Appendix to Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence, Text (2 of 4)

Appendix to Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence · Text (2 of 4)

p. 40Though drunkenneſs, gluttony, whoredomes, gain… cozenage, oppreſſion and pride, once ſeemed very ami… ble and alluring to degenerate unreaſonable ſinner… whileſt they ſtrongly imagined they felt the ſweetneſ… and profit of them; yet ſhall they ſeem ſo ſtill, whe… p. 41…hey have ſeen what ſad work they have lately made a…o…gſt us? how they have laid thouſands in their graves, …nd made our flouriſhing City to fall on heaps, as if it would become a kind of common Tomb to its dead In…abitants; to ſerve as a Monument to Poſterity, who ſhould find written upon it, Here lie the fruits of ſin. Shall we dote upon a painted poyſoned Harlot, and that after the Varniſh is fallen off, and the poyſon revealed? Shall we ſtill ſtroke and play with the Serpent, after we have heard his hiſſings, and felt ſome effects of his envenomed ſting? God forbid that we ſhould be ſo wilful and fooliſh, to imbrace the dart that hath murdered our friends, to court the flames that have burnt our houſes, and will do worſe than all this?

As then our calamities tell us to the quick, that God hath obſerved and altogether diſlik't our wayes, ſo we ſee there is Mercy manifeſted in theſe Judgements, whilſt they tend to rouze us out of our ſecurity, to convince us of the miſchievous nature of ſin before we feel the worſt of it, and afford us ground of hope, that upon our con…iction and reformation there is yet mercy to be obtained for us. If then we have any regard to our Makers pleaſure, or our own intereſt; if we have any ingenuity or love to our ſelves, let us he arken to theſe earneſt calls of a compaſſionate God, and ſpeedily accept of motions for peace upon reaſonable terms, leaſt our continued ſtubbornneſs ſhould provoke him to reſolve concerning us; that ſince we accepted not, nor improv'd the ſpace he allotted us to repent in, henceforward all ſigns and profeſſions of Repentance ſhall come too late to prevent our ruine: And that ſeems to be another Leſſon which theſe Judgements teach us, That is we contemn them, and diſregard God ſpeaking to n…by them, there is great hazard that this our incorrigibleneſs, and ſtrange … pidity, will procure our final overthrow. If we reject the p. 42Scepter of Grace which hath been held forth to us, … can we expect but that it ſhould be withdrawn, and frightful Sword ſet up in its place? If we are as reſolve to hold faſt our ſins, as Pharaoh was to keep the Iſra…li… our reſolutions may coſt us as dear as his did him… Though our God be long-ſuffering, yet will he alway… bear? Will he never do more than gently laſh us, … then wait to ſee what good his ſtroaks do upon us? … we ſhall ſtill make void his expectations of our amendment, will he not at length take another courſe with … Hath not God been as it were laying ſiege to the hea… of this people, and ſummoned us again and again … make a ſurrender of our ſelves to him, uſing thoſe ſe… ral Engines that might ſerve to batter our hardneſs, and prevail with us? And if we ſtill hold out againſt hi…, rejecting the gracious meſſages he ſends us, ſlighting the Warning-pieces he hath ſhot off, what have we to look for next, but that his Murdering Canons ſhould be planted againſt us? That as by his laſt act of ho…thty he burnt one of our chief Forts, ſo he ſhould proceed to level all to the ground. If God hath ſmote ſome of us with the Sword, others with the Peſtilence, and … verthrown ſome of us as he overthrew Sodom and Go… rah, and yet we will not return to him; may we not fear that our deſolation is as near as theirs was who we… thus guilty, and of whom God thus complains? Amos … The continuance and growth of ſin under a ſmarting Rod, adds an high degree of hainouſneſs thereto, which is uſually followed with a vengeance proportionably heavy. When a Nation ſhall ſolemnly bid defiance … the moſt High, and engage in a War with the Lord of Hoſts, fighting againſt him by renewed Rebellions, … he againſt them by reinfoc't Judgements, we may eaſily know who's like to come by the worſt: He hath A… rows in his Quiver againſt which the rockieſt ſtup… p. 43heart is but a weak defence, which can ſhatter into pieces thoſe who will not be foftned: And he hath frequently expreſt his unalterable will to conquer unre…enting ſinners, and that he will even take pleaſure in …ubduing ſuch ſtout ſpirits whom nothing before would work upon, or bring to take notice of his hand ſtretch… …ut againſt them. Of thoſe who profanely cried, that …is word was but wind, and that they ſhould never ſee evil; he …h…eatens that this Word of his, which they ſcoff'd at, ſhold …e fire in the mouth of his Prophets, and the people ſhould be …ood, Jer. 5.13, 14. And Ezek. 5.13. Having before ſpo…en of all the ſad things he would bring upon a ſtubborn people, he adds; Thus ſhall mine anger be accompliſhed; and …y fury reſt upon them, and I will be comforted, and they ſhall …now that I the Lord have ſpoken it in my zeal, when I have …ccompliſhed my fury in them. Who can in reaſon expect …hat God ſhould alwayes maintain his creatures in be…ng, and continue their comforts, whilſt they imploy …eir life and all their mercies againſt him who gave them …oth? Would not a Prince rather impoveriſh and de…roy any part of his Dominions, than let it ſerve only …r an harbour and ſupply to his mortal enemies? Oh …at England may not hear that doleful word pronounc't …oncerning her, which Iſrael once did, Ezek. 7.6. An end … come, the end is come, it watcheth for thee, behold it is …me. Let us not go on to provoke the God of heaven … poure out upon us all the plagues that are threatned … thoſe whom no former means will reclaim, to de…ee a Conſumption by Sword or Famine, or any the …e deſtroyers. You that have no regard to your ſouls, …ethinks ſhould be more concerned for your temporal …elfare, your lives, your friends, your eſtates, than da…ngly to hazard all for the ſervice of ſome baſe luſt, which will but repay you with damnation at laſt, beſides …l the hurt it does in the mean time to your ſelves, and p. 44thoſe about you. Oh be perſwaded at length, to … pity on the Land of your Nativity; yea, to take pity … your ſelves, your children, and the Wives of your … ſome? How could you bear it to have theſe raviſht fro… your ſides, and murdered before your faces; or wor… than murdered by ghaſtly famine? when you ſhould ſee them, and feel your ſelves, as it were, kill'd by piecemeal; yea, when your raging hunger ſhould make yo… wiſh for, and haſten one anothers death, and cauſe yo… to take away life from them to whom you gave it, … your bellies to become the Tombs of thoſe who ca… from your loins? Ah Sirs, what reflections would … Have in ſuch a doleful day as this, on your former delic… cies and riotous exceſſes? Would not the memory … your paſt fulneſs, and the abuſe of it, help to tear yo… hearts, as much as preſent want would do your bowels▪ And know, that plenty of Gods creatures which we … enjoy, is not ſo much an argument that this evil ſh… never betide us, as our ſinful laviſhing of them in glu… tony and drunkenneſs, is, that it may. Sin hath bro… theſe, and worſe than all theſe things upon divers Ki… domes: God grant it may not upon ours. And ther… fore do I mention them, not to encreaſe the unprofit… fears of any, but to ſtir us up all to that repent… which is moſt likely to prevent them, or will be ſure … ſecure us from any conſiderable hurt by them. But if … cry only, God forbid that ever ſuch things ſhould … pen, and yet take the direct way to procure them, … your ſelves only muſt bear the blame, as well as feel …. Fair warning hath been given us by what we … already felt, and we may now conceive God ſaying to … Go your wayes, ſin no more, leaſt worſe things come unto … And if ſuch admonitions as theſe, ſo loudly and ſo ſ… ly uttered, ſhall be diſregarded, what greater ſenſleſs can be imagined? Or what more preſaging and … p. 45…ing ruine, than ſuch a ſenſleſneſs and affected ſtupidity? …nd let none be ſo weak or inconſiderate, as to imagine, …od …ims not at them, nor hath any controverſie with …em, becauſe they have hitherto felt litte or nothing … thoſe Judgements that have been abroad in the Land; …or let any profligate Atheiſts add this to the reſt of their …rational arguings againſt a Providence, that they them…elves who contemn it, live ſecurely and at eaſe, whilſt …any that believed and reverenc't it, ſuffer under the …veriey of its Diſpenſations: Nor let them hence con…m themſelves in practiſes as bruitiſh as theſe Opini…s (which were principally minted for their ſakes) out …f a conceit, that all danger is far from them, or at leaſt, …at they are no more obnoxious than others. For, to take …f theſe dangerous miſtakes, it is to be conſidered, that …e deſign of theſe ſad Providences is by no means to be ſonfined to thoſe particular perſons upon whom they …ave fallen heavieſt; but their Errand is to warn all, ſhilſt they ſtrike ſome, which is no way difficult to be …prehended. A Warning-Piece ſhot off by an Enemy …ho hath beſieged a Town, though it might happily hurt …me ſingle Townſman, is nevertheleſs directed to all: … Beacon when it is fired, gives warning as much to the …hole Country, as to him on whoſe ground it ſtands, … whoſe wood may be imployed for that fire. And may …e not look upon our burning City, as a kind of Beacon …ndled to give notice to the whole Iſland, that an E…emy is coming againſt us? Such an Enemy as may en…age us all, not to take Arms, but ſuddenly to lay them own, and meet him with ſuch humble ſubmiſſions, and …arneſt ſupplications, as are wont to gain the cheapeſt …nd moſt honourable Victory: That God, in his deal…gs with a Nation, whoſe wayes are generally corrupt…d, layes his ſtrokes upon ſome, is but Juſtice even to …hem; that he treats not all thus, is meer mercy; that p. 46he takes theſe and ſpares others, ſome better, … worſe, is purely from his Soveraignty, and ough … referr'd to his own good pleaſure; and therefore … we have no other reaſon for it, readily to be acqui… in. Both Charity, and (frequently) great Reaſon, … bid us to cenſure their crimes the greateſt, whoſe ſu… ings are ſo: For many times we find that God … ſingled out his faithfulleſt ſervants as marks for his … eſt arrows; of which ſort of Diſpenſations, even … men ſometimes, but wicked men alwayes, are very competent Judges. But if any upon this att… ſhould grow more indifferent to Godlineſs, when … ſees it will not ſecure its followers; nay, that an e… nency of it doth oft as much expoſe its owners, as he… doth Towers and Cedars to Storms and Lightning; he therefore think it rather to be ſhunn'd than ſought … ter, his arguing will be found as unreaſonable as … dangerous. Alas, poor blinded Senſualiſts! you that … ſtrangers to the life and livelihood, and the great … cerns of Immortal Souls, little know the ſecret, h… tranſactions betwixt them and their God, in that … time when you may judge them forſaken of him. I… do you know how this Godlineſs helps to bear up … hearts under the weightieſt preſſures, and like a ſ… Amulet, in time of Infection, ſecures them from … miſchief of thoſe evils with which you may appre… them overborn: Wherefore leave them to God and Judgement, and look you rather to your ſelves, … you are to learn by, and how you ought to improve… kind of dealings; even the mercy that you are ſp… when ſo many others are viſited one way or other, … the greater engagement upon you to return to him … deals ſo favourably with you; and you may be ſupp… the fitter for this great and ſolemn work of Repent… in that Judgements are brought ſo near, as may ſerve… p. 47quicken and affect you, but yet ſtand at ſuch a diſtance …at they may not overwhelm you.

And laſtly, You may perceive, that if good Men …emſelves undergo ſo much, it's time for you to look …out you. If Judgement begin at the houſe of God, what …all the end be of thoſe who obey not the Goſpel? You may …ence learn, that it is not becauſe you are better, or more … Gods favour than others who ſuffer, that you ſeem to …re better than they; and it may therefore caſt you into … fear, leaſt your puniſhment be reſerv'd a while, be…uſe it ſhall bee laid on for ever, Job 21.30. If the …hildren be now corrected, Baſtards ſhall not alwaies … unpuniſht. You cannot then conclude, that they …ho have drank deepeſt of this Cup, were ſinners above …l that dwelt in England; but this you may conclude, that …cept you Repent, you ſhall all likewiſe periſh.

Even temporal deſtruction, as I have ſaid, you have …aſon to expect; but if you take ſuch comminations as …ords of courſe, which Preachers are ſtill filling the ears … their people withall, no more to be regarded, than …e filly Predictions of Aſtrologers, and do hereupon …rden your ſelves in ſin, as if no danger was near, know … for certain, that ſuch miſeries are coming upon you, … you ſhall neither know how to prevent, nor ever re…ove from off you. And that's the laſt thing I ſhall men…on, which theſe Calamities ſuggeſt to us, That they who are …t bettered by them, nor any other means that in this life time …e us'd with them, ſhall at length be covered with confuſion, …d lye down in thoſe ſorrows which will admit of no relief, …d whence there ſhall bee no releaſe. I cannot certainly …y, but you may ſtretch your ſelves upon your beds of …ſſe, and continue your pleaſant dreams, yet a while …nger. Perhaps you may laugh and play away the re…inder of your daies, as you have done all that went …efore; you may yet have a few more merry meetings p. 48and pleaſing entertainments; you may be loaded … riches, crowned with roſe-buds, glutted with fleſhly … lights, and may keep up your wonted height of pride … bravery, inſo much that in your own eſteem, and in … theirs, who judge of perſons and things by the ſa… falſe rules, you may paſs for the only happy men in … World: But yet I can and dare ſay, that though you… Lives and your Pleaſures ſhould be thus prolonged … hundred years, you are but miſerable men, whoſe w… are now accurſed, as your end ſhall bee. Even all … while the vengeance of God hangs over your heads, li… a Sword by a Twine-thred, and will ſhortly fall up… the Scalp of ſuch as go on in their treſpaſſes; It purſ… you at the heels, and though it ſeem to tarry, will certainly overtake you. However you may miſ-call … Patience, you ſhall finde that God is no more ſl… concerning his Threatnings, than his Promiſes. In th… hand of the Lord there is a Cup, and the Wine is red: it is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the ſame; and though they ſhould eſcape when it is poured out, Yet the Dr… thereof, all the wicked of the earth ſhall wring them out, … drink them, Pſal. 75.8. Theſe are the diſtinguiſhing judgements which ſhall light upon the ungodly, and none b… them. Then at length ſhall men diſcern between t… righteous and the wicked; between him that ſerveth God, … him that ſerveth him not: when that day cometh that ſt… burn as an Oven, and all the proud, yea, all that do wi… lyſhall be as ſtubble.

Whatever falſe conſequences wanton Sinners dr… from Gods forbearance of them in this day of his p… ence, or from his promiſcuous dealing with good … bad in this ſtate of tryal, they ſhall ſoon be freed fro… their miſtakes, when they ſhall finde and feel, in … a different manner they are treated in the other ſi… This will make them acknowledge, that verily there … p. 49God, a Righteous God, who judgeth in the earth. Here …ndeed they were Neighbours, and had bodies alike, …nd might therefore dye by the ſame Diſeaſes: Their …ouſes were joyned, and might therefore burn together; …ut their ſouls were not alike, nor ſhall they fare alike, or …ive together any longer, but betwixt them will bee a great Gulf fixed, over which there will be no paſſing for the perſons, nor any tranſlation of their conditions one …o another. Though you might remove your dwellings and ſcape the Infection, or have eſtates of that nature that Fire did not conſume them, yet all your refuges will fail, when theſe laſt woes ſhall bee brought upon you. Then ſhall the ſcorners who made light of threat…ings, that hid themſelves under falſhood, and made lies their refuge, finde, that their Covenant with death ſhall be diſannulled, their agreement with hell ſhall not ſtand: When this overflowing ſcourge ſhall paſs thorow the ungodly World, they ſhall all be trodden down by it. Though they might eſcape Sword and Plague, Fire and Famine, yet Hell they ſhall never eſcape. And are there any that own the name of Men, and deſire the reputation of Chriſtians, of ſuch a deſperate inſenſibleneſs of their own concerns, that the known certainty of infinite everlaſting torments, in caſe they hold on their preſent courſe, will give them neither check nor diverſion? Such indeed who can thorowly perſwade themſelves to be Infidels, may poſſibly live in a ſtupid peace, till they are brought with the Devils, to believe and tremble. But for them who take on them to believe all that is in the Goſpel, and yet walk in thoſe very waies, to which this Goſpel threatens everlaſting deſtruction, may we not admire what ſtrange devices they have got, to keep themſelves peaceable and ſteady in this their furious march to Damnation? What, Sirs, have you a belief for what Scripture tells you of the weightieſt and moſt concerning p. 50matters in the World, and yet can you alwaies drive th… out of your thoughts? Do you think it of no conſequen… to conſider where the way will end, in which you … walking with ſo much confidence? Do you not … well enough, that if you never turn, you are certain… undone? And that wil'ſt you delay it, you run ſuch … hazard as every man in's right wits would beware of? Every ſtep you tread being upon ſuch a dangerous precipice, that nothing but the mercy which you daily abuſe, an… which will not alwaies bear ſuch uſage, keeps you fro… falling headlong? And when once it's withdrawn, do… you go, and are loſt for ever. Is this your caſe, and … you not ſpare time to think how to get out of it? … Sirs, ſad and ſerious thoughts will be good cheap in … other World: As much as you fear and ſhun them no… then you ſhall bee ſufficiently haunted with them; b… as ſerviceable as now they might be, then they ſhall nothing avail you. To think in time which way to avoid perdition, ſhould not, methinks bee ſo tedious and unpleaſant to thoſe to whom it is ſo neceſſary, and may … as advantagious: but if this be neglected, to think wh… you have brought your ſelves to, and how ſtrangely and wilfully you have done it, ſhall fill you with a ſadneſs that will break your hearts, but nothing better your eſtates. What then are thoſe dreams wherewith you delude your ſelves into a quiet continuance in an ungodly ſtate, which is like to prove ſo bitter in the end? What do you think it's beſt to go on a while longer, that you have yet time enough before you? But do you well conſider, how dear this little while longer may coſt you? Have you any ground to expect to bee waited on much longer? Doth not the time of patience ſeem expiring! Are not the years wherein God reſolv'd to try you, what fruit you would bring forth, near to an end? And is th… a time to dally with the Almighty, when hee's coming p. 51forth ſo ſeverely to reckon with you? Is your Sun ſeting, and yet do you loyter? Is the Ship ſinking, and are you …et unreſolv'd whether you had beſt ſhift for you ſelves? Certainly they who take not this as a fit ſeaſon for Re…entance, would by their good will never Repent, and …is to be fear'd never will till it is too late.

But further, you are not I hope, ſo vain as to conceit, …at there is any other way beſide ſound Repentance; and … thorow Converſion, to ſecure your ſelves from that …rath which is denounc't againſt, and will certainly …ome upon the Children of Diſobedience. If you believe …e Scripture, which I now ſuppoſe you do, you cannot …arbour ſuch a conceit, which is there ſo often and ſo ſainly contradicted: And as far, methinks, you ſhould …e from imagining, if this wrath be not thus prevented, …at ever it can with any patience be endured, or by any …eans remov'd. Do you indeed take hell for a tollera…e evil? even more tollerable than an holy heart and …fe, by which it might be avoided? In how dark and …ind a ſtate are they who run from their felicity as an …urtful thing? And in how ſad a caſe, whom nothing …it woful experience will convince of this miſtake? But …hat, do you ever hope to be able to contend with the Moſt High, to grapple with Omnipotence it ſelf? Do …ou think you can as eaſily reſiſt his Power, as you could …ſobey his Commands? If this ſhould once become …e only refuge that's left you, woe to you that ever you …ere born. Did you ever yet hear of any that entred …e Liſts with God and prevailed? that overcame him …y ſtrong hand? Should all the Infernal Hoſts joyn …rces with rebellious ſinners, how utterly unable would …ey be for one minute to withſtand the conquering Arm …f the Almighty? And canſt thou a ſingle man, an im…otent worm, do any thing againſt it? Why, doſt thou …ot know that a frown of his countenance is enough to p. 52daſh all created courage? the breath of his mouth ſufficient to deſtroy the world? If thou be ſuch a couragious man as to venture upon the Divine diſpleaſure, thou ſhouldſt have gone and plac't thy ſelf in the midſt of one of Londons burning ſtreets, and have tryed how thou couldſt encounter the fury of thoſe flames, and how much they would have valued thy oppoſition; and thence thou might'ſt learn what Man can do againſt his Maker, or againſt any of his creatures that go forth to deſtroy with Commiſſion from him. Do but imagine thy ſelf hurl'd into the midſt of thoſe burnings, and there to have been kept alive whilſt they laſted, (which is no difficulty to him that made the world of nothing) how couldſt thou have born ſuch a lodging, even but for three daies ſpace? But what if it had been for ſo many thouſand years? Bethink thee then how thou canſt dwell with everlasting burnings, which will be the undoubted portion of all unpardoned, unconverted ones. Do you not indeed believe, that Chriſt will come in flaming fire to take vengeance on them that would not obey the Goſpel? And whither will you then betake your ſelves? or to whom will you flie? When not only a City or Kingdome, but all this lower world ſhall be of a flame; when the Heavens ſhall paſs away with a noiſe, and the Elements ſhall melt with fervent heat; when an unquenchable fire ſhall be kindled above, and below, and on every ſide you, where do you hope for ſhelter? To cry out to Rocks and Mountains to fall on and cover you, will then little avail you. Ob who can ſtand before the Lord when he is angry? who knows the power of his wrath? But ſhall not the demonſtrations and appearances of it, which you have already beheld, prevent the farther bold expoſure of your ſelves thereto? Have you not had a kind of glimpſe of hell flaſhing before your faces, and will it nothing daunt you? Will you like thoſe Ezek. 15.7. Go out of one fire, to be devoured p. 53by another? Will you go on like an Oxe to the ſlaughter, when you are told whither you are going, and the inſtruments of death are laid before you? Will you ſtill believe that the stoln waters which folly affords are ſweet? That her bread eaten in ſecret places is pleaſant? When it is revealed to you, that her proviſions are baits, and their pleaſure mortal; that the dead are there, and her (former) gueſts in the depths of hell. Will you go on to carry fewel to that pile wherein you your ſelves muſt be conſumed? Will you ſtill imbrace and cheriſh thoſe luſts that will, like an unnatural Monſter, gnaw out the bowels of thoſe that nouriſh them, and feed upon the ſlaughter and ruine of their deareſt lovers? Will nothing allay the Adulterers heats, till they turn to the fire that never goes out? Will the Drunkard ſwallow down his immoderate draughts, till at length he be ſeized with Dives his thirſt, never to be quencht? Will the fond adorers of the riches and Gallantry of the world continue their dotage, till they ſee their Gold and Silver melted, and not only their ſtately houſes, but their fruitful Lands in flames about their ears, and all that wherein they gloried vaniſhing into ſmoak and aſhes; and ſhall find themſelves inwardly tormented by their inordinate love to theſe Idols, more than by any fire whereinto they may be plung'd? The good Lord open the eyes and change the hearts of theſe ſecure and ſenſeleſs ones, and ſhew them the hell that is in ſin it ſelf, that they may never feel that which it procures; that they may diſcern the miſery and deſtruction that is in their wayes, before their wickedneſs burn as the fire, and devours them like briars and thorns, Iſa. 9.18.

But beſides the looſe and groſly profane, there are multitudes to be ſeen who ſeem far more ſerious, and better affected with Gods Judgements abroad in the Land, eſpecially they upon whom they have fallen heavily. p. 54But alas! how many of theſe are there more apprehenſive of their outward loſſes, than of the ſins that brought them? Such who would have thought themſelves well enough had they but kept their goods, though their ſins alſo had been kept with them? How happy would theſe men be, if their fitneſs for comfort was as great as their need of it is? But how ſad a caſe is it to have the world frown upon us, and God frown too? to be deprived of temporal enjoyments, and deſtitute of ſpiritual bleſſings? to have our Idols ſnatcht away, and to be unacquainted with the true and living God? But that I may not ſeem to aggravate your grief, and bring you nothing but ſad tidings, know, though I cannot ſpeak a word of comfort to you whilſt you continue in your preſent carnal ſtate, yet would you but make haſte out of the ſame, there is great Mercy before you, and a way open for your acceſs to that Grace whence you may receive an abundant ſupply for all your wants, and true joy in the midſt of your troubles. And methinks this ſhould revive you, to hear that your condition is not yet miſerable, paſt all remedy: What though you ſhould never recover to your former height and fulneſs in the world, yet if your pride and covetouſneſs be abated, and your hearts by Grace raiſed nearer to God, as a pledge of your being ſhortly raiſed to Glory, you will have no reaſon to complain of that abaſement which was the beginning and occaſion of this happy exaltation. Happy indeed are they that thus riſe by their falls, and being thrown to the earth, thereby rebound the higher towards heaven: And this happineſs, I ſay, you are yet in a capacity of attaining to; which priviledge, was it rightly apprehended, might well take off from the ſenſe of any other ill circumſtances you are plunged into; and was it carefully improv'd, would make a full amends for whatever loſſes you have ſuſtained. And now p. 55to ſet in good earneſt about this work of gaining heaven …ſtead of earth, will be found the quickeſt and the …reſt courſe to make you ſo rich, and to-ſet you in ſuch a …hriving way, as will not only recompence your loſſes, …ut keep you from ever being greatly impoveriſht any more. This to the worldly wiſe, I know, will ſeem very …trange, and far from any appearance of truth: They who knew nothing better for man than to be rich, and …ive high in the world, cannot imagine which way he …an make advantage of being brought into a poor and …ow condition; and as little can they imagine, what that …s in all the world which can make amends for ſuch miſ…ortunes, (as they call them) except they may be repaid …n kind. If by loſing an hundred they could gain a thou…ind, or miſſing one Trade could light upon another, with quicker and better returns, they could well enough underſtand this to be a gaining by their loſſes; and he that could teach them this not able art ſhould be a welcome man, a Comforter indeed: But if you ſend them ſo look after great matters in another world, to repair their damages in this, and to get their ſouls enricht, when they feel their bodies pincht, this is but cold comfort, dry and unſavoury diſcourſe to the poor worldling, whoſe feeling is all his faith, who ſeeming to himſelf a …eer lump of fleſh, minds and reliſhes only earthly things. And accordingly their behaviour too plainly diſ…vers theſe their unbelieving and carnal apprehenſions and affections. For ſince the hand of God was upon them, …ath not this been in a manner all the trouble they have …elt, to think what a breach is made upon their eſtates, …nd what fair hopes are blaſted, many likely projects …om'n to juſt nothing, and the fruits of their long la…our and care ſuddenly vaniſht; ſo that they who thought their Neſts well feathered (as they uſe to ſpeak) and themſelves warm and ſecurely plac't therein, are now p. 56unrooſted, and many of them put to begin the world… new? And hath not this been the very ſum of all … ments contrivances and endeavours, how they might … again to their beſt advantage, and ſooneſt get up … they have loſt, and moſt ſucceſsfully purſue their for… deſigns of growing rich? Reflect upon thy ſelf, Read… whether this hath not been thy very courſe and frame; thou art one whom the fire hath unſettled.

If you ask me, whether then I condemn your care… make proviſion for your ſelves and families, and wh… ther I would have you rather fit ſtill and ſtarve, th… look out for needful and ſeaſonable ſupplies? I anſwer… Though I am far from ſaying this ought not to be do… yet I muſt needs ſay, there is ſomething which ough… far leſs to be left undone, and both may very well ſt… together. For I hope your ſouls are of as much val… as your bodies, and their happineſs ought to be as diſ… gently and ſpeedily lookt after: Now methinks th… coſtly experience you have had of the vanity and inſtability of theſe outward things, ſhould give you very fu… conviction that your happineſs is not plac't in them, an… that he is very unwiſe who puts confidence in ſuch de… ceitful riches that make to themſelves wings, and flee away Shall not this then put you upon a careful ſearch, whether there is nothing to be found out that is more ſolid, durable, and ſatisfying? And if you follow on this ſearch as you ought, you will conclude with Solomon, after all his ſ… licitous enquiries after Good, and his clear diſcover… of the vanity of the creature, That to fear God, and … his Commandments, is the whole duty of man, Eccleſ. 12.1…. And not his duty only, but his greateſt intereſt, even … this life, but eſpecially in that which is to come, whi… ſeems coucht in the following words of the Wiſe M… ver. 14. For God ſhall bring every work into Judgement, … every ſeeret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be e… p. 57And if he do ſo, we may be ſure hee'l treat men ac…ardingly, and will, as he hath promiſed, make thoſe …at have ſerved him everlaſtingly happy, when the …icked ſhall be adjudged to their threatned miſery. Why …ill you not then turn about, and change your deſires and …endeavours, and be as induſtrious for holineſs and the …ppineſs that ever attends it, as you have been for the world, wherein, through your own fooliſh forbidden …pectations, and inordinate love, you have met with ſo much vexation and diſſatisfaction? You ſee how it hath ſerved you after you have laboured for it ſo long, and im…rac't it with ſo much affection and dearneſs; its fled from you in a trice, and hath left you deſolate. Why therefore ſhould you truſt it any more, to expoſe your ſelves at every turn to the ill effects of its treachery; which is indeed but Juſtice to thoſe whoſe hearts are firſt …reacherouſly departed from God? If you be falſe to your Maker, never expect the creature ſhould be true to you: No, aſſure your ſelves, it will break from you when you think you have it faſt, and forſake you when you need it moſt; and will no more hearken to you, when you call, and roar, and mourn after it, than Baal did …o his Worſhippers: Torment your ſelves never ſo much for its abſence; as they, we read, ſlaſht themſelves with Knives and Lancers, yet it will neither pittie nor regard you. And though it ſhould remain with you as long as you live, yet at death it will leave you, with your heart broken at the parting, and will afford you no relief in that hour of your extremitie, much leſs in that ſtare whereinto you muſt then depart. And what will you ſtill labour for the wind, and ſet your heart upon that which is not? Surelie you have felt though to make you more warie and wi…e; wherefore come rather and once make experiment, whether God will leave you as the world hath done, and is like to do; whether his promiſes are no truer than its flatteries; p. 58whether Grace be as frail and periſhing a thing, a… the goods you have loſt; whether your hearts will not … this Treaſure ſafer, than your Cheſts can do any other My advice to you is the ſame with that of Pauls to Timithy, 1 Ep. 6.9, 10, 11, 12. That avoiding that reſolution to be rich, which brings temptations and ſnares, that love of money, which is the root of all evil, you would now follow ofter righteouſneſs, go llineſs, faith, love, patience, meekneſss, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. And if you will be perſwaded hereto, ſet about the work in good earneſt, ply it hard, and never give off till you have made ſomething of it. Remember you are labouring for an Eſtate that will never be loſt; and reſt not till you have got thoſe affections on God, and the things above, which you were wont to laviſh upon things below. And when you have done this, your work is in … manner finiſht: For the way to have God and Chriſt, Grace and Glorie to be yours, is to deſire after, and love them more than all things elſe. When once you have got your hearts in heaven, you have got a treaſure there: Whatever other duties are required of you, will be found natural and eaſie, when you are but principled with a prevailing, deep-rooted love of heavenlie things. And one would think it no hard thing to attain ſuch holie affections, if firſt you will but well and dulie conſider the worthleſueſs of all things elſe, till you are cur'd of your exceſſive and undeſerved admiration of them; and then will be as much in meditation of the excellencie, the ſuitableneſs, the ſufficiencie of thoſe things that are inviſible and eternal; and how great reaſon you have, and what engagements you lie under to fix and ſettle your hearts upon them. Conſider well what you owe to the giver and preſerver of your life, and all the comforts of it, and how you ought to ſtand affected toward him who thought not his own unvaluable Bloud too good to be ſhed for ſuch finners as we. Think, if you have ſuch p. 59a thing within you, as an immortal Soul, whether the bealth, and ſafety, and felicity thereof, bee not of far greater moment and worth, than the proſperity of the body: and whether an unexpreſſible fulneſs of all bleſſedneſs and joy for ever, deſerve not more eſteem, than any of the ſhort uncertain advantages and delights which his world affords you? Continue ſuch kinde of conſiderations as theſe, till you feel they have an influence upon your ſouls, to change the bent and ſtream of your affections and inclinations. And be diligent in be uſe of all other means appointed by God, for the befirming and carrying on a work of grace in the heart of …an; and above all, bee very importunate ſuitors at be Throne of Grace, that God would beſtow upon …ou his holy ſpirit, which he hath promiſed to thoſe that … him; that by the power hereof. Your mindes may …e enlightned to a right apprehenſion of things, and our affections ſtrongly carried out to that which beſt deewes them, that you may be brought, with the Apoſtle, …or ſo much to look at, or bee concern'd for, thoſe things which are ſeen, which are temporal, as for thoſe which are not …in, which are eternal. And for the future, let this bee our chiefeſt project, how to gain heaven, and to this after all your labours and cares. Though it bee not the only, yet if it bee the principal trade you drive on, to …rive and grow in Grace, till at length it ſhall bee imrov'd into ſuch a ſtock of Glory, as will never be ſpent; manage all your Talents to the beſt advantage, as …ay redound moſt to your Maſters honour, and bring on in the richeſt inereaſe; daily reaching forth unto thoſe …ings which are before, preſſing toward the mark, for the price the high calling of God in Chriſt Jeſus. Thus ſet your hearts and faces Zion-ward, looking upon your paſſage through …is lower World, only as a journey to, and preparation …s the higher. And having ſo rightly fixt your end and p. 60your work, taking your ſelves here but for Pilgrims … Strangers, then ſet about your worldly affairs, and take care for the accommodations of life, regarding and … ſiring them under this notion, as they are convenience for a Traveller. And let this true notion of them, moderate and guide all your deſigns and undertakings; … the utmoſt of your ambition be to maintain your ſelves and thoſe that depend upon you, ſo as you may be … teſt to do the ſervice God hath ſet you, and walk o… comfortably in the way he hath appointed you. What ever you aim at more, let it be purely and ſincerely … the good of others, and the honour of God. So … you fulfil the commands, 1 Tim. 5.8. Eph. 4.28. … by this means you will moſt eaſily eſcape the temptations which ruine thouſands, who wrong their Conſcience to encreaſe their Eſtates; for will he ſin againſt Godget riches, who deſires them only that he may there with ſerve and glorifie God. Nor can I think that here by you will have ever the leſs of the World, but I … ſure you will have a great deal more contentment in and more ſecurity of what you ſhall have; and when length you come to leave it, you ſhall neither deſire … need it, but ſhall bee ſupply'd with that which is in… nitely better: when as thoſe who were bewitcht into … unreaſonable fondneſs of their preſent enjoyments, ſ… at laſt irrecoverably loſe both them and their ſouls top… ther.

Again, Methinks, your very worldy wiſdome a… ſelf-love may teach you, that if you have been, and a… ſtill like to be, ſo great loſers by Gods diſpleaſure, y… only way is ſpeedily to uſe means for the obtrining his favour; that ſo you may either ſecure your tempore poſſeſſions, or ſomething of more worth in their roe… when-ever they may bee taken from you. Believe … Sirs, there's nothing of all that which you graſp with … p. 61greateſt cloſeneſs, that you can keep with you, whether …od will or no: If hee command it away, it will ſoon …ey his call. You may think of reducing your eſtates … be of that nature, that they ſhall be expoſed to no casualties, but all your art will fail you whil'ſt God is your enemy. What fooliſh merchants then are thoſe, who take him ſo by their diſhoneſt waies of gaining? Who will … found at length to have put the moſt not orious cheat …on themſelves, purchaſing the curſe of God with their …juſt gains, laying themſelves open to that wrath from which neither their wit nor their wealth can ſecure them: … where ever you are, and whatever you have, you are …waies alike naked to his ſtroak. Though you ſhould …g deep as Hell to hide your ſelves and your treaſure, … can eaſily fetch you thence and pluck you aſunder. then you have been ſo fooliſh, as by any way of wickedneſs what ever to engage God againſt you, does it not now concern you to ſeek after and make ſuit of his friend-ſhip? Without his leave none of your deſigns …all take effect, without his bleſſing nothing can truly …oſper that you take in hand. Except the Lord build the …ty, they labour in vain that build it, Pſal. 127.1. What …ceſs they are like to have, whoſe undertakings God …ill not favour, the Builders of Balel can inform you: at how much his bleſſing ſpeeds a work, you may learn …om Nehemiah and his fellow-builders, Neh. 6. To the …en of Ephraim and Samariah, that ſaid in the pride and …utneſs of their heart, that the bricks were fallen down, but …ey would build with hewen ſtones, and have Cedars inſtead Sycamores: God threatens to raiſe up adverſaries that …ould joyn together againſt them, the Syrians before, and the …iliſtines behinde, that ſhould devour Iſrael with open mouth. …. 9.9, 10, &c. As perhaps when you conſider the …uines of the City, you look no higher than ſecond cauſes, it's like you look no higher for its reſtauration, very p. 62little minding what hand God had in the one, and … have in the other, before it be accompliſht: And what you are thus forgetful of God, and take not his bleſſ… along with you, let your preparations be never ſo great and your hopes never ſo high, your attempts will either be blaſted in the beginning, or curſt in the end. Rea… your doom, Pſal. 28.5. Becauſe they regard not the word of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he ſhall deſtrive them and not build them up. But would you give all diligence to cleanſe your hands and purifie your hearts from … as well as to clear your ſtreets from the rubbiſh, laying the foundation in true Repentance and a thorow amendment of your waies? then might you ſay with Nehemid The God of heaven he will proſper us, therefore we his Servants will ariſe and build, Neh. 2.20. This is the way, the ſureſt and only way to make a deſolate City Phaenix-like to riſe out of it's funeral Aſhes with a new life, and Glory greater than it had before its fall. Wherefore let me uſe the words of Eliphaz, Job 22.21, 23. Atquaint now thy ſelf with God, and be at peace; thereby good ſhall come unto thee. If thou return to the Almighty, thou ſhall … built up. And when once you have well done this great work, when you have got your peace made with God and have made ſure of his eſpecial love and all the mercies contained therein, you may chearfully go about your lawful employments, depending upon his Prontdence, and ſubmitting your ſelves to his will, who never is unmindful of thoſe that do ſo.

And now at length, to thoſe that are in this happy caſe, my diſcourſe directs it ſelf, even to you that an the cordial Lovers and faithful Servants of the great God; ſuch of you that have born your ſhare in the cilamities that have lately befaln us, eſpecially that have ſuffered much by the fury of thoſe flames, which, without making any difference or ſhewing any pity, conſul p. 63all that came before them, ſo far as their commiſſion went: To you, my great requeſt is, that you would remember your ſelves, raiſe up, but yet calm your ſpirits, not harbouring any impatience inconſiſtent with the dutifulneſs of Gods children, nor giving way to any dejection, unbeſeeming the dignity of that Relation. 'Tis a pleaſant work which I would put you upon, and which …e who loves your happineſs hath by an expreſs command made your duty, even to poſſeſs your ſouls in patience, and to be chearful in the midſt of all your afflictions. Who then, that hath cauſe for it (and to ſuch I ſpeak) would not rather live at eaſe, and enjoy himſelf in peace and …fort, than vex and torture his own ſoul by fretting and grieving?

Before I proſecute this exhortation, let mee deſire …ou not to miſtake me, as if I was taking you off from all …erious and ſober conſideration, for which Adverſity is ſo …roper a ſeaſon; nor from that moderate and profitable …orrow which ſhall flow from this conſideration. No, …ather I would have you improve this time for a thorow …earch into your own ſouls, wherein it's like your Consciences will bee more than ordinarily awakened, and will deal truly and plainly with you. And whatever miſ…iages theſe impartial reflections ſhall diſcover, which before you diſcern'd not, or made leſs matter of, repreſent them now as hainous and odious to your ſelves as you well now how, till you finde your hearts wrought to ſuch a neaſure of godly ſorrow, as may ſtir up in you an unreoncileable hatred of the ſin, and engage you vigoouſly to fet againſt it. You may alſo make advantage of your ſufferings to promote this Repentance, whil'ſt they ſhall help you to clearer and more ſenſible apprehenſions of the contrariety of fin to God, and of its per…iciouſneſs to man, whereby you may bee brought to a …ricter enquiry into, and a greater watchfulneſs over our waies, as you would avoid the grieving of Gods p. 64Spirit, the wounding of your Conſciences, and the ſm… of your fleſh. And even now let the remembrance … any thing you have done to diſpleaſe a loving Father be matter of greater ſhame and grief than any affliction which you lie under: Though neither do I go about to perſwade you to a Stoical Apathie, an utter inſenſ… bleneſs of your outward loſſes and troubles; whilſt you have bodies, 'tis not to be expected, but you ſhould … concerned for them, and feel ſome kind of reſentment agreeable to what befalls them: but yet theſe motion and paſſions ought to be under the Command of a higher facultie, even ſanctified Reaſon, whoſe office it to moderate and ſubdue them ſo far as her power … tends. Wherefore that which I am adviſing you … this, that you would not let the ſenſe of your preſſure overwhelm you, as to render you unfit for any duti… y… owe to God, or ſo as may ſpeak you forgetful of thoſe greater grounds of contentedneſs and joy which Religion ſuggeſts, and all ſincere Chriſtians bea… about them. And that this advice may take th… better effect, I ſhall particularlie ſhew what ſ… of thoſe grounds are, I mean, what reaſon you br… quietlie and comfortablie to entertain the ſharpeſt … penſations; and the ſerious conſideration of theſe, … the like reaſons, may by Gods bleſſing, prove an effect al means for the attaining this frame of Spirit, the being both engagements and helps thereto. It may ſee perhaps a needleſs labour to ſpend words upon th… Theme, which is ſo frequentlie and largelie handled i… many excellent Treatiſes wrote thereupon; upon which account indeed I ſhall be the briefer, though having this opportunitie, ſomething I was willing to ſay that might ſuit particularlie to the preſent occaſion. It may … appear unſeaſonable and ſuperfluous to adminiſter co… fort at this diſtance of time from the ſuffering: but y… we know the effects of it are ſtill preſent, perhaps d… p. 65…e encreaſing; and I wiſh that the ſorrows of thoſe who …eel them, do not anſwerablie continue and encreaſe, which is that I would prevent, or however do ſomething …o confirm and fortifie their minds who are alreadie ar…ived to any meaſure of peace and ſettlement; that they may ſee how reaſonable and becoming this their carriage is, and may now retain, and on all other the like occaſions, ſhew forth the ſame.

1. And to this purpoſe firſt, let me ſuggeſt what is moſt uſuallie inſiſted on by all that ſpeak of this Subject; namely, that you would conſider who is the Author ſurmiſſively at leaſt) of all the troubles that have com'n upon … even God himſelf. And let not the commonneſs of …ttuth make it of ever the leſs eſteem with you, but …ber the more it is inculcated, the deeper let it be impreſt upon your minds. Why ſhould it be of leſs efficacie now than in Davids daies, who when he was conſumed by the blow of Gods hand, yet opened not his mouth lecauſe be did it? Or in Eli's daies, who when he heard the …hreatnings de nounc't againſt his Familie, anſwered, It the Lord, let him do what ſeemeth him good? Or in Job's, no when he had loſt all, yet could calmlie ſay, The Lord …e, and the Lord hath taken away; bleſſed be the Name of the Lord. How effectuallie then may this allay all the diſturbances and tumults of your breaſt to remember, God had an hand in what hath befaln you? and dare your hearts riſe againſt the operations of his hand? Whether you conſider your ſelves more generallie related to God as his creatures, or more nearlie, as his people in Covenant with him through Chriſt, you will find your ſelves under ſtrong and forcible obligations to this duty of ſubmiſſion upon many accounts.

Is not God your Maker, he who gave you a being, and hath preſerved thitherto? Is he not then the moſt proper and abſolute owner both of you and all that you p. 66have? And ſhall he not then do with you what he pleaſe without your murmuring or contradiction? We that are now walking upon this earth who a few daies ſince were nothing; that were brought upon this Stage of life and action, by the will and power of a Being infinitelie above us, without any contrivance of our own; had we any libertie or capacitie of indenting with our Maker, that we would not come into the world except on certain terms, and on condition of ſuch and ſuch uſage there? The pot when it is turning on the wheel, might as well compound with the Potter of what form, and for what uſe it ſhould be made. Fit then it is that we ſhould be a his finding and ordering, whoſe workmanſhip we are that we ſhould as entirelie render up our ſelves to … will, as we proceeded from it; not thinking wee are wrong'd if God diſpoſe of us or ours without asking out conſent, any more than when he made us. Can he wrong us who owes us nothing? who may without injuſtice turn us into the Grave, or ſentence us into our Primitive nothingneſs? If he may thus take away life it ſelf at his pleaſure, may he not do the ſame by all the comforter it? That he lent them for any time was meer bounties and is it injuſtice to withdraw them, or ſome part … them, when he ſees good? As the giving of life laies to obligation upon him to continue it, no more doth his beſtowing of any outward mercies. If you had once reliev'd a man in want, that does not binde you to do ſo alwaies: Or if you had freelie lent your friend an hundred pound for one year, you are not thereby engag'd to let him have it for ten or twentie, or to give it hi… out-right. And do you think to plead preſcription for any of theſe enjoyments which were graciouſlie lent you by their owner, for ſo long as he ſhould think fit. Rather methinks, you ſhould diſmiſs them with thankfulneſs for having had them ſo long, and that any thing is yet reſerv'd p. 67you. We uſe not to account them either honeſt or good-natur'd, who are as angry with their friends when they call for what was lent, as if they came to rob them. You cannot think ſure, that when God put his giſts into your hands, he made them ſo abſolutelie yours, that he paſt away his own right thereto, or his power to recall them. God charges it indeed upon the Jews, Hoſ. 2.8. That they knew not that he gave them their corn, wine and oil, and multiplied their ſilver and gold; which they manifeſted by ſerving idols therewith, as they are there accus'd. And I wiſh this wilful ignorance was not ſtill common in the world, and the ſame evidence given of it, by …ens ſerving their pride and luxurie with thoſe good …ings which were allow'd to other purpoſes. Such, I …nfeſs, whoſe dependance is very little upon God for any thing they expect or need, who are not wont to look to heaven for earthlie things, (though for faſhion ſake they may uſe to ſay, Give us this day our daily bread) but plac't their chief confidence in their own ſubtil projects and undertakings; ſuch as theſe do little apprehend …ow their Eſtates are the Gift of God, but regard them other as the meer fruits of their own wit or induſtry; and therefore think their proprietie in them ſo abſolute, that they are readie to accuſe God himſelf if he take them away, as if he dealt injuriouſlie with them. But you who believe that it is in vain to riſe earlie and ſit up late, without God give a bleſſing to your diligence, and have accordinglie had a chief reſpet to his Providence in all your waies, and received all your mercies as from his hand, will be far enough, I hope, from ſuch groſs miſtakes. If you ſhould ſend your Son or Servant as Fact or beyond Sea, and maintain him there, and furniſh him with money for Trading, you would claim a right to the encreaſe he ſhould make of your Stock, and would take it for a ſorrie argument, if he p. 68ſhould keep it back, and tell you, it had now been ſo long in his hands, that it was not lawful for you to take it out. By this Rule the Steward might detain his Lords money, if poſſeſſion conferr'd a right. And much leſs reaſon have you to imagine, that what you may for ſome while poſſeſs, is thereby alienated from him whoſe is the earth and the fulneſs thereof. 'Twas he who made that earth, and all thoſe creatures, by the having of which men reckon themſelves rich, and whilſt they paſt from the hands of one to another, they are nevertheleſs his; and therefore are men entruſted with what meaſure of them, and for what time he pleaſeth, that they may improve them to his glorie, and when he pleaſ… he calls them in. And thus in the nineth verſe of … Chapter God threatens thoſe inconſiderate, unthank… ones, to ſtrip them of thoſe his mercies which they … bus'd. Therefore (ſaith he) will I return and take away … corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the ſeaſon thereof, and will recover my wooll and my flax, given to cover her … kedneſs. And ſhall not God have libertie to do what … will with his own? You that are Tenants at will, your Landlord had warn'd you out of his houſe, wo… have prepar'd to be gone without contending? Or if … ſome reaſons which he might not tell you of, he ſhould have pluckt it down, you would ſcarce have thought your ſelves concern'd to quarrel with him for ſo doing; ſince it was his own, who could hinder him? And will you not be as ſubmiſſive to God whilſt he executes his righteous pleaſure? Your money, goods and houſes were all his, more than yours who own'd them, or rather who had the keeping of them. Men indeed might no violate the right you had to them, but in oppoſition to God you had none; why then might he not burn then up, or diſpoſe of them, as pleas'd him beſt? Even th… earth, which for a while he hath given to the Sons … p. 69Men, to travel over it to Eternitie, he will ere long caſt into flames, without doing any injurie, I hope, to the then Inhabitants of it: though one may perhaps cry out for his houſe, another for his Land, or his Plate and Jewels; which outcries, be they never ſo loud, are like to have no more regard than they have reaſon? And why may not God now deal with any part of this earth, as ſhortlie he will with the whole? And why may not we he as contented that he ſhould? The ſame reaſon will alſo hold for our ſubmiſſion to Gods Providence, when he ſhall remove our Relations, our health, life, libertie, or any the like comfort, over all which his Dominion is …ſolute, and therefore his diſpoſal ought to be acceptable. I might alſo farther ſhew how the wiſdome, …oodneſs, and other Attributes of God, engage us to the ſame dutie, but I am afraid of being tedious, and may have occaſion to mention them hereafter.

But beſide theſe reaſons drawn from your common relation to God as your Creator and Soveraign Lord, you that are his peculiar people, to whom he is become a re…ciled Father in his Son, may eaſilie diſcern many …ther engagements you lie under, patientlie to bear all …e allotments of his Providence; but chieſlie let me bring to your remembrance the tenour of that Covenant whereinto you were entred with God, when you ſolemnlie gave up your ſelves to him, and engaged to take him for your God. Did you herein capitulate with him for your uſage on earth in any abſolute way, that he ſhould maintain you in health, wealth, and worldlie proſperitie? Did you liſt your ſelves into his ſervice on…ie on condition of being paid ſuch and ſuch wages, and living at ſuch an eaſie delicate rate? Surelie a Chriſtian at his New-Birth durſt no more do thus, than man at his Creation was able to do it. Nay, did you not engage to the quite contrarie, that you would not in any thing be p. 70your own chuſers, but leave your ſelves and all your concernments to Gods diſpoſing? how elſe could you take him for God, and your God? which, beſide other things, implies your acknowledgement of that Authoritie he hath over man in general, and your reſolution for your own part to ſubmit to it. And do you not contradict this when you would be your own Maſters, and find fault with any of his proceedings? For you have not onlie bound your ſelves to a ſincere endeavour to do what is enjoyned you, but alſo to be content with whatever ſhall be done with you. All the inſtances of the Divine Will, whether erpreſt in his Commands, or in his Providences, you are therefore to imbrace and acquieſce in. And when you covenanted to do thus, I queſtion not but you were … poſſeſt with the apprehenſions of Gods Soveraigntie all ſufficiencie, and gracious merciful nature, that you believed you could no better way conſult for your ſelver and the ſafetie of your affairs, than by putting all into his hands: And have you any reaſon to repent of your courſe, and change theſe apprehenſions? May it not fill adminiſter full ground of ſecuritie to conſider thoſe glorious Attributes of God, and the nearneſs of his Relation to you? Shall not this even endear and make well come what in ſelf ſeems rough and harſh, that it comes from the hand of a loving and good God? We find how our bleſſed Lord made uſe of this conſideration, The Cup which my Father hath given me, ſhall I not drink it … Shall Children take any thing amiſs from their render and indulgent Parents? Have they the leaſt reaſon to fear that they will contrive their miſchief? Earthlie Parents indeed may through their indiſcretion and exceſſive fondneſs bring ruine upon their Children, whilſt they are ftudying how to do them good, or through their weakneſs may nor be able to keep it off them: But how vain and unreaſonable are theſe fears in you, that have the infinitelie p. 71wife and Almightie God for your Father? Can you imagine that ever his Providence ſhould do you hurt? Certainlie if you harbour any ſuch falſe and unworthie conceit, it proceeds from ſome groſs miſtake of your own intereſt, and the nature of things. And this leads me to a ſecond conſideration, which I deſire you to weigh ſeriouſlie and impartiallie, and not let ſenſe, and carnal reaſon, and the common Opinions of an inconfiderate maltitude, ſway with you againſt the greateſt and moſt apparent truth.

2. Namelie, That if we ſpeak diſtinctlie and properlie, You have received little or no hurt by all thoſe ſeemingly …ad things that have befallen you: By your ſufferings in hemſelves you are not worſted, nor are the poorer for he loſſes that you have ſuſtained. 'Tis probable, this may at the firſt ſight ſeem a very great Paradox, and a flouriſh of Rhetorick, too weak to perſwade or ſatisfie thoſe who can fetch demonſtrations from their ſight and feeling to the contrarie: For them that a while ſince had houſes, and ſhops well furniſht, quick trading, good …edit and money at command, now to have emptie pur…, little reſpect, and perhaps ſcarce a place to put their leads in: Is there no hurt in all this? This is hard to be apprehended by thoſe that have met with ſuch a change. But if, notwithſtanding the ſtrangeneſs of this Aſſertion, I ſhall evinee it to be undoubtedlie true, I hope you will, laying aſide all prejudice, entertain and improve it according to its uſefulneſs and importance. Why ſhould it not be as welcome ridings to you to hear, that you have received no damage (or none that's conſiderable) if it prove true, as it would be to hear how you might recover what's loſt, in a way that would ſatisfie ſenſe it ſelf? And if you be once convinc't that no hurt is done you by the hand of God, I hope you will eaſilie be perſwaded not to complain of it: And I muſt confeſs, except p. 72you are in ſome meaſure convinc't of this, I cannot well ſee what it is ſhould keep you from complaining, … a diſpoſition to it. All that is ſaid of Gods Dominion o… ver his creatures, and his right and power to do with them what he pleaſe, may make men underſtand that it is to no purpoſe to reſiſt a will and ſtrength ſo much above their own, but will not be ſufficient to beget in them an hearty ſubmiſſion to it, nor will bring them to think well of God, and take any complacencie in him when-ever he ſhall make them ſmart, whilſt they have a conceit that hereby he ruines and undoes them: Nay, perhaps it may encreaſe both their rage and torment, to conſider how impoſſible it is for them to help themſelves But ſuch, as upon right apprehenſions of the true happen neſs of Man, ſee plainlie that no aſſlictive Diſpenſations do prejudice or impair it, they and they onlie wi… be enabled to receive them without quarrelling and …epining at the Author: And that upon this account you may be poſſeſt of ſo good a temper, (which is that I am now perſwading you to) it will be needful to repreſent what thoſe right apprehenſions are which are here of … great neceſſitie and uſe. For when we call to mind what it is that is the chief and only good of man, we ſhall th… better underſtand what is hurtful to him. Now in one word, mans happineſs conſiſts in his conformitie to God, or in his Communion with him; (which ſeems the ſame thing, or a neceſſarie conſequence of it) that is to ſay, in his being made as like to God in all imitable perfections as his Nature is capable; in framing all his motions, and guiding his actions by thoſe rules which God hath preſcribed; and in reaching to that knowledge, love and enjoyment of God, for which his reaſonable faculties were given him, and are ſuited. This is the proper formal happineſs of Humane Nature, which is begun on earth, perfected and compleated in heaven: Here is p. 73in the bud, and is call'd Grace; hereafter it is in the lower and fruit, and is call'd Glory. I ſpeak to Chritians who believe they have immortal Souls, and that all is true which Scripture ſpeaks concerning them, and …herefore the ſuppoſition of your Faith, may well excuſe mee from any laborious proof of a Truth ſo fundamental to Religion, and ſo plainlie revealed in Gods …olie Word.

If God be the moſt perfect Being, then to reſemble him is our greateſt Perfection: If his wiſdome, power, and benignity be ſuch, that he created man in an happy ſtate, ſet him upon, and deſign'd him for a bleſſed em…iment and end; then to comply with his will, living … that manner, and to that purpoſe for which we were reated, is our greateſt intereſt: And if God be the beſt … Beings, then to have our ſouls fitted for, and rais'd to the fruition of him, is our higheſt felicity. From this it was we fell by ſin, and to this it is the Office and de…ig… of Chriſt the Redeemer, and the work of his Spirit, … recover and reſtore us. The intent of his undertaing, was not to purchaſe for us riches, eaſe, or honours, … to repair our decaied natures, and renew us after the …age of God, which we had defac'd, and ſo to qualifie us for, and bring us into his ſervice and favour. Only it is to be conſidered, that whil'ſt man is in this earthly ſtate, emploid in the ſervice of his maker, and getting fitter for the higher glory, he hath a body that ſtands in need of outward ſupport and comforts; as food and raiment, houſe and lodging, and ſuch like conveniencies: but yet his happineſs, which is that I before mentioned, depends not upon his continuance in this body, nor upon its proſperity whil'ſt he is in it: Let what will befall the body, our caſe is good whil'ſt the ſoul proſpers, and is conſtant and regular in thoſe duties that are proper to the preſent ſtate. Nay further, riches, health, p. 74and all manner of bodily accommodations, are no farther to be reckoned good for a man, than as they help on his higher ſpiritual good, as by them we are ſupported whil'ſt wee are ſerving God, and as wee emploie them to his Glorie, by putting them to thoſe ſeveral good uſes which he hath appointed us. By this time, I hope, you apprehend what it is I drive at, namelie, to manifeſt how inconſiderable your loſſes are, that you may value them accordinglie. You ſee of what nature, and in what rank thoſe things are which you have parted with, at what a great diſtance they ſtand from your happineſs, and how little reference they have thereto: And that whether you conſider your happineſs as now begun, or as you are in the way to it hereafter to be enjoied. If even here on earth, the good man who lives in the fear and love of his Maker, bee the only happie man, what then are you the unhappier for having loſt ſome, yet, ſuppoſe it were all of thoſe worldly things you poſſeſt? And what reaſon have you to complain or grieve? what, I hope, you have loſt nothing of God, nor the Graces of his Spirit, wherewith you were inricht; nothing of y… Spiritual wiſdome and affections, of your faith, and love, and zeal for his Glorie: Theſe Goods, I hope, are … burnt. It was not ſure in the power of the flames, as raging as they were, to reach to your ſouls, and burn up their furniture: That which was Gods building within you is not conſum'd, nor his image upon you defac't. And if your choiſeſt treaſures, the having of which can alone enrich you, be ſav'd, may you not with much eaſe let go your lumber, of a far leſs value? Are you not ſtill as holie, humble, and heavenlie as ever you were? And if ſo, I dare affirm it, you are never the worſe for all your loſſes. What a wretched creature elſe would you make man, if his happineſs hung as looſe about him, as he riches and all external things do? This would ſeem to p. 75blemiſh the Divine Providence, as if he had put the affairs of man, the nobleſt of all inferiour Beings, into no better a ſtate than of a Bruit, nay, worſe by far: For as his earthly enjoiments are of a much greater extent, ſo would he be more obnoxious to hurts and dangers. 'Tis peculiar to him to be concern'd for an eſtate, for reputation, for Wives and Children, &c. and if to be depriv'd of theſe would undo him, then the waves might ſwallow up his happineſs, and Thieves rob him of it, fire, and many other accidents conſume it. The ſlanderer might blaſt it, ſickneſs prey upon it, and the grave burie it; and which ſeems worſe than all the reſt, our lives would be a continual torment, upon apprehenſion of the uncer…intie of theſe things, and through the fore-thoughts and …ars of being ſtript of them, when as a Bruit is free from theſe fears, and from moſt of the evils that occaſion them: Moreover, men would hence bee drawn to think, that the bleſſed God hath dealt enviouſlie and ſparinglie with his creatures, in that neither all, nor the moſt are capable of riſing to be happie, if it conſiſt in wealth, honors and the like: Wherefore, they to whom they were never given, or from whom they are at any time taken, wil be en…n'd to hard and evil thoughts of God, whoſe Providence …us orders the courſe of things. But bleſſed be our heaven…ie Father, he hath dealt more bounteouſlie with us than ſo, and hath not caſt us into any ſuch neceſſitie of being miſerable, through diſcontentedneſs with our portion and reluctancie againſt his will; but hath made our happineſs of that nature, that whoever is trulie willing may reach to it, and none can he depriv'd of it againſt his will; which is a priviledge wherein no creature on earth, beſide man, is a ſharer. 'Tis nothing elſe but wickedneſs, which is alwaies a wilful thing, that can poſſibly hurt us. All afflictions be they never ſo ſharp, do but race our skin, not pierce our ſouls. They do but at the p. 76moſt break the Cabinet, the Jewel is ſafe and whole? When as the effects of ſin are like thoſe of lightning, ſecret, but moſt certainly pernicious, melting the Sword, whil'ſt the Scabbard's untoucht, breaking the bone, whilſt the fleſh is unchang'd, thus doth it deſtroy the ſoul, whilſt the body ſeems to remain in good plight. Every creature hath ſome ſuch perfections proper to its own nature, that the having thereof cauſeth them to be reputed good, as being agreeable to their own kinde, and fit for that uſe they are deſign'd to. Thus the Horſe that hath ſtrength or ſwiftneſs, fitting him for the ſervice hee is put to, is a good Horſe; and though ſometimes he may be ſet out with a fine Saddle, and gaudy Trappings, … he's never the worſe, if conſidered as an Horſe, w… theſe are taken off him: And no more is a man for … loſs of any external things which belong to him, ſinc… is not in theſe that his excellencie, as hee is a man, conſiſts, nor was that the end of his Creation, that he might enjoy them. What, does it add any thing to his real proper worth, to be cloath'd in gorgeous and coſtly array, or to have ſtore of monie lying in his cheſts, or to live … brave houſe, with a deal of pomp and attendance, faith deliciouſlie everie day, having high titles and hon… confer'd upon him? What's all this to the worth of … man? Theſe tell what he has, not what he is. His clothes and his houſe, and monie may bee good, whil'ſt hee himſelf is ſtark naught. Such things as theſe, which are here to day, and gone to morrow, and are of ſo little reference to him whil'ſt they ſtay, can they better or advance him? without queſtion they cannot. For ſhall wee not finde thoſe who abounded with them, having nothing elſe to commend them, term'd no better, in the language of Scripture, than Dogs and Swine, ſuch to who… the ſocietie and portion of Devils is threatned and allotted? When as holy men, though deſtitute of all the p. 77ornaments, by the ſentence of God himſelf, who beſt knows the worth of his creatures, are ſtiled happy, honourable, bleſſed, and the only excellent ones upon earth. And if Holineſs be the peculiar excellency of the reaſonable creature, then the loſs of this only is his ruine; as your horſe or any other beaſt, is then ſpoiled when he hath loſt his ability for ſervice; and as the loſs of limbs or life is the deſtruction of the body: Even thus doth ſin, where it hath its full force and operation, wound and murder the ſoul ſo far as it's capable of dying: For the death of the Soul, is its final departure from God, and it's en…itie againſt him, which is far worſe than any other death or annihilation that can befall it, as wee may un…rſtand even by the body it ſelf, for which to draw out life upon the wrack, or in any ſuch like torments, is worſe than to be ſlain out-right; and that miſerable life may moſt properlie be call'd a lingring death, according to the ſaying, vita non eſt vivere ſed valere. But it is no croſſes nor loſſes, nor any thing that lights upon what is without the ſoul that can inflict this miſerie upon it; nothing, I ſay, but its voluntary declining from that holy ſtate, wherein God would have it live, to the ſordid …uitiſh waies of wickedneſs. May we not fitly allude to be words of Chriſt, concerning that which defiles the man. Mark 7.15. There is nothing from without a man, that enring into him, can defile him: but the things which come out of him, thoſe are they which defile the man. And moſt demonſtrative is the reaſon there given, verſ. 19. Becauſe what he receives from without, entreth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats. So neither can affliction endamage the ſoul, ſince it enters not into it, but falls upon ſome external thing, and ſo ſlides away. But thoſe evil things which come from within, ſuch as are inſtanc't in verſe 21, 22. Evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetouſneſs, p. 78theſe defile the man: And theſe are the thing which deſtroy him; for the defilement of the ſoul is … deſtruction. Take it, Sirs, for a moſt unqueſtionable truth, that to have an exceſſive love for worldly things, … much more hurtful than not to have the things themſelves; to burn in ſuch inordinate affections to them is worſe for you by far, than to have them all burnt up… for this latter is but like the firing of ſome poor Cottage… and out-buildings, which in time of war is oft done, o… purpoſe for the defence and ſafety of the fortified City, when as the former is like a fire which the Enemy hath kindled in the very he art of the City it ſelf.