealings with his people he intends … advantage. Hath any thing happened to you but w… came from his will who is goodneſs it ſelf, and wh… ever doing good to ſuch as are in Covenant with hi… You may be ſure, he envies you not your enjoyments… p. 95took them away as being too good for you, but as having ſomething better to beſtow in their room: Wherefore, although you could not at preſent diſcern what thoſe benefits are which God intends you by this ſharp Viſitation; yet you may reſt ſatisfied in this, that there is ſo much reaſon in all his actings, and ſo much good deſigned to his people thereby, that if you were fully acquainted therewith, and had all things at your own ordering, you would diſpoſe of them juſt as he hath done. Did you ſee and know what God does, and had the ſame intentions for the honour of his Name, and the good of your own and others ſouls, you would, had it been at your choice, have choſe all that's come to paſs, as terrible as it may now appear; and would freelie have conſented to a raging peſtilence, though your friends or families might be laid hold on thereby; and to the burning of London, though your own dwellings were within the reach of the flames? And ſhall not this reconcile you …o whatever God hath done amongſt us? I know not what more you ſhould require for your ſatisfaction, except this be a trouble to you, that you are not made acquainted with the ſecret and unſearchable deſigns of the Almighty in all his works of wonder, which are manifeſted in his Government of the world; that is, that you …re men, and not Gods.

But yet as to your own concern, you need not go far …o find out what benefit you may make of the preſent Providence, which I ſhall hint in a few particulars: …nly by the way, let me firſt deſire you to call to mind what is before ſaid of the happineſs of man, that it conſiſts in his being made like to God, in his loving, pleaſing, …nd enjoying of him, partlie here, perfectlie and eternallie hereafter: Wherefore whatever promotes this his …hief good, muſt needs be accounted ſo far good for him, however it may appear in other reſpects, ſince the means p. 96muſt be judged of, and denominated only from their … ſpect to the end. To lance a ſore till wee ſmart, if make for its healing, is good for the body. It ſeen harſh uſage for poor creatures that are diſtracted, to be confin'd to dark rooms, and ſometimes bound to the beds, whipt, and ſtript ſhort of food, yet if all this be… on their recovery, is it not to be lookt on as good … them? And as eaſily may you apprehend, that whatever tends to the weakning of Corruptions, and ſtrength … of your Graces, enables you to glorifie God, and be… you on in the way to Glory, is ſo much for your intere… that nothing elſe in the whole world could advance … which conduceth not to make you truly, and in Gods account, Better men, to which end, your preſent ſuffering may greatly conduce.

(1) As may firſt appear by what I formerly mea… oned, of the advantage they give you, for a thorow diſcovery of the frame and temper of your own Souls. Neither Grace nor Corruption are ever ſo well known, as under trials. May you not now finde, that the world was g… nearer to your hearts than you imagined, by the … you feel at its departure; that you lean'd harder upon … than you thought of, by the ſhaking you have met wi… when it ſlipt from you? May you not perceive that … much of the comfort of your lives did depend upon uncertain, carnal things, and ſo was it ſelf but vain an… carnal? May you not finde more earthlineſs, impatience, and unbelief, than you before ſuſpected to lo… in your breaſts? Now though to have theſe Corruption be matter of trouble, yet to diſcover them, in order … their cure, is a mercy. To have a Diſeaſe is a grief, … to know it, we ſay, is the firſt ſtep to health. One … or other they muſt be known ſo as to be repented of and mortified, or elſe you were like to fare the worſe for't certainly then, the ſooner the better: for the long p. 97they ſhould lie conceal'd, the greater would bee their ſtrength and miſchief, and the difficulter their conqueſt. For this the Pſalmiſt praies, Pſal. 139.23, 24. and for this, I beleive, you have praid many a time that God would ſearch and know your hearts, that is, make them known to you, and now hee hath anſwered your prayer. This, Elihu tells us, is meet to be ſaid unto God, by a man under chaſtiſement, That which I ſee not, teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Job 34.31, 32. and to the ſame purpoſe Job 36.9, 10. But on the other hand, if theſe trying Providences manifeſt your Souls, through the Grace of God, to be in a more ſound and healthful temper, ſo that you can chearfully let go whatever he hath cal'd for, and finde that there is nothing you ſo vehemently deſire, as to comply with the whole will of God, and to be rendred up thereto; that none of his dealings move you to queſtion his truth or goodneſs, to think hardly of himſelf, or meanly of his promiſes; but that ſtil your love to him is as great as ever, and in his favour alone you can reſt abundantly ſatisfied, if it be thus with you, the very diſcovery of ſo bleſſed a frame, may be matter of greater ſatisfaction, than the loſs of all things elſe, need be of trouble; yea, if this bee your frame, you cannot be overmuch troubled with any ſuch loſſes. So that what ever your temper and behaviour is, there will be found great equity in this diſpenſation. If you bear it heavily and impatiently, the greater it ſeems was your need of it, ſince this proceeds from ſuch an affection to the creature, as was the very diſeaſe of your Souls, to which this Phyſick is ſuited. But if you bear it quietly, then it appears you were fitted for it, and ſo I know, will bee far from an inclination to complain of him, that hath ſo well fitted your back for your burden, and gave you not a blow, before hee had furniſht you with an Helmet. And in that theſe afflictions p. 98ſerve not only to diſcover your Corruptions, but to remove them; not onelyonly to manifeſt your Graces, but … exerciſe and promote them; upon both theſe account they will farther appear to bee for your advantage, at ſhall proceed to ſhew.

(2) Wherefore in the next place, Hereby you … a very great help to take a true eſtimate of the world, that ſ… you may be affected towards it, according to its worth and … therwiſe: Now if ever, you may diſcern, how vain, how fleeting and uncertain it is. That which even now wi… in your houſes and hands, and ſeem'd to make ſo good a ſhew there, in a few hours after, with thoſe houſe themſelves, was not at all to be ſeen, except as expiring into ſmoak, or turned into aſhes. And ſhall not th… very duſt and ſmoak, though at firſt it might wring water from your eyes, help ſo far to clear your ſight, that the ſplendid appearances of a glittering world, may never more impoſe upon you? May you not now ſee into it, and thorow it, and behold what a very nothing it is? To your own ſenſe, doth it not appear that the uſual titles which Holy Writ beſtows upon it, and all the felicity thereof, are no worſe than it deſerves? Calling it a Bubble, a Dream, very Vanity, even that which is not. For have you not ſeen ſtately Fabricks, with all their rich furniture, flaſh out and diſappear as aiery bubbles are wont? have you not ſeen fair and flouriſhing eſtates, which made the owners conceit themſelves in a ſecure and happy condition, able to afford no more comfort than a Dream when one awaketh, being vaniſh'd into nothing whilſt they promiſed all things? Now may not ſuch notable ſights as theſe, do very much toward the rectifying of your judgements about all worldly things, if before they were erronious? and toward the moderating of your affections to them, if before they were exceſſive? He that doted upon a beautiful outſide, will ſoon coo… p. 99his affections, when hee ſees the object of them turned into a loathſome carkaſs. Where's that mans wiſdome, who eagerly catches at the money, which he is certainly told, will turn to coals or dirt in his hand? And where's his underſtanding, I may ſay his ſenſes, who hath not learnt, from what he lately ſaw, that all that a man hath may do ſo?

There are indeed (to digreſs a little) many ſuch excellent leſſons taught by this diſpenſation, that to him who ſoberly and attentively obſerves the ſame, it may prove a moſt profitable Sermon. How fully doth it inform us, what miſerable kinde of people they bee, who have nothing better nor ſurer to truſt to, than ſuch a periſhing world as this? and how fooliſh they are, who needleſly hurry and toil all their daies, and make it the very buſineſs of their life, to get that which can be held no faſter; eſpecially, how ſtark mad they are, whilſt they ſell away their precious ſouls, and an eternal kingdome that might bee made ſure, for ſuch trifles as theſe. It acquaints us alſo with the great weakneſs of the generallity of men, who take ſo much upon them, and carry it ſo high above their neighbours, if they can but ſcrape together a little more wealth than they, as preſently taking themſelves to be much the better men for't: When alas! if this be all they build upon, they may within a few daies come to bee as bad or worſe, than thoſe they before deſpiſed; and ſo, they do not only diſcover their own emptineſs of true worth, by valuing themſelves by ſuch mean and mutable things, but alſo ſtand expos'd to contempt, in their own, as well as other mens judgements: for if they account themſelves wiſe and honourable to day, becauſe they are rich, by the ſame reckoning, they muſt paſs for worthleſs fools to morrow, when they ſhall become poor: and yet what's more common in the world, than to prize and rate men after this ſtrange, ridiculous p. 100manner, ſo that he ſhall be thought ridiculous who contradicts it? Again, this ſudden and unavoidable waſte that was made of ſuch riches as were in your hands may inform you, how great wiſdome it is to diſpoſe of them ſo as may exempt them from the power of the eves, or fire, or any ſuch dangerous accidents. He that, according to his capacity, layes out his eſtate for God (or keeps it principally to trade with for him) is that wiſe Merchant, who puts it into ſuch hands, where not only the principal is ſecur'd, but an intereſt of another value, than blinde earth worms are acquainted with, is certain to be gain'd.

What one ſaith of Job, may be partly applied to your caſe, that he had loſt all but what he had given away. That which hath fed and cloth'd the poor Members of Chriſt, or any other way been emploied for his ſervice, is ſtill your own, and to bee reckoned as good as ready money, and better too; if there be any truth in the Goſpel, which, I preſume, you queſtion not. And for your own gain and comfort, I heartily wiſh, that your expences for Chriſt, amounted to a greater ſum, than an Inventory of your loſſes by the Fire does; then, though you had nothing to ſhew but the very clothes upon your backs, I durſt confidently affirm, you have more than you have loſt. And hence, for the future, you may take direction how to improve and ſecure what wealth God ſhall entruſt you with, and may be taught the diſcretion, ſtill to take the firſt opportunity to that end. The words of our Saviour to Judas, which the other Apoſtles thought had a reference to his giving ſomething to the poor, may very well be applied to that purpoſe, That thou diſt, do it quick'y. In good works, you may without danger, make heſte to bee rich. Nay here, if in any thing, delay is dangerous. Not without reaſon doth the Wiſe man exhort us to do good, whil'ſt it is in the power of p. 101our hand, and not bid our Neighbour come again to morrow, when we have it by us. Prov. 3.27, 28. That which is to day in your hands, and may bee profitable to your ſelf and brother, may to morrow be ſnatcht out of them, and neither of you bee the better for it. Wherefore learn wiſdome by what you have ſeen: You eſpecially that have but ſeen, not at all, or but little felt the effects of this Fire, let your bounty to your impoveriſht brethren, be your thank-offering to God for your preſervation. And let all take notice, that if they are ſo backward to render God his own, in that way that it may bee moſt theirs, he can ſend for it in ſuch waies as will bee little for their advantage. Is it not better, think you, to ſend up your treaſures to Heaven voluntarilie, where you may finde-them hereafter, than to have them go up thither wards in clouds of ſmoak, never more to beſtead you? And it will make but little to your commendation or comfort, to have your eſtates fetcht away in this manner by hundreds and thouſands, which before were wont to be ſqueez'd from you for good uſes, onlie by ſixpences and ſhillings.

But to return, the great leſſon which is preſt upon you hence, and which indeed is underſtood in all theſe, is what I before intimated, namelie, how very unfit any thing which the whole affords, is, to be your felicitie and portion; and how unreaſonable it is that you ſhould have the leaſt regard to it as ſuch. And by the palpable diſcovery of its vanitie, which the Providence of God hath made before your eies, you may, through his Grace working with your ſerious conſideration, be brought off from all ſuch inordinate regard to it, which the beſt are too ſubject to. Now without queſtion to have this ſo common and dangerous a diſeaſe weakned and removed, is a far greater merciemercy than to have had all that is gone from you reſerv'd. Nay, this might have prov'd a furtherance p. 102of your miſery, to have retain'd that which gave ſtrength to your diſeaſe. For examine it well, and tell me, whether your very enjoyments have not been a clog and hindrance to you, and made you remiſs and ſluggiſh in the way to heaven, by the flatteries and diverſions wherewith they were wont to entertain and amuſe you?

Have they not ſpoil'd many a Duty, and rendred many an Ordinance uſeleſs, through their too great prepoſſeſſion of your hearts? Have they not been apt to fill you with falſe and carnal joyes, with a vain confidence and ſelf-conceit? Hath not the World been a bait and ſnare to your corrupt natures, and drawn you to unſeemly compliances with the guize of this luxurious, fantaſtical age? in the needleſs coſt and braverie of your attire, houſes and furniture; in the exceſs of your feaſtings and entertainments, in a tenderneſs and delicacie that becomes not the good Souldiers of Jeſus Chriſt? Theſe are the common effects of wealth, and the temptations wherewith it is attended; and though the power of Grace might ſecure you from the more deadly, damning hurt of its charms, yet its too too probable ſome force they had upon you. What a merciemercy then may you well account it, if this fire have burnt up ſo much of your Eſtate as was hurtful to you, and ſo refin'd the reſt, that it may no more hurt you. Though it will not indeed prove you humble and mortified, becauſe you live at a meaner rate than you were wont, being neceſſitated thereto; yet this neceſſity may prove a notable means to that end, and becoming at length the matter of your choice, is capable of being improv'd into a virtue: A great deal of unneceſſary expence and ſtir to gratifie the fleſh will be ſav'd, when there remains no ſuch plenty to be laviſht away; and hereby may the man in time voluntarily become much more temperate, ſober, and ſelfdenying: Poverty may prick the Bladder of Pride which p. 103riches were ſo apt to blow up; and inſtead thereof bring in not a forc't, but true humility; yea, the very loſs of one great eſtate, may make the owners reſolve never to cover after another, not out of deſpair, but prudence, as ſeeing what their deſigns are all come to, and may do again, if they ſhould follow them as before; and ſo they may meet with contentedneſs in a low eſtate, who went without it in an higher, and may ſerve God better in want than in their former abundance.

Surelie thus to take Knives or Ratsbane out of Childrens hands is a friendlie office, and when they come to underſtand what was done for them, they'l ſo eſteem it, though at firſt they may take on as if they were hurt. Your friendſhip to the world is enmity to your ſelves as well as to God; and in compaſſion of your caſe he is ariſen … your aſſiſtance, againſt thoſe luſts which warr'd againſt your ſouls: and will you not readilie accept his aid, and ſet in with him againſt them? Are you not willing to ſmart a little, ſo theſe may die for't? Who would be much troubled for a ſlight wound, if in receiving it he gave a mortal one to his deadlie Enemie? Sampſon was willing to have the houſe fall upon his own head, that be might thereby revenge himſelf upon the Philiſtine Lords, who had put out his eyes, and were making ſport with him: And why ſhould not you as well conſent to the fall of your houſes and eſtates too, if therewith that creature-love, delight and confidence, which have done ſo much to befool and blind you, may be cruſht to death? The Phyſitian is not onlie ſubmitted to, but paid for his Phyſick, though his bitter Pills and Potions might make us ſick before they helpt us to our health? And ſhall we behave our ſelves worſe toward God, who delights not in our ſmart and ſorrow, onlie if need be, will let his deareſt ſervants meet with manifold temptations and tryals? If then the Fire which hath taken away p. 104much of the world from you, hath taken your worldlineſs too, and by the influence of the Divine Spirit (that Co… leſtial Fire) hath made for the purifying of your ſouls, ſo that you come out of it, as the three Children out of the Furnace, not onlie unhurt, but unbound; having thoſe ſnares and fetters of carnal affections, whereby you were ſtraitned and enthrall'd, burnt from off you, inſtead of repining at this Providence, you have reaſon rather to indite Songs of praiſe to him that hath redeemed and advanc't you into the trueſt Libertie, the Nobleſt Freedome whereof you are capable.

(3.) Another great advantage of this Diſpenſation is, That now you have a moſt proper ſeaſon for the exerciſe of faith, patience, and ſelf-reſignation, with ſuch like graces, which are eſpeciallie requiſite in, and peculiar to a ſuffering ſtate. In proſperitie theſe are as it were obſcur'd, (like Stars in the day time) and through diſuſe weakned, to the great diſadvantage of the ſoul; but adverſitie excites and poliſhes them, puts them upon action, and ſo diſplaies their uſe and excellencie, to the honor of the Author, and the great benefit and comfort of the owners. This we find one end of the tribulations of Chriſtians, That the tryal of their faith might be found unto praiſe, honour and glory, at the appearing of Jeſus Chriſt, 1 Pet. 1.7 And why ſhould not all the Spiritual Powers and Faculties wherewith God hath furniſht his ſervants be brought into exerciſe? To what other purpoſe is Grace beſtow'd? Why do Generals furniſh their Souldiers with Armout and Weapons, but for the fight? And what a ſhame would it be for any of theſe to murmure becauſe he's plac't in the front, or ſet to guard any Paſs which requires watchfulneſs and valour? How would Valour be actuated and diſcovered, if there were no difficulties and dangers for it to encounter? The verieſt Coward that while might paſs for a valiant man. To get ſo much p. 105…ook-skill in Militarie matters, as to be able to diſcourſe …ow an Army ſhould be Govern'd and Marſhall'd, how Onſets and Retreats ſhould be made, and what ſhould …e done in this caſe and the other, is a matter of no great …ifficultie; but to be able actuallie to lead an Army, and …o order it aright in all the varieties of Battel, requires …nother kind of courage, conduct, and preſence of mind; …nd accordinglie yields another kind of glorie to him …at is poſſeſt of, and ſhews forth the ſame. Whilſt you …ere in a full condition, and all things went according to …our own deſires, you might ſpeak, and hear, and read …f living by faith, and depending upon God, and reſign…g our ſelves and all we have to his will, whilſt you had …ttle tryal for theſe Graces. But now, Sirs, ſhew what …ou can do, being brought upon the Stage, whether you …ave been ſo diligent in learning your part, that you can …ow act it readilie and becominglie. What comfort can …ou now take in a promiſe, who have little elſe left to …uſt to? Can you bear up manfullie under all your …reſſures, reſting ſingly on the truth, goodneſs, and …ll-ſufficiencie of God? Can you follow him confident…ie, though he lead you in the dark? Can you ſubmit to and imbrace his will, when it contradicts your ſenſes? This is a ſeaſon for diſcovering how you have improv'd your time, and the means you have had to get well fitted for what you might afterward be call'd to; would you be content to ſpend your time and pains in training up a ſervant to his work, and after that let him lie idle, and ſhew no fruit of all? Or if your negligence hath been ſuch, that ſo long proſperitie, and ſo great advantages as you therein enjoyed, have been loſt upon you, it is but fit that adverſitie it ſelf ſhould teach you, what it ſeems you will learn no other way. And indeed we are commonly too remiſs in times of eaſe and peace, to make proviſion for the troubles that may be coming upon us; p. 102duplicate page p. 103duplicate page p. 104duplicate page p. 105duplicate page p. 106like fooliſh Travellers, that becauſe the Sun ſhine when they ſet out, think not of preparing for a Storm; for ſuch men to be well weather-beaten, is the beſt way to make them more provident for the future: As in fencing, to hit a man a ſound blow, will do more to make him ſtand upon his Guard, than a bare direction would; or, if you will, as Wars themſelves do more to make men expert Souldiers, than any Fencing-School or Training exerciſes can. Thus the Apoſtle tells us, that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, Rom. 5.3. Now a Chriſtian comes more to ſee the want of his ſpiritual armour than before he did, and therefore labours and prays for it with greater diligence and earneſtneſs. But if any man ſhould ask, whether it was not better never to have need of this, by being freed from thoſe afflictions that make it neceſſary? I may take leave to tell him, it ſavours of an impudence, unbeſeeming ſo filly a Creature as man, to call in queſtion the proceedings of his Maker, and demand whether he might not have ordered things better than he hath. Who ſhould preſcribe the way to heaven, but he that owns both it and us, and may beſtow it upon what conditions he will? And though (if need were) it might be evident that there is great wiſdome and equity in that order which God hath eſtabliſht, yet its enough for us, that we are told it is his pleaſure, that through many tribulations we muſt enter into his Kingdome, and muſt fight before we triumph, overcome before we are crown'd. And if this be his ſetled will, we may eaſily apprehend how needful faith and patience are for this preſent ſtate; and how much for our advantage that condition is, which does not only put us upon the exerciſe, but tends to the advancement of them.

(4.) All theſe your loſſes may prove very gainful to you, as, hereby your hearts may be drawn nearer to God, carried p. 107out more after him, and cauſed to adhere to him with the greater firmneſs, reſolution and affection; as upon ſeveral accounts may appear. This will indeed neceſſarily follow from what went before, what intereſt the world loſeth in your hearts, God will gain: ſo much as your affections are taken off from things below, ſo much will they be plac't the more upon things above. Moreover, ſo diſingenuous and inconſiderate we are, as often to be drawn away into a forgetfulneſs of God, by thoſe very mercies and comforts which ſhould have made us mindful of him, and engag'd us cloſer to him, and in ſuch a caſe (which happens too frequently) by the removal of thoſe we may better learn what a kind of dependance that is we have alwayes upon him, and how much we have been beholden to his bounty, when we were little affected to it. It is alſo very profitable for us t obe ſometimes caſt into ſuch a plunge, whence we plainlie perceive God only can deliver us; for this will put us upon more ſollicitous enquiries after him, make us relie upon him, and that with all our weight and ſtreſs, and will help us to a clearer ſenſe of his loving kindneſs and Almightineſs, in affording us relief when all other refuges fail'd us. A friends hand put out to a drowning man is graſpt with another kind of faſtneſs, and regarded with another kind of welcome and dearneſs, than when they walkt together upon the Land. Furthermore, when that which was wont to ſtand in competition with God, and to divide our hearts betwixt it ſelf and him, ſhall be taken out of the way, there's great hopes that we ſhall with more eaſe and ſteadineſs center upon him alone. He that's at a ſtand which of two friends (that are of contrarie parties) he ſhould adhere to, may quickly be reſolved, when he finds one of them forſaking him, the other ſticking to him at his greateſt need: when we have found there was a bye in our right hand, it may p. 108drive us moſt effectuallie to the true and everliving God Nothing but wilful ſottiſhneſs could any longer make i… a queſtion, whether God or Baal was to be followed, when they ſaw to what diſgrace the Idol had expos'd hi… Prieſts, whom he could neither hear nor help, and how palpably he was witneſt againſt by fire from heaven. And if it was poſſible for any of you to be ſo weak, as in the leaſt to halt betwixt two Opinions, whether God or the World was to be followed with greateſt earneſtneſs, imbrac't with moſt affection, I hope the controverſie is now fully at an end. You ſee what a God the World is that cannot defend its ſelf, much leſs its followers: but the Lord Jehovah is ſtill as good, and powerful, and ſufficient, as ever he was, and will ſo remain for ever. Shall not then all the love and confidence you had ſcattered away and miſplac't upon the Creature, be recollected thence, and fixt upon him, who (as you may now plainly ſee) only deſerves it, and who only can require it? How can you now chuſe but ſay within your ſelves. Well, ſince the World hath thus taken its farewell, and fled away, why ſhould we follow it with ſighs and tears, and refuſe to be comforted becauſe it is not? Why ſhould we mourn for the which hath profited us ſo little, and been no more kind nor faithful to us? No, rather let us ſit down and bewail our folly in over-loving ſuch trifles, than be guilty of worſe in languiſting after them, when we have found that they are ſuch; and with theſe tears in our eyes let us betake our ſelves to our loving and good God, from whom our hearts have too much … dred, and beſeech him to take them wholly to himſelf, and never more ſuffer them to dote upon ſo unworthy, unſuitable objects. And indeed what way have you left, if you a… all conſult for your own intereſt, but thus to retire to God? If you ſhould yet rather cleave to the Remnant of your Eſtates, or fortifie your ſelves with hopes of recovering them, and from theſe grounds fetch your chie… p. 109ſupport, as carnal ones do, you do but more hazard the loſs of all, and the utter blaſting of theſe hopes.

If you indeed belong to God, hee'l throw down all your fortreſſes, and drive you out of all your holds, but hee'l recover you to himſelf. If ingenuity will not bring you, neceſſitie ſhall. And is it not Fatherly love that thus concerns it ſelf with you, and brings you under the happy diſcipline of his familie, and will leave no means untryed, rather than ſuffer you to remain at ſuch an hurtful diſtance from him. And how great is his goodneſs, that …e will ſo readilie receive and welcome us, upon our return to him after all our ſtrayings; yea, although we are thus fetcht back again by a kind of neceſſity? Might he not juſtlie upbraid us with our former unthankful and unkind behaviour? that we were ſo ſtrange to him in the day of our proſperity, and liv'd as if we had no great need of him, that we came not to him till all our other lovers had forſaken us; might he not therefore bid …s, now go to them in the day of our extremity, and ſee what they can do for us? But ſo gracious is his Nature, that he treats us not after this rate, as in Juſtice he might; but is ready to give us the ſame loving entertainment, that the Father in the Goſpel did to his Prodigal Son.

To conclude then, Will not this prove a ſingular mercy, to have your Husks remov'd, that ſo you may be brought into your Fathers arms, and live more upon the ſubſtantial ſatisfying bread that is in his houſe? Will you not acknowledge it to proceed from love, that when you attended not as you ought to more gentle calls, God hath dealt with you much like as Abſalom with Joab, who when he had twice ſent for him in vain, ſet fire on his Field to bring him away? And be ſure, God calls you not thus earneſtlie to him upon any trivial buſineſs; wiſdome and goodneſs ſhine forth in all his actings: And p. 110will you not ſoon own them in this, when you ſhall hereby be put upon making up your loſſes out of God himſelf, upon ſearching more diligentlie than ever you did, what there is to be found in him that will ſupport and ſatisfie a man that hath nothing elſe to truſt to… Will it, do you think, make nothing for your intereſt, by theſe ſearches to attain clearer apprehenſions of the bottomleſs treaſures of goodneſs to be had in God, and o… his moſt perfect adequate ſuitableneſs to the humane ſoul? When moreover, you ſhall be brought to live more ſingly upon him, to converſe more feelinglie with him, and ſhall better reliſh thoſe ſureſt pleaſures of his preſence and ſervice, and ſhall be more ſollicitous than ever to make ſure that he is yours, and to walk ſo, that you may keep your Evidences clear? Is he worthy the name of a Chriſtian, that if theſe priviledges were to be bought, would not willinglie part with all he had to obtain them? Why then ſhould not you as willinglie part with what God ſees fit to remove, in order to his giving in the ſame? Eſtate's ſweet, but Life's ſweeter, ſaith the Marriner, when he throws his goods overboard to preſerve his temporal life; and will not you chearfullie bear as much for the advancement of a Spiritual and Divine Life? And if theſe prove indeed the fruits of God… preſent dealings with you, will you not be found as much beholden to this Fire he ſent (excepting only a local tranſlation) as Elias was to his Fiery Chariot, whilſt it thu… refines you from your earthlineſs, and carries your ſoul… ſo much nearer to God?

5. But laſtly, The benefit of this Providence may hereafter more fully appear, in that it may prove an happy means of preparing you for ſome further tryals that God ſhall call you to, or for death it ſelf, whenever it ſhall befall you. Though you ſhould not now ſo well know what God i… doing with you, yet you may know hereafter: He only p. 111in whoſe hands our times are, can tell what daies you may be reſerved for, and what it may coſt you faithfully to follow the Lamb in the way that he hath led and preſcrib'd you. And perhaps he ſaw you more entangled in the affairs of this life, than is fit for thoſe that have your warfare to accompliſh, and more than would ſuffer you to pleaſe him whoſe Souldiers you are. The way that is yet behind for you to walk over, may be ſo rough and untrod, that whilſt you were laden with thick clay, you could not have been able to make progreſs therein, and therefore may you be rendred more light and fit for travel; the weight which preſt you down being taken away, even an earthlie load without you, and the greater load of carnal affections from within. In times of ſuffering for the truth, there's nothing ordinarily proves a more dangerous ſnare than a great eſtate. It had been happy, for ought I know, for the young man in the Goſpel, if all his poſſeſſions had been burnt before he came to Chriſt; he had then, at leaſt, wanted that temptation which made him go away ſorrowful. And as happy had it been for many another, if their riches had been ſent the ſame way, before they were call'd to loſe them for Chriſt: for then we may probably ſuppoſe, they had not forſaken him for love of this preſent world, which none are ſo apt to do, as they who have moſt in it to cleave to. In St. James his time, it was the rich men that were oppreſſors and perſecutors, whilſt the poor onlie were Confeſſors and Martyrs, Jam. 2.5, 6, 7. And ſo in all times it is uſual. How know you then but God hath taken the world from you, leaſt in a day of trial it ſhould have drawn you away from him. Thus may the burning of your houſes enable you the better to burn at a ſtake, if ever you ſhould be call'd to'r; and ſo one Fiery Tryal would fit you for another. But though you eſcape this, yet death you cannot eſcape; and to behold in this p. 112manner the Funeral of worldlie wealth and glorie, may very much prepare you for your own. The greater troubles you meet with in your journey, will they not make you long the more for your journeys end? When the Traveller finds his money fall ſhort, or himſelf tired out with the length and badneſs of his way, then he falls more heartilie to wiſhing himſelf at home: Not that you ought in one of Jonah's Pets to take on, and deſire by all means to die preſentlie, becauſe your Gourds are withered, your flouriſhing eſtates faded away. None ordinarilie are more unfit, and if the truth was known, more unwilling to die, than they who in a diſcontented mood are wiſhing themſelves dead; for it muſt be love to heaven, more than wearineſs of the earth, that can confer this fitneſs, and this willingneſs. But yet without queſtion, you may make this improvement of all the ſmart and wearineſs you feel, thereby to be ſet a longing after the promiſed eaſe and reſt. Thoſe deſires after death, which proceed from a ſerious apprehenſion of the Worlds vanity, and its unfitneſs to be your reſting place, and are bounded with a ſubmiſſion to Gods Will, are not onlie lawful, but commendable; and you may eſteem it a merciemercy to have them quickned: Perhaps whilſt your preſent ſtare was pleaſant and deſirable, you found it ſomething difficult to get heartilie willing to leave it, or to repreſent to your ſelf any other condition ſo much better, as might make you deſirous to part with this: But now, I hope, this difficultie is much abated, if not whollie removed. If you found ſuch plentiful and pleaſing entertainment in your Inne, that you began to think of abiding there, and to grow forgetful of your own home, will you not be of another mind when you have met with rougher uſage? It is not Lazarus his hard fare, but Dives his dailie dainties, and ſuch like Bands of love, which chain poor creatures to the World. Moreover, p. 112it is to be conſidered, that at Death you muſt have undergone the ſame, and a greater trial than now you have done, in leaving that which hath now left you; and then to have found your heart ſticking to the creature, and unwilling to bee torn from it, would have been much more grievous to you. Far ſafer it is that our Bladders ſlip from under us in the ſhallow water, where we may trie our skill with leſt hazard, than in the deep, where wee muſt either ſwim or drown. By this experience you have had of your ſelves, how you can bear the departure of the world, if you have found out your weakneſs, you are yet in a capacitie of looking out for help, and getting better provided for your laſt great encounter; or if you have diſcovered ſtrength, you may the more chearfullie expect, and boldlie addreſs your ſelves thereunto. Thus you ſee, this affliction, which at preſent ſeems not joyous but grievous, may afterwards yield the peaceable fruits of righteouſneſs, to thoſe that are exerciſed therewith: And therefore it ſeems no way abſurd to apply the exhortation to you, which we finde, Jam. 1.10. Let the brother of high degree (not only be content, but) rejoyce that he is (thus to his advantage) made low.

And beſides what may accrue to the ſufferers themſelves, I might (the more to engage their ſubmiſſion) mention the good that may hereby be done to others; as this ſignal Providence may tend to awaken our Land, and put us upon Repentance and Reformation; or at leaſt may quicken all that are ſerious, to do what in them lies for the promoting of this work; and may alſo be a means of terrifying ſome careleſs ſinners from their waies of wickedneſs, and of bringing them home to God. If any ſuch work as this was to be done, or a warning given to the Nation, and God ſaw fit to do it by the burning of our Metropolis, why ſhould you not freely conſent that your houſes ſhould go in with others, for the p. 114accompliſhment of his Will? If their deſtruction may be any means of preventing the overthrow of the Kingdome; yea, or keep any poor ſoul out of eternal burning; You have no cauſe to finde fault with their being laid out ſo well. And if any one ſhould think it might have conduc't more to theſe ends, to have ſingled out the dwellings of the prophaneſt ſinners, and made them warnings to the reſt, ſparing all ſuch as feared God: They may do well to remember, that it becomes not them to preſcribe to infinite wiſdome, what waies to take for the bringing about his own deſigns; which deſigns we are far from knowing perfectly, and leſs perfectly can we tell, what means are beſt ſuited for the compaſſing of them. But, I ſuppoſe, I have ſaid ſo much of the benefits, that may hereby be given in to true Chriſtians, as may ſufficiently demonſtrate, that this cloud, as dark as it is, hath a bright ſide ſhining upon Gods people, which may, in its kinde, do them as much ſervice, as the Pillar of Fire did to the Iſraelites in their March: Whil'ſt they, that Aegyptian-like, are clouded with the miſts of wickedneſs and errour, neither perceive the benefit they enjoy, nor partake of it. And though ſuch blinde Atheiſts, or inconſiderate ones, may to their own hurt, miſ-conſtrue the methods of Providence, in laſhing the good and ſparing the bad, or dealing alike with both; yea, though upright men themſelves may be ſomewhat aſtonied at this, yet ſhall the innocent ſtir up himſelf againſt the Hypocrite; the righteous alſo ſhall hold on his waies, and he that hath clean hands ſhall be ſtronger and ſtronger, Job 17.8, 9. And thus, I hope, ſhould I ſay no more, I have ſhewed you abundant ground for patience and quietneſs under the hand of God. Since

(1) It is the hand of God, who cannot wrong you, and therefore gives you no cauſe to murmur.

(2) This hand of God hath not hurt you, and therefore p. 115gives you no cauſe to complain.

(3) It may greatly profit you, and ſo rather gives you cauſe to be thankful. Two or three Conſiderations more I have to ſuggeſt, which I ſhall with more brevity diſpatch, having ſtood ſo long on theſe.

4. Though your ſuffering themſelves cannot, yet your impatience under them may very much hurt you, whil'ſt on the other ſide, your patience will equally turn to your advantage. And this may ſufficiently inſtruct you, if you have any reſpect to your own intereſt, outward or inward, which to chooſe. To purſue this in a particular inſtance or two.

(1) By quarrelling with Gods Will in his proceedings, you add ſin to your afflictions, and thereby put a ſting into them, that may do you that miſchief, which otherwiſe they never could. What think you is a ſin, if this be not, to be diſcontent with any thing which God ſhall do with you? Do you not ſeem ſo far to accuſe him of want, either of wiſdome, faithfulneſs, or goodneſs, and ſo of want of fitneſs and right to bee your Governour? And what's this, but to deſire that your affairs were in your own hands, as if then you could order them better? And have you not reaſon to ſuppreſs the very firſt motions which have ſo much wickedneſs, rebellion, and little leſs than blaſphemie in them? You may remember here, what I have formerly ſaid, to demonſtrate that ſin is the greateſt miſchief that can light upon the ſoul of man. If to comply with the Divine Will, in all expreſſions of it, be his only intereſt, then to reſiſt this Will, muſt needs be his greateſt miſery? Verily, there is no ſuch a deformed monſtrous ſight in the whole world, as to behold a creature riſing up againſt his Maker, and entring into a ſolemn war with Heaven it ſelf; whether it be in violating his gracious precepts, or repining at his wiſe providences. And the very howling of Wolves, or croaking of p. 116Toads, is a thouſand times more acceptable noiſe, than to hear men complain and ſpeak ill of the bleſſed and good God, or any of his waies: For their noiſe, be it never ſo harſh, is natural to them; but this harſher voice of murmuring, is moſt unnatural, and a very breaking of the harmony of the Creation, which conſiſts in a ſweet and chearful obedience of all creatures to him, from whom they receiv'd their beings, faculties, conditions, and employments; and in their conſtant celebrations of his bountie, according to their ſeveral capacities. Is not the dumb meekneſs of a Lamb more grateful to all men, than the roarings and ſtrivings of a Swine? Eſpecially when kindneſs, rather than violence, is offered to us, however our falſe opinions repreſent it. Want of reaſon may excuſe the ſtruglings of a Bruit, when you go to pluck a Thorn out of his foot, or do him any the like courteſie; but ſuch bruitiſhneſs in a Reaſonable Creature, is inexcuſable! Believe it, Sirs, ſuch unſeemly carriage as this, is infinitely worſe in the thing it ſelf, and more diſgraceful to you in the eyes of God and good men, than your loſing all the monie and goods you had in the world: This meanneſs of ſpirit, is another kinde of unhappineſs and diſhonour, than any other povertie. But on the contrarie, to bear up under Gods hand with patience and courage, is a greater commendation and priviledge, than to abound in all riches. Whatever the world may think, it is undoubtedly true, that to comply with the will of God under any ſuffering, is a greater bleſſing, than to have been ſecured from that ſuffering. To bee content with ſickneſs as it comes from God, is a greater merciemercy than to bee in health; and ſo patience under all your loſſes, is a greater happineſs than to have loſt nothing: For the worſt of men may partake of theſe temporal favours; but good men only are enricht with ſo excellent a ſpirit. This tried and approved Faith and Patience, p. 117are much more precious than the Gold that is tryed (or than all that you have loſt) by the fire. How worthie and commendable a thing is it, for a Chriſtian in the loweſt, pooreſt, and moſt afflicted ſtate, ſtill to think and ſpeak as well and honourablie of God, who hath brought him into it, as ever before he was wont? To Apologize for that Providence which hee ſmarts under, and to let Spectators know, that hee diſcerns ſo much equitie and merciemercy in it, that he cannot chuſe but ſubmit thereto? Might you not hereby do more to vindicate God before the world, than any other, by bare diſcourſing can? And by your practice might condemn and ſhame all thoſe unmanlie ones that act contrarilie; and may convince themſelves and others, that it is from the weakneſs of their Faith, the falſeneſs of their opinions, and the unrulineſs of their paſſions, that they keep ſuch a complaining, and not from any real cauſe that God hath given them. This you may teach them more effectually than another out of your condition can: For they are preſently apt to reply to ſuch a one, If you was in my caſe, you would be as bad your ſelf; but when they ſee one in the like caſe, whoſe carriage is ſo unlike theirs, they will the ſooner bee put to ſilence, and ſet upon imitation of it. And would not this, do you think, very much endear you to God, to behold in you ſuch a love for himſelf, ſuch a liking of his actions, and ſuch a zeal for his honour? How do we finde him, as it were, glorying of the perſeverance of his Champion Job, to Satan his Accuſer, in that he held faſt his integrity, although his eſtate was deſtroyed, Job 2.3. And does not both God and Satan now look upon you, to obſerve how you will behave your ſelves? and will it not pleaſe and glorifie God, vex and confound Satan, to behold your carriage, like that holy mans? How acceptable, alſo, will it bee to the Lord Jeſus, to ſee you tranſcribe the copy he ſet you, to walk as he walk…, when upon earth, and to carry your ſelves as hee wont, p. 118under all the ſufferings he met with in it? And if the eye of the Prince, or General, will infuſe valour into the ſoul of the verieſt Coward, ſhall it not animate and raiſe your ſpirits, to remember what Spectators you have, beſides the Inhabitants of this lower world? Even God himſelf, and Chriſt, and all the holy Angels. You need not ſure bee told, how much you are concern'd to gain the good liking of theſe, and how much weight there is in their approbation; nor on the other ſide, how fad and ſhameful it would bee for you, to have all theſe aſhamed of you, for your Cowardize and fainting.

(2) Beſide the hurt that comes to your inward man, you will finde no benefit to your outward concerns, by frowardneſs and impatience. He that tumbles and ſtrives, like a wilde Bull in a net, will never the ſooner diſ-entangle himſelf. There's nothing to bee gotten of God by this courſe. He that ſpar'd not his Rod, though hee knew it might diſpleaſe you, will not take it off meerly becauſe you are not pleas'd with it. Wiſe Parents, though never ſo tender, uſe not to have regard to all the fooliſh paſſions and deſires of their Children: and as little reaſon is there, that God ſhould give heed to yours: For are they any better than childiſh, whileſt the great ground of them (to give no other proof) is, that worldly things are periſhing and tranſitory; or, that according to their nature, they are paſt away from you. Now what weakneſs would you account it, for any man to ſit weeping for a beautiful Flower, becauſe it withers in his hand, and becauſe the winter-cold will not permit him to have his fair Tulips and ſweet Roſes? Or to afflict himſelf, becauſe the Moon waxes and wanes, and will not alwaies abide in the Full? What relief would you have given to this fond mourner? Should the ſeaſons of the year, or the courſe of nature be alter'd to gratifie his humour? And do you not know that there are changes in Sublunary things, as well as in the Moon? Seaſons p. 119and Viciſſitudes in our condition, as well as in the year? And both proceed from the ſame wiſdome, though they appear not alike regular and conſtant. There is a Day and Night, a Winter and Summer, of proſperity and adverſity (I ſpeak of things without us.) And of theſe we may ſay, as the Plaſmiſt of the other, ſpeaking to God; The day is thine, the night alſo is thine: Thou hoſt made ſummer and winter, Pſal. 74.16, 17. And is there any reaſon that he ſhould alter the ſeaſons, and change the nature of things, or the courſe of his providence, for the ſatisfaction of every man that is not pleaſed with it? Or if this ſhould ſeem too notional, you may eaſily apprehend, that peeviſhneſs and ſtubborneſs, may provoke God rather to continue, than ceaſe from laſhing you. 'Tis no diſcretion in a Patent, to ſpare the Rod alwaies when the Childe cries, (the Wiſe man adviſes the contrary) much leſs to diſmiſſe him whil'ſt he is ſtomachful: And why ſhould you think the Father of Spirits will leave you, till he hath brought you into better ſubjection to him? It ſeems by your carriage, there is much corruption left in the Soul to be drawn out: and the ſame mercy that applied a Corraſive becauſe it was needful, is like to hold it on whilſt it is ſo. But when the cure is wrought, when patience hath had its perfect work within you, you are nearer to a freedome from that, which hath been the exerciſe of your patience. When the Childe is brought to kiſs the Rod, the Father is wont to lay it down. When you can heartily ſay to God, Thy Will bee done, you are liklieſt to hear from him, Be it to thee as thou wilt. For they hold creature-comforts faſteſt, who ſit looſeſt from them; they deſerve them beſt, and are in the leaſt danger of being hurt by them. To humble our ſelves under the mighty hand of God, is a ſure way, in his due time to be exalted, 1 Pet. 5.6. You have heard of the patience of Job, and ſeen the end of the Lord, that hee is very pitiful and of p. 120tender mercy. James 5.11. And none taſte ſooner, o… more plenteouſly of this pity and mercy, than they w… are moſt perfectly ſubdued to his pleaſure.