New-England Pleaded With, Text (1 of 2)

New-England Pleaded With · Text (1 of 2)

p. 1DEUTERONOMIE 32.29.

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.

BLessed Moses that Renowned Servant of the Lord, and King in Ieshurun (having served his own Generation by the Will of God, and performed his high and honourable Undertaking in Leading and conducting that untractable & rebellious People of Israel to the borders of Canaan, and after many Temptations and Exercises in the Wast and Howling Desart, brought them to a fair view, and near prospect of that long promised and much desired Land) was just now ready to deliver up his trust, and resigne the weighty charge of that great Congregation unto Ioshua, his servant and successor, on whom it was devolved by the immediate order and disposal of the Lord. You have in this Chapter his foreign His Swan like Song, or his Farewell Sermon (as I may not ineptly call it) dictated to him by the Spirit of God, and delivered by him to that people at his departure from them into another World: And it is a very precious and a stately portion of Scripture. The Hebrews say of this Song of Moses, that it is a Summary of the whole Law, wherein mention is made of Gods Magnificence, the Creation of the World, the One true God that is to be Worshipped, t… Generation of the Flood, the Division of Languages and Lands, the E… ction and Separation of the Children of Israel for the peculiar Treasure … Inheritance of the Lord, the benefits conferred upon them in the Wild… ness, the future Resurrection of the dead, with many other things of gr… importance and concernment. You may well call it a Song of Degre… (as David doth some of his Psalme) in respect of the superlative excellency of it: It is certainly a Prophetical Song, wherein we have a prediction, or Prophetical Declaration of what the Lord, the God of their Fathers, would do for that people of Israel in that good Land of Canaan; and of the manner of their demeanour and deportment of themselves there. Moses by the spirit of Prophesie gives us in this Chapter, as in a true Glas… the feature of that People, as it look'd in after-times. He begins the … with a Rhetorical & pathetical Apostrophe, wherein there is a most … p. 2and weighty contestation or appeal to Heaven and Earth, importing the deafness and stupidity of his hearers (that he had as good apply his speech to sensless and inanimate Creatures as to them) and the great concernment of what he had to speak, as fit and worthy that Heaven and Earth and all the World should hearken to it. After his Exordium, Proem or Preface, wherein he labours to procure Benevolence, Attention and Docility: You have,

1. A Narrative, wherein he commemorates the great benefits which had been, and were to be conferred on that people, from ver. 4. to 15. The Lord took special care in the first division of the habitable parts of the World, that there might be an Inheritance laid out for the Children of Israel, and assigned the Land of Canaan to them, ver. 8. He singled them out for his peculiar people, ver. 9. he conducted them graciously in the Wilderness, ver. 10. and afforded them not only safe conduct in the way, but also wholsome Instructions in his Laws and Commandments, ibid. He granted them protection from the many dangers they were exposed unto, and was as tender and careful of them as a man is of the Apple of his Eye, or the Eagle of her young ones, ver. 10, 11. He made comfortable provision for them in their Journey, introduced them into that Land flowing with Milk and Honey, confirmed and settled them in Possession and Fruition of the good things of it, ver. 13, 14. Moses mentions and records in this Song (which was appointed of the Lord to be written and taught the Children of Israel, that it might be a Song of Witness for the Lord against them, Deut. 31.19.) these and other loving kindnesses of the Lord.

2. A Prediction of the Apostacy; Idolatry and horrible Ingratitude of …rael, from v. r. 15. to 19. They would be so far from rendring again unto the Lord according to the benefits done unto them in that good Land, that … would requite him evil for good, and load him with their sins, [Amos … ] as he loaded them with his benefits. All those Cords of a Man … Bands of Love with which the Lord drew them to himself, would not hold them or bind them fast unto him: but they quickly snapt all a…nder, and broke loose from all engagements, and rushed on prodigiously and desperately in wayes of Provocation and Rebellion.

3. A severe Commination of deserved Chastisements and Punishments, from ver. 19, to 36.

4. A Word of Consolation Administred unto them: from ver. 36, to …. When they should have sinned themselves into a deplorable condition, so that all Humane helps and hopes failed, and their case in appearance p. 3and to the eye of reason was desperate: God would then awake and arise and plead their cause against insolent and injurious Adversaries, and glorifie himself in their deliverance. He would certainly preserve alive an Holy Seed, a Remnant in the worst times, and shew himself faithful and bountiful, even to an undeserving people▪

5. The Conclusion of the song, wherein he predicts the multiplication of the Church, and enlargment of the Kingdom of Christ, and exhorts the remnant of Israel to praise God for their deliverance from their Babylonian Captivity; and the pious converted Gentiles for the vengeance executed upon the Mystical Babylon, that had detained them in spiritual bondage; and especially for the expiation of their sins by Jesus Christ which is by many Expositors, wise, and judicious, apprehended to be the sense and importance of the 43. verse.

Now in that part of the song which is Comminatory, and includes my Text, the Lord acquaints them by the hand of Mos…s with those dreadfull and almost unparalel'd judgments and calamities (Temporal as well as Spiritual▪ that should be inflicted and executed on the account of their intollerable Provocations: yet not to … and universal destruction and desol…ion. Though their sins were …ch as deserved utter extirpation and ruine, and their provocations so greivous and unsufferable that the Lord was ready to resolve to dissipate and blow them away, and make the remembrance of them to cease from among men, ver. 26. yet the clemency and goodness and moderation of the Lord's anger in the execution of his threatnings should appear in the preservation of a remnant the impulsive cause whereof is intimated to be the consideration of the Wrath and Insolence of the Adve…sary, and the Dishon… that woul…d redou… ▪ to the Name of God thereby, ver. 27. which is …mplified by the Antithesis of the Impulsive cause that might have moved him to destroy t…em utterly, ver. 28. God renders the reason of his severe proceedings against them, why he heaped so many mischiefs and spent so many Arrows upon them, ver. 23. and was almost ready to blot out the Name and Memory of that People; namely this, Because their folly was Incureable. For he doth not only signifie in those words, that they did inconsiderately rush forward in wayes of sin, and precipitate themselves into misery, because they wanted the actual exerc…se of judgement and sound reason: but that they acted at such a rate, as if there were not the least Drop or Dram of spiritual Wisdome in their hearts, nor a possibility in the course of ordinary means of …educing them ad sanam mentem, as judicious Calvin observes upon the place. Thereupon we have in the Words read, a Pathetical Exclamation p. 4wherein the Lord (after the manner of men) passionately expresseth his desire that they would he spiritually wise to consider what would become of them, if they held on their course of sinning against the Lord: what would be the sad end and issue of their Rebellions against the God of their mercies. I know indeed that some understand these words, ver. 28, 29. as spoken of the Enemies of Israel. As if the Lord had said: If they were wise in deed, they would not say our hand is high and the Lord hath not done all this as ver. 27. nor attribute and ascribe their prosperous and victorious proceedings, and the destructions they bad brought upon Israel to their Own prowess and policy, but would easily understand that God had delivered up his People to misery and destruction for their sins. Yea, and they would consider also their own latter end, that is, what end remaineth for themselves also, even the like d…struction for their great Abominations impenitently persisted in. But we have no reason to recede from the received common Interpretation of the Words, or question their immediate Application to the People of Israel. The Words are plainly spoken of Israel, the peculiar People of God, in a condition of great degeneracy ▪ wherein the Lord intimates and expresseth.

1. The g…ound and occasion of that Misery and Ruine that was comeing upon them, namely, their want of Counsel and Understanding, ver. 28. The misery that befel them at several seasons in these and those Generations was not either undeserved or accidental: but as the hand of God inflicted it in a way of just severity, so their incurable Folly and Unreasonableness was the meritorious cause that brought it upon them.

2. The Cure, the Help, the only Remedy, or rather, that which would have saved them and secured th…ir Nation, with all the concernments of it from those Ruines, and prev…ed such a sad issue and calamitous event, namely, Wisdome, ver. 29. which is in the words of the Text, amplified from the Act and Object thereof.

First, The Act of this Wisdome: and that is double,

1. To Understand. Oh that they were wise, that they understood this. The Word so translated signifies also to prosper, and to make prosperous: because though men of Understanding are not alwayes, yet they are ordinarily prosperous, their counsels and actions are usually attended and wai…ed on with success. The Word therefore may import a prosperous, …ccessful, right und…rstanding of things. Yet it signifies an acute and …ubtle and accurate understanding, with an intense and industrious exerci…e of the m…nd, and is contrary to a word [Chasal or Sachal] that signifies incognitancy, or idle levity in the managing of things as Pagwine p. 5observes. And considering the Conjugation wherein it is used, it signifies, to make (that is, to make themselves) to understand. Gods donation of this wisdome and understanding excludes not, but supposes our endeavours to acquire it.

2. To Consider: The Original word hath Affinity with Banah (is Avenarius notes) which signifies to build. A man of consideration must be like a wise Architect that disposes in his minde, contrives, concer…s, models, frames and casts the several parts of his Fabrick or building. To consider is to cast, and conceive, and get the model or idea, the Platform (as it were) of this or that Object in our minds. And it notes a judicious, fixed or abiding dijudication of things.

Secondly, The Object of this Wisdome, Understanding and Consideration: and that is, their latter End. End in this place noteth not the final cause (as when we say, the last end of man is to glorifie God) but the exitus, the term, the issue, the upshot, the event and the conclusion of those sinful wayes they were engaged in. As when it is said the end of some way that seemeth right unto a man (are the wayes of death: and the end of some mirth is heaviness, Prov. 14.12, 13. the wisdome of that people should have exprest it self in understanding and considering the latter end of their wayes. Not so much finis operantis, the end intended by themselves; as sinis operis, the end of their wayes and doings, the scope, and tendency, and issue of their evil and unworthy deportment… should have been considered by them.

I shall only adde, that the form of this expression in the Text is optative; O that they were wise, &c. we meet with the like form of speech, and mode of expression attributed to God in other places of Scripture. As Psal. 81.13. O that my People had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my wayes, and Isai. 48.18. O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandments, &c. the like occurs in other places. There is indeed some difficulty in it; For you will say,

Obj. How can the Lord be said to wish this? He could have made them wise, and understanding, and considering men and women, if it had been his good will and pleasure. How can wishing and woulding be attributed to God in respect of those things which are never accomplished? How can such a …elleity be ascribed to God without the impeachment of his wisdome, and power, and constancy, and blessedness.

Ans. This and the like expressions are spoken of God foreign after the manner of men, and must be understood foreign in a p. 6manner becoming the glorious Nature and Being of God. It is manifestly an expression borrowed from the manner of men, lamenting the rashness, the folly, the inconsiderateness of their Children, and their want of understanding, their wayes and the issue of them. And yet we must understand, and take it up in a manner becoming and comporting with the perfect nature of the blessed God. The Lord doth not really and properly carry himself, as a Father that stands wringing his hands over a prodigal Son, and saith, O that thou wouldst be wise, that thou wouldst understand thy self, that thou wouldst consider what these prodigal courses will come to at last, what will be the end of thy Drunkenness, thy Laciviousness, thy Company keeping, thy great Idleness, and vain expence of precious Time, Estate and Strength in this manner! O that th…u wouldst bethink thy self and consider what will be the issue of these lewd wayes and courses! the poor afflicted Father may wish and desire it, but hath not power to give such an heart: but God alone can do it. If the Lord had willed properly with the will of purpose, or decreed that Israel should be wise to understand and consider their latter end, be both could and would have conferred upon them that wisdome, and prudent consideration of it, and that without any impeachment of or de…iment to the liberty of their wills. It is at first sight a strange expression which we meet with, Deut. ….29. O that there w…re such an heart in them, that they would fear me, &c. In the Original it is (word for word) Who vvill give that their heart may … such in them. as Mr. Ains…orth reads it. Why doth God need to ask the question: who will give them such an heart? He knows that none but himself can give such an heart, and that he can effectually give it: and he knows whether he hath determined to give it or not. And therefore the expression must be understood after the manner of men. It is evident to any under standing man, that these things cannot be spoken of God properly and rigorously (as the Arminians absurdly strain them) salva Ma…tate Divina. But we must say, cum toto Th…ologorum Choro (as judicious Am…s speaks) that God in such forms of speech, that he may commodiously treat with man, doth induere se homine, put on Man (as it were) or vest himself in the condition and properties of man, and propose his counsels to us in such a way wherein we may best apprehend them, and they may be most familiarized to us. The Lord in his Scripture treaties with the Sons of men, very frequently applies himself to them in such a form or mode of expression as is best suited and accommodated to their understandings, because most familiar to them, and that which they are well accustomed unto. The great God in this querimonious form of speaking p. 7resembles himself to a Father (the Father of Spirits imitates and likens himself vntounto one of the Fathers of our Flesh, as the Apostle phraseth it, Heb. 12.9.) mournfully complaining of the folly of his Prodigal Son running out to excess of riot, and not considering what the end of such vicious & ri…ous courses will be. And yet it doth not argue, nor may we imagine, that God was willing, but unable to give his people of Israel this grace and wisdome without impeachment of the Creatures native liberty, or any violation of order setled and prefixed by himself. God doth not do and undo, and thereby contradict and deny hims…lf: He doth not Decree not to confer this wisdome, and then wish there had been no such Decree to hinder the communication of that wisdome; He doth not give the Rational Creature such an absolute and uncontrolable liberty of will, that he cannot bend and encline their wills to what he will, and then repent, and wish that he had otherwise constituted the frame of their Rational Faculties: But if you d…vest the expression of that Anthropopathy that is in it, there are these and such like things imported therein.

1. A Graphical and Emphatical Expression of their want of wisdome and counsel, understanding and consideration. They were not spiritually wise, nor was it in their power to understand aright, or consider duely their latter end. Gods lamentation of their folly and inconsiderateness argues their lamentable condition in that respect.

2. That it was their duty to be so wise, as to understand and consider their latter end. Gods wishing this doth not necessarily import and argue the Creatures power, but their duty: not that they can of themselves, but that they ought to be thus wise. Their duty is hereby indigitated; that they ought to wish, and desire, and aspire after those things, which God (speaking after the manner of men) wisheth for them; and that it is their great fault if they neglect their duty herein.

3 That it is their interest and the wisest course they can fix upon wisely to mind and consider their latter end. It would be really good for themselves, and the best way to prevent misery and ruine. It would have been a very beneficial course, and turned to their great advantage.

4. It imports God▪ approbation of, and complacency in this wisdome and wise consideration. That it would have been a very pleasing thing to him, as things wished for by men are wont to be unto them: As it wou…d have proved their advantage and consolation; so, when God speaks so pathetically, he seems (as Mr. Caryl observes from a like Scripture) to include his own consolation in it, as well as theirs. Oh that the… vvere vvise, &c: as if he should say, as it would be good for them, so it would p. 8be highly contentful to me, and for my great satisfaction. It is acceptable to God and pleasing to him to see this wise consideration in a people so circumstanced as Israel was. It doth not argue that God was pleased to give them wisdome to understand and consider their latter end (for then what should have obstructed the communication of it?) but that it would have pleased God, if he had observed it in them: he would have liked and approved it as agreeable to his Will. The Lord would have greatly delighted in such a frame and practise of his Covenant-people, and abundantly rewarded it.

5. That the want of this was the great cause of their rushing on prodigiously in a course of sin into misery. The Lord sufficiently intimates thereby, that all the mischief among them was occasioned through the want of a wise and understanding consideration of the event of things: This would have prevented it.

6. That this is the first and good step towards the repentance and reformation of a degenerous, backsliding and rebellious People, to consider what they are doing, whither they are going, and what the end of their wayes will be at last.

7 The nature of the Word of God and the dispensation thereof is signified hereby, viz. that it doth instantly perswade men to get this wisdom and understanding and considering spirit, or wise consideration of the Event and Issue of their ways and doings. And that God will in the way of these moral means, (these pathetical … suited and accommodated to the manner of men) effectually … wisdom and serious consideration of their latter end in some … hearts, and that he doth eminently and virtuali quadam ratione (as the learned Ames expresseth it) will it as to other men, …atenus, or so farr forth as he commands and calls for it.

But I shall not detain you longer in the general Explication of the Text, or Solution of these or those Difficulties. The sum & result of all is; Israel was a People of many mercies and singular enjoyments (none like unto them) but withal of great provocations by their Apostacy, Idolatry, and other grievous miscarriages: and the Lord represents it here as their wisdome to consider rationally and judiciously what would be the sad and doleful issue thereof.

The Observation is plainly this: Doct. That it is the great wisdome of a People that have heen conducted by the Mighty Hand of God to a place of Rest and Liberty, and setled in the possession of singular Priviledges and enjoyments, to understand p. 9and consider, or understandingly to consider what will be the latter end of their sinful wayes, their unsuitable and unworthy deportments before the Lord.

The People of Israel were in Covenant with God, peculiarly favoured and accepted of him: And in pursuance of his Covenant engagements he had delivered them out of hard bondage, and carried them in his Arms to Canaan, a Land of rest, and liberty, and glorious enjoyments, where they quickly trespassed and rebelled grievously against him (according to the prediction of Moses in this Prophetical Song) and the Lord in the words of the Text plainly intimates it to be the wisdome of that People (and by parity of reason, of any other People that may be paralleld with them) at such a juncture, and in such a condition, to understand and consider (or to Consider with Consideration, as the Original hath it significantly, Ier. 23.20.) what will be the latter end of their sinful and rebellious wayes. The Lord tells, that People in the place but now mentioned, when he was about to bring a dreadful storm of wrath upon them, that in the latter dayes they should consider it perfectly. Surely then it would have been their great wisdome to consider it, in the former dayes, before the storm came, and the wrath of God arose against them, so that there was no remedy. Hence the Lord expostulates with the Iews, and calls them to a serious consideration of the end and issue of the general corruptions, and great evils found among them, Ier. 5.31. The Prophets proph…sie falsly, and the Priests bear rule by their means, and my People love to have it so: And what will ye do in the end thereof? when Prophets, Priests (or Princes) and People were so extreamly bad, so wo…ully corrupt and faulty, it was time for them to look about them, and consider what would become of them at last. It is the guise and character of a Fool, Prov. 17.24. to have his eyes in the ends of the Earth, gazing and wandring about, looking hither and thither, far enough from his own concernments: But it is an act of wisdome in any People, especially such a People as Israel; and the property of wise persons to have their eyes fixed upon the end of their wayes and walkings. The only Enquiry here will be,

Quest. What is it for a Person or People understandingly to consider the latter end of their wayes?

Ans. It implies evidently these Particulars:

1. To pass a right judgement upon it: to finde out and fix in their thoughts upon the true end and issue of their wayes according to the nature and tendency of them. To pitch upon it, and determine aright concerning it. For many men deceive themselves shamefully in this matter, p. 10many bold and presumptuous sinners (though they hear the words of the curse of the Law) do bless themselves in their hearts, saying they shall have peace, though they walk in the imagination of their hearts, to adde Drunkenness to thirst, Deut. 9.19 Though they walk not in Gods ways (which are wayes of pleasantness and peace) but in the crooked and destructive wayes of their own besotted foolish hearts, yet they promise themselves a good issue, and vainly imagine that they shall do well enough at last. Though they walk in the wayes of their hearts, and in the sight of their eyes, yet they think to hold up their Heads, and look the Lord Jesus with confidence in the Face, when God shall bring them into Judgement. As a Bird hasteth to the Snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life, Prov. 7.23. So many a rash, inconside…ate, deluded Sinner rusheth on headily in a course of Rebellion against God, and knows not that the end of it will be destruction. Such is sometimes the Blindness and Security, not only of particular persons, but of the Body of a People, that they cry peace and safety, and promise themselves Prosperity and a good Iss…e of those wayes that end in suddain and unavoidable Calamity. Understanding consideration in the case before us, importeth thus much, that a person or people syllogize well, and conclude aright concerning the end of their wayes and actions: that they do not foreign (as the Apostle speaks, Iam 1.22.) reason themselves into a mistake and …rrour or false conclusion about the end of their deportments towards the Lord, and put a fallacy upon their own Souls in this respect.

2. To revolve this in their minds, and to be frequently thinking of their latter end. To ponder it throughly, and to have their Souls, Judgements and Consciences much exercised with, interested and engaged in it. Consideration intends more then a transient thought, or suddain …itting apprehension. It imports a fixing, and dwelling upon this or that in our thoughts. Though sometimes the Object of consideration may be so plain and legible, that he that runs may read it; yet consideration is not a cursory work, or a running cogitation. It becomes a people (especialy such as are so circumstanced as Israel) to be much conversant in this work and duty. There must be a Fixing and staying of their minds upon this Subject: as it were a steeping and soaking of their thoughts in the daily meditation of their latter End Not only rolling or glancing▪ but fixing the eyes of the Understanding, and looking steadily upon it, is implied in this consideration. That a People do not trifle in it, but make a business of it. As David saith of his sin, that it was ever before him, Psal. 51.3. So may a truly considering man say of his latter end, that it is ever before him. p. 11Consideration keeps it within view and prospect, and will not suffer it to go out of sight and thoughts. There must be a disco…sus mentis, assuming to and fro (as the expression is, Dan. 12.4.) traversing of this, and rolling it over and over in the mindes of men, if there be eff…ct…l consideration.

3. It connotes sutable Affection of the heart. Though Consideration (if we speak accurately) is an act of the Understanding, yet it imports (in the Scripture dialect and use) sutable affection. It is not in the Text a bare speculation, or meer contemplation of the Latter end of their wayes that is intended by the Lord, but that which enwraps in it sutable actings of the Will and Affections, and hath a benig… or beneficial influence upon the Heart, or Will and Affections, to frame, and shape, and mould, and fashion them accordingly. And in this case, the End being miserable; to consider it, is to be sutably affected with it, so as to mourn for, hate and loath those wayes that will be bitterness in the end; to have a real aver… tion of them, to repent and turn from them, to relinquish and abandon them as destructive and pernicious; so to think, as that the minde may affect the heart, and consequently both minde and heart influence and regulate and reform the conversation: as David saith, I thought on my wayes, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies, Psal. 119 59. Serious consideration of the latter end of a mans sinful wayes, will have a converting influence upon his affections and conversation. This Consideration, if it be right, hath a kinde of imperious and commanding influence upon the hearts and lives of men.

Reas. 1. B…cause it is the great act of Wisdome to deduce, and regularly to inferre one thing from another. And so one of the Iewish Doctors saith, that foreign is when things are rationally collected from things, and one thing deduced from another. Sapience or Wisdome properly belongs to Syllogistical Iudgement, and is a virtue of the Understanding, whereby a man discerns the dependance of things, and how one follows upon another. To consider understandingly what will be the End of these or those wayes, imports in it a laying of things together in a Syllogistical way. Hence when men reason amiss, and conclude that which is not virtually contained in the Premises, or make wrong inferences, they are said to Paralogize themselves. Be ye doers of the word (saith the Apostle, Iam. 1 22.) and not hearers onelyonly, foreign. We are constant hearers of the Word, and waiters upon the Ordinances of God; therefore we are certainly in a good condition. The Apostle calls this a Paralogism, Sophistical Reasoning, and unsound Argumentation, wherewith many Professors are wont to cheat themselves. So, We are Abraham's children, a people in Covenant with God, and we have his Temple p. 12and Worship, and Ordinances among us: therefore though we indulge to sin, and do these and those abominations, yet God will dwell among us, and we shall do well enough. These are lying words, false inconsequential Inferences, and foolish Reasonings. But to syllogize aright concerning the End of these and those wayes, is an act of Wisdome indeed. This is the work of Conscience, when it relates to the Moral actions of a man, and the issue of them; and it belongs to Syllogistical Iudgement. This will follow upon that, this will be the certain Consequent of such an Antecedent; this will be the Conclusion resulting from those Premises. Wisdome lyes in the Rational Application of general Rules of Scripture to our selves and our own conditions, and in the induction of particulars, and due Reasoning from it: This hath been the End of such and such wayes, to these and those persons (witness Scripture and Experience) therefore will be so of mine also. The End is virtually in the way, as the Conclusion in the Premises. To consider and finde out this, and reason aright in this matter, is an act of great wisdome and judgement.

Reas. 2. Because it is the unquestionable duty of any people, especially such a people, to consider their latter End. What the Lord wisheth they might do, and would do, was their undoubted duty to do: and it is certainly the great wisdome of any person or people, to do their duty. There can be no greater wisdome then to conform to, and comply with every part of the revealed will of God. The Lord calls aloud upon that people of Israel again and again to consider their wayes, Haggai 1.5, 7. that is, the sad fruit and issue of them. Their building their own houses, and pursuing their private Interests and Advantages, with the shameful neglect of publick Temple-work, was attended and followed with a visible Blasting Curse of God upon their Labours and Enjoyments, and he commands them to consider it. It is the duty of a person or people, because God hath commanded it; and it is their wisdome to attend it, because what God commands is for their good; as Moses intimates to them, Deut. 19.1…. We cannot please God, but in a way of obedience and duty: now to please God is our wisdome and happiness. Men cannot walk before God in all good conscience, that want this understanding consideration of the End of their wayes. Conscience is the Iudgement of man concerning his state and actions, with reference, and as he is subject to the Law of God. It is the office of Conscience to review, and to make a recognition of a man's actions, to compare them with the Law of God, and to conclude upon the state of a man, and the event of his wayes and actions accordingly. This is the work, and office, and exercise of Conscience. To keep Conscience awake and at work in this manner p. 13is the duty, and the wisdome (because the duty) of God's Israel.

Reas. 3. Because it is their great Interest, a very beneficial and advantagious course, and makes very much for their well-being, understandingly to consider their wayes, and the latter End of them. This is the way for a people to do well for themselves, as it is the way for every particular person to do well for himself, as David speaks in another case, Psal. 49.18. They that are wise in this respect, are wise for themselves, as Solomon expresses it, Prov. 9.12. The great enquiry of any wise man, when he is about to lift up his hand to any Enterprize, and ready to engage in this or that business, will be, Cui bono? To what purpose? what benefit will redound and accrue thereby? Interest and Advantage is wont to lead men captive, and to influence them marvellously: and there is ordinarily no surer way to prevail with them, then by arguing ab Vtili, and demonstrating the advantagiousness and expediency of any course or duty. Hence the Lord, when he would reason his people into a Care and Conscience of universal obedience to his Commandments in general, argues from this Topick or Head of Argument, Vt tibi benè sit, That it may go well with thee, Deut. 4.40.—5.29.—6.3, 18.—12.28. So may I reason in this case from the profit and advantage of such a course of consideration. A person or people do consult their own good, and singular advantage in it. Hereby they may come to understand the signs of the Times, the want of which skill our Saviour taxeth severely, Matth. 16.2, 3. Men are usually wise to discern the signs of the Weather, and can probably conjecture when it will be fair, and when it will be foul Weather: but this is Wisdome indeed, to understand and discern the dispensations of God, in a way of Mercy or Iudgement, beforehand, and to know what God is doing, or about to do with them. As men can by the Aspect of the Sky prognosticate what Weather it will be: so they may be able to make a Iudgement of their condition, and what is like to become of them, by the Aspect of their own wayes and deportments towards the Lord. Hereby they may know what to expect from the Lord, whether Mercy or Judgement, according to the ordinary Rule and Tenour of Gods dispensations. Hereby they may be … to Repentance, and the casting away or turning from those iniquities and transgressions that are otherwise sure to be their Ruine, Ezek. 18.30, 31. Mark those steps. ver. 28. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Consideration makes way for Repentance and Conversion, and this for life and happiness. Serious consideration of the nature and End of our wayes, leads the way to Repentance and Reformation. Hereby p. 14they may be quickned and helped to meet God, when he is coming forth in the way of his Iudgements, in a way of Humiliation and Supplication, Amos 4.12. and to wait for him in the way of his Iudgements, Isa. 26.8. And if there be any way to avert the Judgements of God, this is it. Hereby they may know how to order their Prayers, and get into the gap, and prevent the Judgements of God that are in their way towards them, and obviate them. And it is of singular use to Magistrates, Ministers, Governours of these and those Societies, that have Power and Interest, and are in a capacity to lead on in a way of Reformation, and to command those that are under them to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18.19. Hereby they will come to see the Justice of God in his severest Corrections, and learn to justifie him in all his proceedings, and accept the punishment of their iniquities, and bear the indignation of the Lord, because they have sinned against him. When they consider aright the scope and ten…ency, the inequality and demerit of their own wayes, they will readily apprehend the Justice and Equitableness of God's hand, in bringing a miserable End upon them. So that it is the great Interest, and therefore Wisdome of a people (in these and other respects) to consider their latter end. I shall onelyonly adde for a close h…e, That the Reasons given, as they demonstrate it to be the wisdome of any people in general to consider their latter End; so they may be argued à Fortiori, as to a people circumstanced as Israel was: Because they are peculiarly advantaged for the Indagation or Discovery of the End and Issue of their wayes, and are in the best capacity to finde out, and pass a right Judgement upon the tendency and conclusion of them; As also, because the end of their sinful wayes impenitently persisted in, must needs be worse then of any other people. They cannot sin at so cheap a rate, or expect so few stripes for their disobedience, or look for such moderation from God in the inflicting of his Judgements, and execution of his Threatnings, or rationally hope for so tolerable a condition at last, as other people that are not like them, but far inferiour in their Priviledges and Enjoyments. So that it is their great Concern in a peculiar manner to consider what will be the latter End of their un…table and unbecoming deportments before the Lord. Ierusalem's not remembring her latter end, brought her down wonderfully, Lam. 1.9. Want of this consideration will ruine any people, but it will make way for wonderful and unparallell'd destruction of such as are circumstanced as Israel was, as the serious and timous remembrance of the End of their wayes … in the way for their wonderful Exaltation.

Vse. Of Exhortation.

First, To All that stand here before the Lord in this great Assembly. p. 15Oh be perswaded to consider your latter End. If it be the great wisdome of a people in general, the Body of them, thus and so circumstanced, then also it is the concernment of particular persons understandingly to consider what will be the End and Issue of their sinful deportments before the Lord. Consider what is the true tendency of your wayes and courses, whither you are going, whether to Happiness or Misery, to Heaven or Hell; what is like to be your journeys end, whither you are bound, and where it is probable you shall arrive and take up your abode for Eternity. All is well that ends well. Therefore

1. Make a right Iudgement of the End of your Actions. Solomon layes a Rub in the way of the Young man in his full Career after the Enjoyment of his Lusts, when he saith, Rejoyce, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart chear thee in the dayes of thy youth, and walk in the wayes of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement, Eccles. 11.9. that is, Remember that all thy wayes of sin will end in Judgement, or a dreadful sentence of wrath, and everlasting separation from God. Thou art now pleasing thy self in the wayes of thy own heart, accounting practical and serious Piety meer Folly, applauding thy Wit, and Parts, and Policy, but in thy latter end thou wilt be a Fool. Now the Gospel is foolishness, Religion is foolishness, Praying in secret, walking humbly and mournfully with God, is foolishness in thy deluded apprehension: And the people of God that deny themselves, and crucifie the flesh, with the affections and lusts, and will not run with you to the same excess of riot, are a company of weak and foolish men in thy valuation: but who dost think will be th… fool at last? Oh think over and over what will be the end of … penitency and perseverance in a course of sinning against God. … away your transgressions (saith the Lord, Ezek 18.30, 31.) repent, and turn from them, so iniquity shall not be your ruine: importing, that ruine will be the end of sin not repented of. Consider what will be the end of thy Unbelief, thy contempt of Jesus Christ, thy comparative hatred of him, and preferring thy base lusts before him. The end of Faith is the salvation of the soul, 1 Pet. 1.9. therefore the end of Unbelief will be the perdition of the soul. The end of neglecting great salvation, will be unavoidable misery, Heb 2.3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Yea the end of thy positive U…belief, in rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ revealed and off red in the Gospel, shall be a more intolerable condition then that of Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and G…morrah, (the Cities which God overthrew and repented not) Turks and Indians, Heathens and Infidil… ▪ Mat. 11.21, 22, 23, 24. Oh play the men, act the part of rational Creatures, p. 16set your rational Faculties, your Vnderstandings and Consciences awork; consider and know whither you are going, and what the issue of your wayes is like to be. As Solomon saith of the house of the strange woman, that it enclineth unto death, and her paths to the dead, Prov. 2.18. so may I say of the sinful courses and practises of men. What are the sons of men generally doing, but laying wait for their own blood? Prov. 1.18. plotting, as it were, and projecting, contriving and accomplishing their own destruction, and know it not. Wicked men are inconsiderate men, and their way is as darkness, they know not at what they stumble, Prov. 4.19. The end of their way is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword; their feet go down to death, and their steps take hold of hell, as Solomon speaks to another sense, Prov 5.4, 5. Can a man take fire in his bosome? or go upon hot coals and not be burnt? Prov. 6.27, 28. You would account him a poor distracted creature that should so do, and think to escape without harm and inconvenience. Sinners are as irrational, and as much bereaved of sense and understanding, that dally with sin, and play with the Serpent that hath a speckled skin, and consider not that it will sting them to death at last. Thou goest after thy Lusts, as the Ox to the slaughter, or as the Bird hasteth to the snare, and knowest not that it is for thy life, Prov. 7.22, 23. Remember and judge aright, that the end of your natural lives will be death, and the end of your sinful lives will be Hell. Take heed, lest thou mourn at last (as Solomon speaks, Prov. 5.11.) though thou rejoyce at present. Make a right Judgement in this respect.

2. Fix and dwell upon the consideration of the latter End of your wayes. Settle it upon your hearts by frequent and thorough Meditation, that it may stick by you, and abide with you; hold your hearts to it, and let not your thoughts easily divert and slip aside from the serious consideration of it. Do not rest in a slight and sudden apprehension of it, but roll it in your mindes, and ponder it throughly, that you may la… the whole weight of this consideration upon your Souls. Do not men know very well that the end of Swearing, and Drunkenness, and Vncleanness, and Disobedience to Parents, and Profanation of the Sabbath, and Vnfruitfulness under Ordinances, and of deriding and maligning the wayes of godliness, and those that walk in them, will be death and destruction from the Lord? Yes verily: but they do not consider it, and revolve it in their mindes, so as to affect their hearts with it. Oh ponder the path of thy feet, and consider much and often whither it will lead thee in the conclusion.

3. So consider the end of thy way of sinning, as to put an end to thy way of sinning: So as to break off thy course of sinning by sound Repentance, serious Application to the blood of Christ for forgiveness, effectual Conversion p. 17to God, and thorough Reformation of thy Life and Conversation. Consideration is not meer speculative Contemplation, but practical Reformation must be the end of it, as it was of David's consideration, Psal. 119.59. I thought on my wayes, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. The Iews report it for a saying of Adam, that No man would sin, if he saw from the beginning to the end of things. But I shall not stay longer on this Branch of the Exhortation.

Secondly, As the words of my Text respect the Body of a Nation, even Israel, that were sometimes the peculiar people of God: So give me leave to direct my Exhortation to the People of New-England, or the Representative Body of the People of this Colony, and to perswade the New-England-Israel to get and improve this Spiritual wisdome, Vnderstandingly and judiciously to consider what will be the latter End of your sinful wayes, and unworthy deportments before the Lord. As you are a people of many Mercies and Priviledges, so I may well parallel you with Israel, a people graciously conducted and carried by the mighty hand of God to a place of Rest, and Peace, and Safety, and Liberty; and setled in the possession of singular Mercies and Advantages: and I wish with all my heart that we could not see a cast of their countenan…e in our own faces; that as in water face answereth to face (Prov. 27.19.) so our spirits and wayes did not answer theirs, & that our misdemeanors and unsutable deportments, were not commensurate & correspondent with theirs, as our mercies are. I make out the Parallel thus.

1. You have been conducted to a place of Rest and Liberty, and setled in the possession of very choice and singular Priviledges & Enjoyments. The Lord hath brought you over the great Ocean from your Native Land, the Land of your Progenitors, to a place of Rest, where you have enjoyed singular mercies. As when there was a Division made of the habitable parts of the Earth to the sons of Adam there was an Assignation of that good Land of Canaan in the purpose of God to the Children of Israel (which seems to be the sense and importance of that difficult place, Deut. 32.8. which hath put Expositors, as the body of Asahel in the way did the people, 2 Sam. 2.23. to a stand) so was there an Allotment, in the Counsel of God, of these Ends of the Earth unto this part of our Nation for the Bounds of their Habitation. This Wilderness was the place which God decreed to make a Canaan to you: and what he thought in his heart, he hath fulfilled with his hand, in bringing you to this good Land, and providing wonderfully for your well-being here. Many and wond…rful are the Favours and Priviledges which the Lord your God ha… c…nferred upon you.

1. As to your Civil G…v…rnment. You have had Moses, Men, I mean, of the same spirit, to lead and go before you. The Lord hath not given Children to be your Leaders, and Babes to rule over y…, which is the eatned as a great p. 18Judgement, portending and making way for the ruine of Ierusalem, and fall of Iudah, Isa. 3.4, 8.) but Pious, Faithful, Prudent Magistrates, men in Wisdome and Understanding. He hath not set Task-masters and Oppressors over us, or caused those that hate us to rule over us, as he threatens, Lev. 26.17. As a roaring Lion and a ranging Bear, so is a wicked Ruler over the poor people, Prov. 28.15. God hath delivered you from the Paw of the Lion and and of the Bear, so that you have not known by woful experience to this day, what a wicked oppressing Ruler means, nor seen one of these cruel and imperious Beasts among you. God hath not given us Rulers that would fleece us, that would pull the bread out of our mouthes, that would grinde our faces and break our bones, that would undermine and rob us of our Liberties, Civil and Religious, to the enslaving of this people and their children after them: but he hath given us men of Nehemiah's spirit, that have not sought themselves, but sincerely designed the good, and consulted the welfare and prosperity of these Plantations, to go in and out before us: Men that have not rigorously exacted the bread of the Governour, (Neh. 5.18.) but have chearfully receded from their own Right, sympathizing with, and compassionately considering the low estate and condition of this people. Nor hath the Lord in displeasure left us to be Levellers and Libertines, to do every man what seems good in his own eyes. Thus far he hath delivered us from Anarchy and Confusion, as well as from Tyranny; and set over us pious and faithful Rulers, that have been indeed (according to the obligation & intendment of their Office, Rom. 13.3, 4.) a terrour to evil, and not to good works, and Ministers of God to us for good: which is an admirable and invaluable mercy. I know indeed that profane and licentious persons would have Magistrates that would connive at, and countenance their Swearing, and Drunkenness, and Filthiness, and Sabbath-breaking, and the like gross enormities, that there might be no Master of Restraint, or Coercive Power exercised in the land, that they might sin without controll, and go to hell without interruption or molestation: and that wanton Gospellers, giddy Professors, men of corrupt mindes, would have Magistrates that will allow them in publishing and spreading their damnable Heresies, disturbing the Peace and Order of the Churches of Christ, and spurning at, or setting their foot upon all that is precious and sacred amongst us. But behold the goodness and patience of God! notwithstanding all our contempt of them, murmurings against them, unsutable behavior towards them, insensibleness of the greatness of our mercy in the enjoyment of them, uneasiness of too many diaffected persons under their Government, or attempts of men to bereave us of them, yet we have still our rulers as at the f…st, & our counsell…rs as at the beginning. And though many of our worthy Patriots have acted their parts graciously, wisely, faithfully, & gone off the stage with honor, yet p. 19there is a succenturiation or succession of men in their places of the like Spirit, Principles and Abilities. This is because the Lord our God hath loved our Israel, 2 Chron. 9.8. God hath walled us about with a godly Magistracy, given us Rulers out of our selves (which was the priviledge of Israel, that they might take wise men, and understanding, and known among their Tribes to be Rulers over them, Deut. 1.13.) & hath caused justice and judgement to run down among us as a mighty stream. One of the great miseries of the World is the Tyranny and Oppression of Rulers. God hath thus far secured you from it, and given you to taste the sweet and pleasant fruits of a good Magistracy. Good Magistrates, good Laws, and the vigorous Execution of them hath been the priviledge and glory of New-England, wherein you have been advanced above most of the Nations of the Earth. This is a mercy of no small elevation.

2. As to your Sanctuary mercies. God hath sequestred you from the rest of the World, allured you into this Wilderness, and brought you into these parts of the Earth (out of the streets of Rome, as some conceive, whether rightly or no, I cannot determine) that you might set up his way and worship in the purity and Gospel-glory of it. This was the refreshing mercy of God to his People when he first brought them over, and that which sweetned to them many a bitter Cup, and supported them under the burdensome inconveniencies of a Wilderness condition. Here you have seen the goings of God in the Sanctuary; the fingers before and the players on Instruments after, Psal. 68.24, 25 the orderly Administration of the Worship and Ordinances of God. Churh-officers duely qualified, and set apart to their work and ruling authoritatively in the Lord, according to the order of the Gospel, using their power to … cation, and not to destruction: And Church members allowed, and us…g their liberty and priviledge, obeying and consenting in a due exercise of their Judgement of Discretion. The Doctrine of Faith duely dispensed the worship of God solemnly celebrated without the mixture of human; Inventions and Discipline administred (for the substance thereof) according to the appointment of Jesus Christ. And in case of difficulties emerging through want of light or peace, Councils orderly assembling and acting in the fear of God, Ministerially declaring the mind of God, and commending their advice to the Churches concerned, without …y irregular imposing upon their liberty. And this course also attended generally with the Blessing of God for the final issue of controversies, and ending of differences. These are such mercies as are almost appropriately yours, if all circumstances be considered: so that hardly any People p. 20under heaven equal you in this respect. God hath instructed us, as he did Israel in the Wilderness, Deut. 32.10. you have been provided of all helps and advantages for the edification of your souls and a rich Blessing upon them. This is the Milk and Honey with which this Canaan (though a Wilderness flows. Here you have seen the Rivers, the Flouds, the Brooks of Honey and Butter, Job 20.17. And for the continuance of these mercies, the Lord hath given you Schools of Learning, and prospered that work of the education of your Children in the hands of those that have undertaken it, both in infe… our private Schools, and in the Colledge (that Nursery of Piety and good Li…terature) even to admiration. So that God hath made this Wilderness to be glad for his People, and this Desart to rejoyce and blossome as a Rose, Isai. 35.1.

3 As to those great blessings of Peace and Plenty, at least a competency and sufficiency of outward comforts. You have here in these Chambers of Secresie and Safety which God hath brought you into, in this place of Retirement and Hiding, enjoyed peace and rest, when other parts of the World have been embroiled, and that dear Nation of which you are a part, hath been involved in Blood and Distractions, emptied from Vessel to Vessel, undergoing strange alterations. The Lord hath been a Wall of fire about us, and his salva…ion appointed for Walls and Bulwarks to us. Here the glorious Lord hath been unto us a place of broad Rivers and Streams to defend us from all annoyances: And our eyes have seen our Sion, the City of our Solemnities and our Ierusalem a quiet Habitation, a Tabernacle not taken down, neither the stakes removed, nor Cords broken, Isai. 33.20, 21. The mercy of the Lord hath compassed about his People that have trusted in him. Deliverances have been commanded seasonably, and no weapon formed against us hath prospered. God hath found us in this Desart Land, and compassed us about, and kept us as the Apple of his Eye, Deut. 32.10. And all that have attempted to devour you have offended, and evil hath com… upon them: just as it was with the Adversaries of Israel, Jer. 2.3. God hath scattered his favours, and dealt out his blessings with a liberal hand to you: Having blessed you in basket and store, & raised you up …o some considerableness in the World from low beginnings. Gods People followed him into this Wilderness for Himself, and for his Kingdome and Righteousness, & he hath added & cast in over and above other things also: when they came, they asked Communion with Himself, in his Worship and Ordinances; this was the one thing they desired, as David speaks, Psal. 27.4. And he hath in a way of surplusage and advantage, over and above given them other mercies. Yea, and as he saith p. 21to David, 2 Sam. 12.8. If what he hath done had not been enough, … wou…d moreover have given you such and such things. He hath given you more in a sense then he promised you, much more then the first▪ Adventurers and Vndertakers could rationally expect or promise themselves in a Wilderness.

And indeed, if we cast up the Accompt, and Summe up all our mercies, and lay all things together, this our Common-wealth seems to exhibit to us a specimen, or a little model of the Kingdome of Christ upon Earth, not in the wild sense of those that are called Fift-monarchy men, but in the sober sense of many of our Divines, wherein it is generally acknowledged and expected. This work of God set on foot and advanced to a good Degree here, being spread over the face of the Earth, and perfected as to greater Degrees of Light and Grace and Gospel glory will be (as I conceive) the Kingdome of Iesus Christ so much spoken of. When this is accomplished, you may then say He hath taken to himself his great Power and Reign…, and that the Kingdoms of this World are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of h… Christ, Rev. 1.15, 17 You have been as a City upon an hill (though in a remote and obscure Wilderness) as a Candle in the Candlestick that gives li…ht to the whole House. You have, to a considerable Degree, enlightned the whole House (world I mean) as to the pattern of God… House, the Form and Fashion and Outgoings and Incomings thereof▪ convinced …nd helped many, and le…t others; that sh…t their eyes against the Light of you… Profession and Practise, without excuse. God ha… be… doing (in my Apprehension) the same thing for the substance o… it here▪ that shall be done more universally and gloriously, when Israel shall bl…som & h…d & … fare of the world w…th fruit: Isa. 27.6 you have … though an handfull of people separated from the greatest part of the Christian World (as it is prophesied of Iacobs remnant that it should be in the midst of many people. Mic, 5.7.) as a Dew from the Lord, and as the showers upon the grass. God hath priviledged and honoured you greatly in this respect.

2 All this hath been accomplished for you by the mighty Hand of God. Though not in a way of miracle (as it was with Israel of old) yet in a way of wonders of mercy and Grace, and glorious appearances. All this is not come to pass, either by the meer counsel of man, or by chance and Accident. They were wise and sober, and industrious and good men that laid our Foundations, and did what men could do, (in their several capacities) towards the setling us upon lasting Foundations of Righteousness and Holiness: but there hath all along appeared more of God then of p. 22man is it. It must be acknowledged with all Humility and Thankfulness, that it is God himself that hath brought us hitherto, as David speaks 2 Sam. 7.18. you got not this Land with your own Sword or Bow, your power and policy; Cease ye from man in this respect: But it was a Land which the Lord espyed out for you. Eze. 20.6. I may appeal confidently to the consciences of those that hear me, that have any pleasure in the great works of God, and have considered the operation of his hands. Was it not the mighty hand of God upon those Worthies that first came over, that touched and bowed their hearts, that made them willing to leave a pleasant Land (Dulce solum natale) the Land of their Fathers Sepulchers, and of their own Nativities, to relinquish their settlements and fair accomodations (as to many of them) and their dear Friends & Relations, that they loved as their own souls, with whom it was in their hearts to have lived and dyed: and to cast, not their bread, but, themselves and their Fami…ies upon the great waters, to venture all upon the meer mercy of God (who called them to his foot as he did the righteous man whom he raised from the East. Isa. 41.2.) And to follow him into a wilderness, a land that was not sown, a place of great hardships and difficulties? And was it not God who then sweetned their wilderness condition to them, conducted them as with the Pillar of Cloud and Fire, protected them from the many dangers that threatned them, and directed them (being a Sun as well as a shield unto them. Psal. 84.11.) in the happy settlement of Church and State, effecting great things by small and despicable means? was it not the same mighty hand of God, that routed and put to flight the spirit of Error and Heresie that was growing and getting …ead among you in your beginning times, plainly threatning the subversion of your State, and the destruction of your Civil and Sacred Concernments and Enjoyments? was it not the same Almighty Arm that vanquished the Pequots, and put the dread and terrour of you into the hearts of the Natives, that you have awelt safely in this wilderness, and slept securely in thes… woods? Ezek 34.25. Hath not the Lord given a miscarrying womb unto all such as have conceived and been big with mischievous designs against you? Insomuch that all their counsels and endeavours have been abortive and fruitl…ss? Hath not the same Hand of the most High broken the head of many a Leviathan in pieces, and given him to be meat to (the Faith of) his people inhabiting this wilderness? Psal. 74.14. Hath not that glorious hand of God been stretched out from year to year for your Defence and Deliverance, though you are maligned and envyed, and there have been▪ Attempts and hazardous ones too, made upon you? you have had p. 23sensible experience of the lighting down of the omnipotent Arm of God on your behalf. Happy art thou Oh New England Israel! who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the Shield of thy help, and who is the Sword of thy Excellenc…! and thine enemies have been found lyars unto thee… as Moses speaks upon consideration of the Condition of that Israel, Deut. 33.29. So that as he saith, Bless ye the Lord from the Fountain of Israel. Psal. 68.26. That is, either you that derive your Original from the Fountain of Iacob and Israel, that descend from him as his natural off-spring and Posterity, (as the words are generally expounded) or (if I may be allowed so to gloss and improve them) Bless him for all the mercies that have been conferred upon you from the Fountain, or first Original of Israel to this Day. So, let the Suc…essors and seed of those that laid our Foundations bless the Lord, yea, let their souls and al… within them bless his holy name, for all that he hath done for us from the Fountain and Foundation of this plantation. We may say with wonderment (almost in the words of Moses, Deut. 4.32. Ask now of many of the Ages that are past, and ask from one side of Heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such Thing as this great Thing is, or hath been heard like it, for many generations? Hath God essayed to go and take him a part of a Nation from the midst of a Nation, by temptations, by sig…s, by wonders, by a mighty hand & by an out-strethed arm, according to all that the Lord your God hath done for you before your eyes? God hath shewn us almost unexampled unparalled mercy. And it were very well if there were a memorial of these things faithfully drawn up, and transmitted to Posterity, as the Reverend Servant of God, that spoke to you the last year, moved and advised. Mr. Shepard's Election Sermon, pag. 15.16. However▪ it is our great-duty to be the Lords Remembrancer… or Recorders, Isa. 62.6. that the mercies of the Lord (that hath allured us into this wilderness, spoken comfortably to us and dealt bountifully with us therein) may be faithfully registred in our hearts, and remembred by us. It is a desireable thing, that all the loving kindnesses of G…d, and his singular favours to this poor and despised out cast might be Chronicled and communicated (in the History of them) to succeeding Ages; that the memory of them may not dy and be extinct, with the present Generation: And it is the unquestionable duty of every one of us to keep in mind and consider the signal works of the Lord, and the operation of his hands for and in the behalf of his dear people in this wilderness.

Now then, this being your Condition that you are in a manner parallel with Israel in their mercies: and that in the apprehension of all considering p. 24men we are too like them in their sinful deportments also: (all sides are agreed that things are in a declining posture, that there is a great degeneracy, that things look with another Face, that there is a defection and declension: though all are not resolved wherein it doth consist, some charging it one way, some another, as their judgement or Affection, or party and Interest leads them; yet they all center in this, that there is a back sliding and declension among us) Give me leave therefore, (who am much a stranger) to take it for granted, not only from my own observation, but especially from the the Confession of all parties (and what better evidence can be expected?) that this Noble vine planted by the Lords own right hand is become degenerous, that your wayes are unanswerable to the wayes of God, that your deportments are unsuitable to your engagements and the Lords expectations: and therefore to pursue the Exhort…tion in beseeching and perswading you to understand and Consider what is li… to be your latter end. It will be your Interest to Consider, first, whence you are fallen, Rev. 2.5. And then, whither you are going, or falling by your iniquity. Hos. 14.1. And what the end and Issue of your sinful ways will be. This is that which my Text leads me to prosecute. And truly me thinks I hear the Lord speaking these very wo…d… of New England at this Day: On … they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end. As Christ sometimes stood weeping over Ierusalem, & said, O that … hadst known even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which … peace! Luk. 19.41, 42. So me thinks the Lord Jesus is this day … above, beholding us from the height of his glory, and saying, Oh … my dear people in New England (whom I have peculiarly loved, and pitied, and protected, and blessed, were wise, and … understandingly and rationally what the end of their sinful deportments before me will be at last. I hope he doth not adde, But now this … from it hid from their eyes.

I confess I was under some temptation to have singled out such a Subject in the Discussion or Hau…ling whereof some general Christian Duties might have been commended to this great Assembly (so considerable as to the quality and publick capacity, as well as numerousness of the Auditors,) to have declined all such Discourses as might seem to grate, or reflect blame, and bear too hard upon these or those. I would not have the Ministers of Christ needlesly to tamper or intermeddle with State affairs, or direct and dictate to Rulers, and intrude themselves into such things as are out of their sphere, and forreign to their calling, and profession, unless upon insuperable occasions. I have seen much evil and inconvenience in it elsewhere: I would not pass the bounds, or go beyond the line of my p. 25calling and commission from Jesus Christ. Tractent Fabrilia Fabri.

Moreover, I have considered (as a Discouragement from attempting any thing in this kind) that I am much a stranger to the Spirits, and Principles, and Practises of men in this Country, and greatly unacquainted with the state of affairs among you, and that it is no easie matter to gain thorough and certain information. And that good caution also came to minde, as a seasonable memento, foreign a Stranger must be no needless medler. I considered also, that where men are in a divided posture, and their hearts are hot within them, there is small hope of doing any good. To what purpose is it to charm deaf Adders? such are men usually that are addicted to sides and parties: they are deaf on one side, and cannot hear of that ear. If a man had the meekness and gravity, and Fatherly spirit and affection that Moses discovers in the Book of Deuteronomie, the Wisdome and Reason of Solomon or Paul, the Tongue and Eloquence of Isaiah, the best accomplishments of any Son of Adam: yet it would in reason signifie little, where he hath to do with the ignorance, the pride, the perverseness, the conceitedness, the prejudices, the opinionativeness of engaged men. Many good men, though in no good frame, are too like him in the Comedy, that said foreign Aristoph. Plut. Thou shalt not perswade me, no, though thou dost perswade me. I considered also that things are run much to ruine among us, and gone beyond man, (the counsel and help of man) and that it must be foreign God alone in some more then ordinary way of working that can retrive the Interest of Christ among us, and reduce us again. Probable it is, that it must be some sharp affliction, some smarting red, or sore tryal that must come upon these Churches to reduce them generally to their old trembling frame of spirit at the Word of God, and humble submission to the dispensation of it: And there is great reason to conceive that many Professors may be grown Sermon-proof, that we had as good preach to the Heavens and Earth, and direct our discourse to the Walls and Seats and Pillars of the meeting house, and say, Hear, O ye Walls, give ear O ye Seats and Pillars, as to many men in these Churches, that are deaf to all that is cried in their ears by the Lords Messengers, and are ind…ed like Rocks in the Sea, not to be stirred and moved by the beating and dashing of these waters of the Sanctuary, or by the strongest gust of rational and affectionate discourse that can blow upon them. I considered also that there may be too many, even in the Bosome of New-English Churches that have lived long in that great sin of confronting p. 26the faithfull Ministers of Christ, and gloried in their Rebellion against the Authority of Christ in his Churches, and plausibly, but falsly called it, an asserting of their Liberties, and Defence of the Priviledge of the Brethren, and that do even religiously despise and deride those that oppose their darling Notions: and he that rebuketh a scorner, getteth himself a Blot. It may be justly feared, that it is all the Religion some men have, to vilifie, and traduce, and low'r the reputation and Authority of the Ministers of Christ. Time was, when the Messengers of Christ, the Masters of Assemblies, were precious and welcome, (even when they came with a Rod, as Paul speakes, 1 Cor. 4 21.) and their Feet beautifull and their words very acceptable, yea, were as Goads and Nayls that made great Impression, and took fast ho…d in the hearts of hearers, and were greatly heeded on subh an occasion as this. But now they are become the Enemies of some men, because they tell them the Truth. Too many professors are like Ezekiels hearers, that were still talking against him by the walls & in the doors of their houses, even then when they would come and sit before him, & hear his words as comming forth from the Lord, and it was as a lovely Song, and a pleasant fit of musick to them, Ezek. 33.30, 31, 32. I considered also that it is a matter of some difficulty, a dangerous undertaking, to search the wounds of this poor Country, lest instead of Help and Healing, they should be but the more enflamed, irritated and exasperated thereby.

However having this oportunity, unsought and undesired by me, nay thrust upon me, I shall adventure (as God shall assist) to speak something to the present case and condition of the Country: If weakly and unadvisedly in any respect, I beg pardon of God and of his People; And if the Lord help to any words of wisdome; I know wisdome will be justified of its Children, whoever condemn it, and I shall deliver my own soul, and express my compassion to the souls of others, and my faithfulness to the Interest of Christ in New-England, and those that will not hear shall be inexcusable. The condition of Affairs at this juncture calls for something.—In magnis voluisse sat est. I beseech you lend me a patient and unprejudiced ear. I design not the grieving or gratifying o… any party, but the faithful discharge of my duty, according to the known practise, and laudable example of the worthy Servants of the Lord before me (some of whom are yet with us, and others faln asleep in Jesus) on the like occasion.

That which I have to commend to you, and entreat of you (even in the bowels of Iesus Christ) is, the understanding, serious consideration of the lat… p. 27end of your unsuitable and unbecoming deportments before the Lord▪ in this good Land which he hath graciously given you. And because general Discourses affect and edifie …, I crave leave here to instance in some particulars, that I may the better accommodate and direct you in the management of this Important Duty of considering your latter end. Therefore,

1. Consider what will be the latter end of that great decay of the power and practise of Godliness that is but too visible among us. Are not even many old Disciples, Professors of a long standing, that for a long time have been accustomed to the yoke of Religion, grown weary and drowsie, and next unto formal and customary in their performances? Though they do not, possibly, make any notorious and scandalous Digression and Diversion from the good wayes of God, but are drudging and plodding on in a visible regular course of Obedience and Profession: yet behold, what a weariness is it? They are not diligent and active to stir up themselves to take hold of God, and work out their own salvation, and forgetting the things that are behind, to press towards the mark, and to pursue and prosecute and reach forth unto these and those Christian excellencies which are before them. How few watch and keep their garments, and gird up the loins of their minds, that walk and are not faint, ru…, and are not weary in the wayes of God? Not but that there are yet (through the great mercy of God) many, very many living, thriving, waking, powerful Christians among us, that have another spirit, and follow God fully (as C…eh did, Numb. 14.24.) whose souls follow hard after God (as he speaks, Psa. 63.8) and that walk with him with much exactness, according to the tenour of the Covenant, with whom the Lord is well pleased, and for whose sakes it fares the better with us at this day. But what shall we say of the Body of Professors among us? Are they not grown customary, formal, superficiary, luke warm, neither hot nor cold? and what can be expected but that the Lord Jesus should grow sick of us, and spue us out of his mouth, as he threatned the Church of Laodicea, Rev. 3.16, He that remembers the good old Spirit of Those that followed God into this wildernes… ; the Faith, the Fervency, the Zeal for God, the good Affection to his Ordinances, the dear love to his Messengers ▪ the Heavenly-mindedness, the Diligence in working out their own Salvation, and watching over their Hearts and Tongues and Conversations, that practical Piety, and power of Godliness, when the Kingdom of Heaven suffered violence, and Religion was the great buisiness, and All in a manner, of such as had given up their Names to God, and subscribed with their hands unto the Lord: cannot but easily discern a sad alteration of the state of things among Professors, that much of our silver p. 28is become dross, and our wine mixed with water, and that the Daughter of Sion hath contracted filth that had need be purged away. Oh where is that Sense of the evil of sin? that Dread of the Majesty and Terrour of the Lord? that Fear of the wrath to come? that care and vigorous endeavour to secure an happy condition in the next World? where are those fervent Prayers, unutterable groans, invincible wrestlings with God? that serious and frequent meditation, that trembling at the Word, making hast and not delaying to keep the Commandments of God? are not the wise (as well as foolish) Virgins slumbring and sleeping? As the Spouse saith, I sleep but my heart wak…th, Cant 5.2. They are in a great measure opprest and overborn with security: And others fast asleep; their eyes closed, and hearts asleep too. Hence so many Dreaming Professors among us. Do not men too generally turn Religion into a Formality and keep up a gaudy pageant of Religion in a course of Profession, that hath no life nor soul in it? Professors do not walk foreign with that accurateness and circumspection that they were wont to do… but are grown careless and sleepy because the Bridegroom tarrieth, and wax weary of well-doing, and suffer their love to grow cold, and stumble at such stones as are commonly laid in the way of a long profession? do not some of them begin to eat with the gluttonious, and drink with the drunken, and smite their fellow servants, because their Lord delayes his coming? verily the hearts of men generally are not lift up in the wayes of the Lord, 2 Chron. 17.6. nor engaged throughly to seek after him, but they walk at all adventures with him, Levit. 26.21. And there are a Generation of heedless Professors among us, that take no heed to walk in the Law of the Lord with all their heart… which was the Character and Brand of Iehu, for all his high profession of Zeal for the Lord of Hosts, 2 King. 10 31. what settling and thickning upon the lees of security and sensuality, sloth and ease, doth the Lord Jesus observe among us, that searcheth Ierusalem with Candles? Zeph. 1.12. what a deal of Dross cleaving to men doth He take notice of, whose fire is in Sion, and furnace in Ierusalem? Here is much precious Wheat but what a deal of Chaffe will be found, when Christ comes to sift, and win now, and purge his floor throughly? When the Apostle gives us the Character of those last and perilous times that should overtake the Church of God, he reckons up sundry evils that too many Professors in those dayes should be addicted to: And I wish his prediction were not verified among us in all the particulars of it. Men (saith he) shall be lovers of themselves (pursuing their own interest with th… neglect of the good of others) Covetous, or Lovers of Money, Po…sters (insolent and vain glorious) Proud (supercilious, p. 29vaunting or flaunting Profession) Blasphemers (scu…ilous and abusive revisers of others) Disobedient to Parents (that is, Despisers of the lawfull Authority not only of natural Parents, but of Civil and Ecclesiastical Rulers, and of superiours in all Societies, Families, Churches, Commonwealth) Vnthankful (that are not to be won by any kindnesses, but are ungrateful to men of worth and usefulness, that have obliged them by all manner of Civilities and Services) Vnholy, or Prophane spirited men, without natural Affection, Truce-breakers or Perfidious (that mak… no Conscience of words and covenants, but violate their promises and engagements) False Accusers (Devils, the Original word is or Make bates and Calumniators) Incontinent or intemperate (that are buri…d in flesh and drowned in sensuality) Fierce (men of savage and bruitish dispositions that will admit o… no moderation) Despisers of those that are good, (such as cannot love good men but despise them, be they Magistrates or Ministers, men of Piety and great Worth) Traitors (perfidious to the cause and interest of Christ, to their best friends that repose confidence in them) Heady (violent men that are not to be check'd and restrain'd by Reason or Conscience within any bounds of sobriety, but are precipitately carried on, as their blind affections and passions hurry them) High-minded (they are Lords and Reign as Kings, and have an high Opinion of themselves, an over-weening conceit of their own excellencies) Lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God (preferring their own carnal pleasures before the holy will of God) And the Close of all is, Having a Form (a shew, appearance or vizor) of Godliness but denying the power thereof. I need say nothing more by way of Application: only mind that the Apostles Exhortation is, from such turn away, 1 Tim. 3.1.6. And therefore we may well conclude, that Jesus Christ will turn away from them, and have no pleasure in them. This, this is the sad Apostacy that many in New-England are guilty of. A visible decay of, and declension from the practise of piety and power of Godliness seizing upon a very considerable part of the professing party of these Plantations, as to personal holiness and zeal for the precious interest of Jesus Christ among us. An Hour of Temptation is come upon us, the desperate effects and issues whereof are plainly seen in the Decay of Love, the subversion of the Faith, and partial or total Apostacy of many persons. Our vain janglings, and contentions, and strifes, and debates (those Sucker… that draw away all the nourishment from the substantial parts of godliness) are an evidence that we are grown carnal, that once were a spiritual people, 1 Cor. 3.3. We have many fearful instances, tremendous Examples of backsliding: so that the goodly profession p. 30of many persons expires in sad revolt from the Truth to vile Opini…ns, or from the power of godliness to loose and licentious courses. I have against thee, much against thee, may Christ say to New-England, as he said to Ephesus, Rev. 2.4 because thou hast left thy first love. And what will be the Latter end of this, but the removing of our Candlesticks, the loss of the presence and …avour of Christ, the departure of the Glory of the Lord from us, the casting away of the Salt that hath lost its savour?

2. Consider what …ill be the latter end of the great contempt of and unfruitfulness under the Dispe…sation of the Word and Ordinances among us.▪ Do not your own Consciences tell you, that the Market and Price of Ordinances is very low at this day? Houses and Lands, Lots and Farms, and outward accomodations are of more value with many people, then the Gospel and Gospel ordinances. When the Ark of God was taken, it was the sad lamentation of that good Woman, the Glory is departed from Israel: and she named her Son l…habod, that is, …here is the glory? 1 Sam. 4.2….22. As if she had said, you tell me of the Birth of a Son; but where is the Glory of Israel? you shew me a Son indeed, but can you shew me the Glory? no alass! the Glory is departed from Israel, for the Ark of God is taken. The Ark of God was the glory in her eyes. But how many among us are there to whom F…o…ks, and Herds, and Earthly Enjoyments are Glory (as they were to Labans Sons, Gen. 31.1.) rather then the Ark of God's presence and his Holy Ordinances? where is that love to the Word, that affection to Sacraments, that longing for Sabbaths and Lecture dayes, that holy care to prepare for a meeting with God at such times, and to improve them, that was wont to be among us? Oh that old love, and zeal, and affection to the Ordinances and Messengers of Christ, though it abideth (blessed be God) with some still, is much abated and lo…t, as to the generality of Professors in this Country. How Beautiful have the Feet of those that brought the Glad tidings of the Gospel been? but now how burdensome? that Ministers are reckoned Bills of Charges, and were it not for shame, I doubt some people could be well enough without them, or would entertain and set up any piece of ignorance and confidence (that would be cheap enough) to dispense the Oracles of God, and the Holy Mysteries of Religion unto them, rather then to be at the charge to procure and provide for men of Worth and Ability. This very thing would make one fear that New England hath seen its best dayes: no… is it to be wondred at, if this undervaluation of the Ordinances of God be attend…d with great unfruitfulness. Oh what barren Fig…re…s stand in this vineyard of the Lord? How much of p. 31the Earth here drinks in the rain of Heaven that comes oft upon it, and brings forth nothing but briars and thorns? what will the end of this be, but the c…tting down of such cumbersoms-Professors, and the burning them up ▪ Luk. 13.7.8. Heb. 6.8. If men like the deaf Adder, shall stop their Ears and will not hearken to the voice of the wisest Charmers, Psal. 58.5. Doubtless God will send Serpents and Cock…trices among them which will not be charmed and they shall bite them and make those feel that would not hear. Jer 8 17. It was the Critical Sin of the Iews, that they refused to hearken to the Word of God, pulled away the shoulder, stopt their Ears, made their hearts as an Adamant, lest they should hear the Law, and the words which the Lord sent in his Spirit by the Prophets: And what was the latter end of it? why, therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of Hosts; And as he cried & they would not hear; so they cried, and he would not hear, but scattered them with a whirlwind among the Nations: and thus they laid their pleasant land desolate. Zech. 7.11, 12, 13, 14. God, that, out of gracious respect to your Fathers and Prede…ssors that were a willing and obedient people; turned this wilderness into a pleasant fruitful land, can in severe wrath for your contempt of his Word and messengers, turn this land into a wilderness again. It is one … the praise-worthy performances of God to make such Metamorphos… … alterations. Psal. 107.33, 34, &c. If he call and you refuse to hearken, if he stretch out his Hand. and you regard not, he knows how to laugh at you calamity, and mock… when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction as a whirlwind. Prov. 1.24, 25, &c. yea, & to be deaf to all your calls and cries in the Day of your distress & anguish. Would it be strange if those that will not hear the voice of the Lords Prophets should be constrained to hear the voice of Oppressors, or of Prophets that should speak Lies in the Lords Name, and are Prophets of the deceits of their own hearts? God may justly give you Pastors not after his own heart, but after your own hearts, which is a dreadful judgment: what can you expect but to have such Pastors as are described Ier. 23. beginn. Ezek. 34. beginn. He will make a Famine of his Word, or smite you with penal judgements, that you shall see and not see or see your selves into Blindness, and hear away your hearing Ear, be a people past Counsel and Instruction, and contract that woful deafness, which is sometimes gotten by hearing of Sermons, and is most incurable and deplorable. Verily God will revenge (in some way that will make the hearts of men eke) the quarrel of his despised Word and Ordinances, if this sin and sinful frame be not timely repented of. There are few (I am afraid) in compa…ison tha… tremble a… the Word of God. Men are too proud, and high and f…ll and knowing and good in their own Apprehensions, to stand trembling p. 32in the presence of God, and humbly to receive their Doom and Sentence from the Lord. They come now as …uges of the Word, and not to have the secrets of their hearts opened, their Cases scanned, and the state of their souls judged by it: yea, as Criticks, to ca…p and quarrel, and find fault with it. God will look (with a look of favour and gracious aspect) to them that tremble at his Word. Isa. 66.2. But with such a look as he cast upon the Egyptians through the black and dark side of the cloud on all the proud men among us, as those are called that disobeyed the voice of the Lord by Ieremiah. Jer. 43.2. At this door came in the great calamity that befel the Iews in their seventy years captivity. The Lord God o… their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers, rising up betimes and s…nding, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place: but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words and misused his Prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no R…medy, 2 Chron 36.15, 16. Verily God will not …a…e to vindicate the Honour of his despised and abused Messengers and Ordinances.

3. Consider what will be the latter End of that Worldlinesse that is among us. Would not that great Apostle Paul, if he were here tell you, even weeping, that many of you mind …rth…y things? Phi. 3.19. Is not this an Epidemical disease of Nevv-England? the Str…in, the G…nius, the Spirit of many Professors among us? Hence general calling neglected, the work of Religion goes on heavily, the strength and spirits of men are exhausted, or laid out on other things, and they have no heart to cl…s…t work, to family dutyes, which are neglected, or slubbered and posted over shamefully. Hence great Contentions about little things, three-penny-m…tters) and a little spark kindles a great fire. Hence grievous oppression, a Sin that was notorious in Israel and Iudah, and contributed remark…bly to their Calamity. And are there not sad complaints of this in Nevv-England? and are they altogether without cause? may not any man that observes what Griping, and Squeesing, and Grinding the Faces of the poor, and Greediness there is among us, fear it? Hence a private Selfish spirit; that works of Charity and Beneficence, and of Publick concernment are neglected to the damage of the publick and disgrace of Religion. Hence no progress in a Course of Piety, no getting onward in the Journey to Heaven; You have men now, where they were twenty years ago: For they are sunk and stuck fast in the mire and clay of this present world, & cannot stir: There is much thorny ground in this Country, and the Seed of the Word is choaked, and the springing of any good in their Souls is checked and hindred by the cares of the World, deceitfulness of Riches and lusts of p. 33other things. There is so much rooting in the Earth, that there is little growing upward, Heavenward, I mean: men are coupling both Worlds together (as one speaks) that they may drive them both before them. Certain it is that such mens hands will never be lifted up to any singular enterprizes and Atchievements for God, and the good of the Societies where they live. This is such a monstrous deportment of a Covenant people towards God, as might even transport Heaven and Earth into an Extasie of Admiration and astonishment. Ier. 2.12, 13. Nothing being so portentous & prodigious in Nature, and beside the course of it, as that a people of so many mercies and such singular Engagements to the Lord, and of such wonderful experiences of the fruit of dependence upon God, should forsake God, the Fountain of all their comfort, and run for supply to empty, muddy pits, the perishing vanities of this World. And what will the end be? Those that get Riches and not by right (either in a way of Injustice, or Inordinacy) shall be like the partridge, never hatch the Eggs they sit on, or enjoy the good of their labours: but shall leave them in the midst of their dayes and be Fools to purpose at their end. Jer 17.11. They may heap up si…ver as the dust, but the Innocent shall divide it, and prepare Raiment as the clay, but the just shall put it on, Job 27.16, 17. Nay I am apt to think that the Unjust and Cruel and wicked one may plunder it away and possess it. yea, God will Tear away such Estates sooner or later, Iob. 20.15. It is seldome seen, that Estates gotten either injuriously, or over-greedily prosper… with posterity —Vix gaudet tertius Haeres. The third Heir hath scarce any joy of them. And truly the general end of this worldly spirit among us, is like to be this: that Church and Common-wealth will be neglected, all sink, and the Tree be chopt down, or fall, whilest men are busily building and feathering their several Nests in the Branches of it, unless the Lord shew mercy. Sad it is, that many good men have so far forgotten their great Errand into this Wilderness. Sure they were other and better Things the People of God came hither for, then the best Spot of Ground, the Richest Soil in the World, much more this Wilderness can afford. You would think, if the Land were full of Idols, and men were generally addicted to Idolatrous practises, that the Land were greatly defiled, and that God would lay all desolate. Truly Covetousness is Idolatry in Gods account, Eph. 5.5. And New-England, notwithstanding the pure Administration of Gods Worship and Ordinances, is yet a Land fall of Idolaters. This is for a Lamentation! What will the end of this be?