The Voice of the Rod, Synopsis (2 of 5)

The Voice of the Rod · Synopsis (2 of 5)

p. 562. Long Rods. Such as may reach over all thy comforts, all thy hopes, all thy contentments. Such was Job's caſe, trouble on every hand, within door and without. God may lay thee out in ſuch a ſtorm, as ſhall ſwill thee from head to foot, and leave thee never a dry thread; nay, he may wrap up thy ſpiritual peace in the ſame plight too, and make thee cry out with David, All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me, Pſal. 42.7. The Cloud may overſpread thy whole Horizon, in all the parts and dimenſions of it. Sometimes God cuts his Rod ſo long, that it ſhall reach from thy Cradle to thy Grave … nay, he hath a rod that is as long as Eterning it ſelf; which is the rod he hath laid up for his Enemies.

3. Strong rods. Such as thou canſt neither p. 57ſtand againſt, nor ſtand under: that will make thee yield and ſtoop to them. Heavineſs in the heart of man maketh it ſtoop, Pro. 12.25. God may bring ſuch an evil upon thee, and lay his Siege ſo cloſe at thee, that thou ſhalt not be able to eſcape; as he threatned Jerem. 11.11. The weakneſs of God is ſtronger than men, 1 Cor. 1.25. Who can contend with the Almighty, or quench the flames of Conſuming fire? He is wiſe in heart, and mighty in ſtrength; Who hath hardned himſelf againſt him, and hath proſpered? Job 9.4. God will draw his arrow ſo deep, that it ſhall be ſure to …each home, and ſtrike its mark: though ten thouſands ſtand in his way; though Earth and Hell conſpite with their utmoſt skill and power, yet there's no reſiſting of his abſolute will and purpoſe; nor turning him from his deſigned end or means. Both his work and his way are irreſiſtable.

2. With relation to our ſins; they are,

1. Short rods. Sin is of an infinite extent: had not God ſet its bounds, it would run parallel with …ternity. Nay, in ſome reſpect, it is actually as …ndleſs as eternity it ſelf. For, though there be no ſinning in Hell, as ſin hath reference to the Law, …t being Gods Goal, and therefore exempt from …he Law:Rom. 5.13.Rom 5:13 And Sin is not imputed where there is …o Law. But, as ſin is the depraved habit of …he mind, and the foreign of the whole Soul, …t accumulates in that eſtate of eternal ſeparation from God, and riſes to its higheſt Zenith; ſo that thoſe that were bad before, are now unconceivably worſe. Let him that is filthy, be …lthy ſtill. The Covetous never ſo greedy, as …ow; The unclean never burn'd, as now; The envious p. 58never gnaſht the teeth as now: and yet the Objects of thoſe luſts at an unacceſſible diſtance: the gulf is fixt, which doubtleſs is no ſmall part of their torment. I ſhould ſpeak more fully here, but that it is plainly out of my way. That which I aim at, is, to meaſure the Rod with Sin, the Sire and Progenitor of it; and we find that the Giant hath begotten a Dwarf. Sin hath ſeiz'd on every faculty, and lies in every joynt: but the Rod hits but in one, or ſome few parts at once. The yoke lies but on the neck. The Diſeaſe is univerſal, yet the Vein is open'd but in puncto. Nay, Sin is a complicated evil, a Bundle of different Species; ſome, in the ſeeds onelyonly; others, both in the root and branch. But the Rod is won… to come ſingle: God doth not heap up miſery, as we heap up iniquity; He puniſheth, in this world, ſeven times, nay, ſeven thouſand times leſs than our iniquities do deſerve.

2. Light Rods. Our light affliction which is but for a moment, &c. 2 Cor. 4.17. God may lay more upon thee, than thou art willing to bear; but not more than thou art enabled to bear. More than thou beareſt with Patience: but not more than Patienee would bear. Thou haſt no reaſon to ſhrink from, or ſink under thy burden, till God lay on the burden of thy ſin, either in the Guilt, or in the full demerit of it. This indeed is a weight, which none but he that was God as well as Man could ever bear. Nay, ſee how i… ſtretcht the very Cords of his Soul, as it were to ſtand up under it. Hear, how God himſelf complains of it, Amos 2.13. Behold, I am preſſed p. 59under you, as a Cart is preſſed that is full of ſheaves. O my brethren! never complain that God hath laid on you his little-finger, when he might have cruſht you with his Loyns.

3. In reſpect of God's ends in them; they are,

1. Teaching Rods. The rod and reproof give Wiſdom, Prov. 29.15. The rod is Gods pen wherewith he writes his Law, and our duty, on the fleſhy Tables of our hearts. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy ſtatutes, Pſal. 119.71. It is good; the Affliction is over, but the Good remains. The good that is in other things, dyes with them; Health, Wealth, Peace, Friends, and all thoſe things that contribute to the ſweetneſs of a natural life, are good but while they are enjoyed, unleſs that good be ſanctified by a faithful and ſucceſsful improvement of them to their ſpiritual uſes and ends. There are thouſands in Hell, that are curſing the day that ever they were born to ſuch Eſtates, and arriv'd to ſuch Honours, and liv'd at ſuch Eaſe: theſe things were once taken to be good, nay, the only good; but now that the other ſide is turn'd up, and upon deliberate review, they are not like the things they were. Thus the Devil cheats poor Souls, with a fair Image on the one ſide, but plain Braſs on the other. But it is good for me that I have been afflicted; The Croſs lay uppermoſt, but the Crown was under; and true Gold on both ſides; Golden afflictions, and Golden glory. That I might p. 60learn thy Statutes. Theſe are Myſteries that the Worlds-Diſciples are ignorant of. Indeed, they pretend to great Matters, great Learning, and high Parts, men of vaſt Reading, and piercing Wits; and yet they dye Fools at laſt, and their Wits pierce themſelves. But, Bleſſed is the man whom thou chaſtenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law. Pſal. 94.12.

2. Eſtabliſhing rods. Before I was afflicted, I went aſtray; but now have I kept thy word. Pſal. 119.67. The ſhaking of the tree ſtrengthens the root. When I liv'd at eaſe, and every thing was, as, I thought, I would have it: when I ſelt no pain, and ſaw no trouble: I was wandring and gadding after every temptation, my foot was in every ſnare, and one ſwallowed-Bait engaged me for another. I was beating up and down the ſtreets like a truant child, that had no Guardian nor Governour, but his own Will. But now, ſince thou haſt fetcht me in with thy whip; ſince thou haſt been dealing with me by ſuch or ſuch an affliction or croſs: ſince I have ſmarted under thy rod, the caſe hath been happily altered with me: I have kept thy word. O Chriſtian! thou canſt not think how much thou art indebted unto God for his Rod.

3. Comforting Rods. This is a Myſtery to the poor blind World. What! Affliction the way to Comfort? Trouble the way to Peace? Liberty the fruit of Baniſhment? Meat out of the Eater, and Sweetneſs out of the Strong? This is a Riddle, how can theſe things be? Alas, they are people of another Climate, that can't live by ſuch herbs; no, nor yet by Faith. What can p. 61comfort them, when the heart of their comfort is broken? What, or who can bleſs them, when their Gods are ſpoiled? Ye have taken away my Gods, and what have I more? Judg. 18.24. If theſe fail, they are undone. This is their Main chance, their Portion, their All. In and by this Element they live. 'Tis true, they have ſome other things to diſcourſe of now and then, but 'tis that they can't live on. When they ſaw the boldneſs of Peter and John,— they marvelled, Act. 4.13. 'Tis a wonder to them to ſee the Buſh in a flame, and yet not burnt: to ſee men in the fire, and yet not conſumed: among Lions, and yet not devoured. But, ſayes David, Thy rod, and thy ſtaff, they comfort me, Pſal. 23.4. No Comforts like to Affliction-comforts: This is the Sword of Goliah the Philiſtim, 1 Sam 1.9.1 Sam 1:9wrapt in a cloth behind the Ephod; there is none like it. The higheſt wages are reſerved for the hardeſt ſervice. For as the ſufferings of Chriſt abound in us, ſo oun conſolation alſo aboundeth by Chriſt, 2 Cor. 1.5. The Veſſel never rides better than on Spring-tides, when the waters are higheſt. O how ſweet are Priſon-Cordials! how pleaſant are his looks, when darted through the blackeſt Cloud! Oh what light is there in the flaming furnace, when God is there too! What a ſmell is there in his Diſtilling-houſe; how ſweet are the Roſes when the fire is under! But I cannot ſtay here; I muſt haſten.

4. Feeding Rods. Gods children never begin to prove, till they fall on Pulſe and Water: Feed thy people with thy rod, Mich. 7.14. And in this ſenſe we may call it, the Bread of adverſity, and the Water of affliction, Iſa. 30.20. which are as p. 62abſolutely neceſſary (though not per ſe, but per accidens, and as the caſe ſtands) unto our ſpiritual life and growth, as bread and water are to our natural. Alas, Chriſtian I Thou canſt not live without ſufferings. You ſay, 'Tis pity that fair weather ſhould ever hurt. But it's certain, a continual Summer would wither thee, branch and root; the Winter muſt ſucceed in its courſe, or thou muſt dye. This neceſſity proceeds not from the Arbitrarineſs of Gods Sovereign diſpoſe, but from thy own temper and conſtitution. God is not like thoſe Phyſicians that covet to in…ich themſelves by their Cuſtomers, and will phyſick them right or wrong, that they may live upon them, though their poor Patients dye under them. Oh, 'tis well for us, that we have to do with a God, that knows how to chaſtiſe us in Judgment, and immeaſure, and will correct the poyſonous Ingredients of the Fury and Envy of unreaſonable men … that will pare his rod, leſt it ſhould fall too heavy, or too many wayes at once. Surely, the wrath of man ſhall praiſe thee, the remainder of wrath ſhalt thou reſtrain, Pſal. 76.10.

5. Improving rod. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit, Joh. 15.2. God doth not onelyonly lopp off the dry boughs, but pares…p the green; and this is the way to make a fruitful tree more fruitful. That tree onelyonly is in good caſe, that is full of fruit, let the husbandry be what it will. Affliction is the watring p. 63of Gods Garden; though the drops may fall ſo. heavy and thick, that they may beat all flat to the ground, as if it ſhould never riſe more; yet it quickly recovers, and with the freſher vigour and beauty. What an odour doth there reſult from every odoriferous herb, in its nature and kind, after a ſoaking ſhower? Every Grace thrives under a ſanctified Rod.Stellae nocte ſplendent quae die non videntur. Bern. Humility never lookt like its ſelf till now. Heavenly-mindedneſs had never ſuch a face, as now that it is waſht in its own tears, from the filth and polluting ſcum of this Earth. Faith was never ſo active and clear-ſighted: Patience never ſo ſtrong at the Ancles: Charity was never ſo heart-whole as now, that God hath dieted them with his rod. The Judgment never ſo ſettled; The Will never ſo deliberately reſolv'd; The Conſcience never ſo tender and clear; The Affections never in ſuch a poſture and temper; The Temple of the heart never ſo kept as now, that God hath made a ſcourge of ſmall cords, and driven out all thoſe Merchants that held their Exchange there.Ioh. 2.12.John 2:12

Hitherto for the Doctrinal part: Let me apply it now, for

Information.

Exhortation.

Conſolation.

A word to each of theſe, and ſo I proceed.

If this be ſo, Then the wicked are ſadly deceived; Ʋſe 1 and that,

1. In themſelves. Howbeit, he meaneth not ſo, neither doth his heart think ſo— For he ſaith, p. 64are not my Princes altogether Kings? Iſa. 10.7, 8. With our tongues we will prevail. Our lips are our own, who is Lord over us? Pſal. 12.4. Alas, Sinner! this is thy day, and it is but a day. Miſtake not, thou art but a Rod, though it hath pleaſed the Father to ſet thee on high in his houſe, for the terrour of his children; thy uſe is no longer than while the child is under age, when once the Heir is of years, this penal Diſcipline ſhall ceaſe for ever; and then all thine arrows ſhall return on thine own head, tipt with that vengeance that thy Pride and Cruelty hath deſerved.

2. In the people of God. They are not the perſons thou takeſt, and accuſeſt them for: the Fools, the Hypocrites, the Troublers of Iſrael. The World knoweth us not—Now we are the ſo… of God, and it doth not yet appear what we ſhall be; but we know that when he ſhall appear, we ſhall be like him, 1 Joh. 3.1, 2. Oh Sinners… what will ye ſay, when ye ſhall ſee thoſe, whom now ye hate and perſecute, and brand with hypocriſie and ſedition, coming in the Clouds, and in the Glory and Power of their Father, to paſ… Sentence and Judgment upon you? Do ye unknow, that the Saints ſhall judge the World … 1 Cor. 6.2. Go on then, arraign, condemn execute; But know thou, that for all theſe thing God will bring thee into Judgment, Eccleſ. 11.9. For a good work, ſay they, we ſtone thee not; b… for Blaſphemy, &c. Joh. 10.33. But wilt tho… adventure thy ſoul on…t, that thou art not miſtaken? Was not Saul once of thy mind, before p. 65God from Heaven convinc'd him what he was doing? He little thought it had been Chriſt he was perſecuting. Oh! don't thy Conſcience ſometimes tell thee, when thy Intereſt and Malice …s at an Ebb; that the Queſtion deſerves thy better conſideration, whether it be Dagon or the Ark, thou art fighting againſt? the Fox or the Lamb, thou art hunting and ſmiting? Yea, the …ime cometh, that whoſoever killeth you, will think that he doth God ſervice, Joh. 16.2. …Twere very ſtrange indeed, if any one ſhould …hink to do Chriſt a ſervice, in deſtroying his Members, eo nomine: but, under other notions …nd accuſations. Well Sinner! if thou wilt not …ebate the caſe now, God himſelf ſhall ſhortly …ebate it with thee, and ſhall judg uprightly between us.

Now to the people of God. Ʋſe 2 Is all that you …mplain of, and groan under, but a Rod, and …ch a rod? then be exhorted,

1. To bear the rod. Nay, you muſt bear it: …he yoke is pinn'd-on, that it cannot be ſhaken …. But that you may not loſe your labour, and …pes, bear it,

1. With Faith: the affiance, confidence, and …quieſcence of Faith.

2. With Patience.

3. With Reſolution.

4. With Joy.

5. With Perſeverance. Matth. 16.24. Then …d Jeſus unto his Diſciples, If any man will …e after me, let him deny himſelf, and take up … Croſs, and follow me. If you will be Chriſtians, p. 66you muſt bear the Croſs; and for your help and encouragement conſider,

1. 'Tis the Croſs of Chriſt. He hath born it before you; He hath born it for you; He bea… it in you; He layes it on you: And in his time, He, and he alone, can and will take it from you.

2. 'Tis thy Croſs. The burden that is weighed out for thee. The rod appointed thee: there is a neceſsity, & praecepti, & medii; and thou … bear it.

3. 'Tis a gainful, though a painful Croſs like Aeſop's Load; the burden that threatens th… death, is the bread that maintains thy life.

4. 'Tis an honourable, though a diſhonoured Croſs, The Vexillum & Inſignia Chriſti. I b… in my body the marks of the Lord Jeſus, G… 6.17. The wounds and ſcars of a Souldier, an… the viſible witneſſes of his valour: and his v… lour the Crown of his honour.

5. 'Tis a Victorious Croſs. In this War th… conquered conquers,Patiendo non reſiſtendo, Aug. Euſeb. l 4. Hiſt. c. 13. and patience only wins th… field. Chriſtianos victores evadere, dum m… malunt pro ſua Religione qudm Imperatorum … ctis parere. That the Chriſtians became Co… querours, while they choſe to dye for their … ligion, rather than to obey the Edicts of … Emperours; Anton. Imp.was confeſt by an Heathen E… perour himſelf.

2. To kiſs the rod. Kiſs the ſon, leſt he be angry, Pſal. 2.12. Kiſsing imports Salutation, … welcom entertaining of a perſon, or thing; … luntary ſubmiſsion to it; and a full and free … conciliation with it. Can you? will you, th… p. 67kiſs the rod, not only in the Author, or Efficient, but in the Inſtruments, or ſecond Cauſes of it? It is not ſufficient, that the child kiſs his Father that corrects him, but he muſt kiſs the rod too. But to prevent an Objection or a Miſtake here. I muſt add, That God doth not expect, nay, he will not, that his children ſhould kiſs the rod, on any other account, but as they are rods in their Fathers hands: Have no fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of darkneſs, nor with the workers themſelves, farther than the Law of God and Nature do allow, or the Chriſtian duty toward their Souls requires. Take heed of ſtriking hands with the Gibeonites; of complying, or compounding with the rod.

3. To improve the Rod. To this end, walk with God under it, and wait upon God in it. When the Streams run foul below, draw up to the Fountain, and dwell there. If the Floods be upon the Earth, repair, with the Dove, to the Ark, where thou mayſt be at reſt; Walk with God in his way, and by his Rule, when he is not pleaſed to walk with thee in thy way, and by thy rule; Then is the rod improv'd, when it touches with God's deſign. You have heard, they are Teaching Rods; oh, learn by them! Eſtabliſhing Rods; oh, take root under them! Comforting Rods; oh, ſuck out the marrow of theſe bones! Feeding Rods; oh, ſhut not the mouth too faſt againſt them! Let them in, and ſet them down, and digeſt them, when God offers them; and ſo your growth and improvement ſhall abundantly appear. I am fain to p. 68poſt over theſe things, that I may not be prevented in what I chiefly aim at.

If it be but a Rod, Uſe. 3 and the Rod of Fatherly Diſcipline and Love; then, Chriſtian, let me offer theſe three rich Cordials to refreſh thy ſpirits in ſuch a caſe.

1. It proves thy Adoption. And in nothing terrified by your Adverſaries, which is to them an evident token of Perdition; but to you of Salvation; and that of God, Phil. 1.28. If ye endure chaſtning, God dealeth with you, as with ſons: for what ſon is he whom the Father chaſteneth not? Heb. 12.7.

But Solomon tells us,Ob. Eccleſ. 9.1.Eccl 9:1 that no man knoweth love or hatred, by all that is before him. How then ſhall I know, what, or when afflictions are concluſive of Adoption?

'Tis true, Anſw. 1 God is not wont to ſet his Seal to Blanks; but where Adoption is, this is one Seal or Evidence of it. No man knoweth either love or hatred, by all that is before him; if he hath nothing elſe to know it by, this is no adaequate, but an aſſiſtant, or completive Evidence.

Theſe Evidences are not ſo diſcernable Coming, Anſw. 2 as Going. When David had gotten through, he looks back, and concludes; It is good for me, that I have been afflicted. We may judge ſomething from the Cauſe, for which, and the Inſtruments by which, we ſuffer: but moſt ſafely, from the work, and operation o… them; the manner, nature, and fruit of their working. Then doth the Phyſick promiſe a p. 69Recovery, when it kindly works upon, and forcibly works off the Cauſe of the Diſeaſe. The teaching, eſtabliſhing, comforting, feeding, improving, and improved Rod, is the reſtoring, and ſealing Rod. But when it works the contrary, as, on too many it doth, and, like the Troubled Sea, caſts up mire and dirt: or but at halves; when it ſtirs the Pool, and cauſeth ſin to come in remembrance, and makes the Soul, it may be, ſtomach-ſick, but carries it not off; in this caſe, in this ſad caſe, it ſeals too; but, as to thine Adverſaries, It is an evident token of perdition.

2. It ſeals to thy Portion. It is a faithful ſaying, For if we be dead with him, we ſhall alſo live with him; if we ſuffer, we ſhall alſo reign with him, 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. Behold, we have forſaken all, and followed thee, ſayes Peter, what ſhall we have therefore? Verily, I ſay unto you, ſayes Chriſt, that ye which have followed me in the Regeneration, in the work, the duties, and difficulties of Regeneration, when the ſon of man ſhall ſit in the throne of his Glory, ye alſo ſhall ſit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve Tribes of Iſrael, Matth. 19.27, 28. This is the day of thy labour, and every ſtroke thou ſtrikeſt in it, is in earneſt of thy Reſt. As ſure as thou ſeeſt the Sun ſhining in the Heavens, the Evening is at hand, which ſhall crown thy dayes work. For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work, and labour of love, which ye have ſhewed toward his name, Heb. 6.10. Bear up your ſpirits then; He that hath eſpouſed you, will p. 70ſhortly marry you, and celebrate your bleſſed and glorious Nuptials, in the houſe, and kingdom of his Father, for ever. O the raviſhing Songs! the joyful Epithalamiums that ſhall then be ſung! He that hath hired you, will ſurely and fully reward you; when you ſhall know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his Inheritance in the Saints, Eph. 1.18. Though thou art ſweating, toyling, ſuffering, ſighing, weeping now; by this thou mayeſt know, that thy reſt remaineth.

3. It works for thy good. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpoſe, Rom. 8.28. All theſe things which ſeem to be againſt thee, are directly making for thee. God is now emptying thee from veſſel to veſſel, that thou mayeſt not ſettle on thy lees: that thy (old) tast may not remain in thee: that thy ſcent may be changed, and thou mayeſt be prepared for the Cup, and Table of his Glory. He would never thus winnow and grind thee, but that he might have thee nearer to him; and make of thee, Savoury meat, ſuch as he loveth, and feaſt himſelf with thee to all eternity. Nay, it makes for thy preſent good; The tryed Silver is now Current Coyn; and they that ſcrupled at it before, that call'd it Braſs, baſe, and counterfeit Metal; that ſcour'd it, cut it, and curſt it, and blaſphem'd the ſacred Stamp, and Coiner of it; are now aſham'd of themſelves, p. 71and glad would they be,Math. 25.8.Matt 25:8 like the Fooliſh Virgins, of ſome of your oyl. I might here tell you moſe at large, how the Lords rod, and every branch of it, as all the Occurrences of his Providence, are working together for the good of them that love him, both in reſpect of the deſign and event. But this hath been the happy labour of a far abler Pen already, whereunto I refer you,Mr. R.A. and ſhall add no more here.

That there is no affliction can light on the people of God, Doc. 3 without his divine permiſſion and appointment.

But I intend not to inſiſt here, only give me leave to make good what I have ſaid; which I ſhall do in the mouth of theſe two Witneſſes: Matth. 10.29, 30. Are not two Sparrows ſold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your heads are all numbred. And then he concludes, à majore, Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more worth than many Sparrows. If a Sparrow, which, in buying and ſelling, is valued but at half a Farthing; nay, if a hair of our heads, which is but an excrementitious Appendix to the body, can't be any way diſpoſed of, without the all-commanding Counſel of Heaven; doubt not, Chriſtian, but that thy higher affairs, thy greater concernments either of Body or Soul, are under ſpecial appointment and deſignation. Hath he ſuch care of Sparrows? and will he forget his Doves? Cant. 6.9. Iſa. 62.3.Song 6:9Isa 62:3Will he not loſe a hair of thy head? and will he be prodigal of the pretious Jewels of his royal p. 72Crown and Diadem? Surely, he that guides thy hairs to the ground, will not ſuffer the Rod to fall, without ſpecial Licence and ordination, on thy back, Iſa. 10.23. The Conſumption decreed, shall overflow with righteouſneſs. For the Lord God of hoſts shall make a Conſumption, even determined in the midst of all the Land. Whoever, or whatever be the Inſtruments, they muſt work by Gods rule, and in Gods determined, though they croſs his preſcribed way.

Proceed we now to the laſt Doctrine, yet that which was the firſt in our eye.

That the Lords Rod is no dumb rod. Doc. 4 It is a ſpeaking, pleading rod.

This we ſhall 1. Prove. 2. Interpret (as God ſhall enable) the Voice of it. 1. In General. 2. In Special. 3. We ſhall apply all very briefly.

Here are two Arguments coucht in the Text it ſelf, to illuſtrate the foreign of this truth.

1. The Lord cryes for Audience. He hath now ſent his Rod to plead his Quarrel, ſeeing his Prophets could not be heard; and now commands their attention to this his ſeverer Meſſenger: Hear ye the rod. Which clearly implies, that it hath a Voice; nay, an intelligible, though in it ſelf, an inarticulate Voice. His Rod, and his Word, are ſometimes Synonyma in Scripture; as Iſa. 11.4. He shall ſmite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he ſlay the wicked. God doth ſometimes ſpeak Rods, his Words do wound, and p. 73kill. When he rides forth, as St. John deſcribes it, Rev. 19.12, 13, 14, 15. Cloathed with a veſture dipt in blood, and out of his mouth goeth a sharp ſword, that with it he should ſmite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, &c. And as he ſpeaks rods, ſo his rod ſpeaks and pleads with thoſe unto whom it is ſent.

2. The Text tells us, that it is the Rod of divine and ſpecial appointment; which argues the End and deſign of it; it is a deſigned, and a deſigning Rod. God doth not ſhoot his arrows at Random, without mark or aim; but he hath a Wherefore for every particular of his Providence. For this cauſe many are weak and ſickly among you, and many ſleep, 1 Cor. 11.30. This is one main uſe God makes of his Rod, to point at his meaning by it, and to give us the ſenſible and viſible Characters and Emblems of his mind. God ſpake in divers manners in time paſt, unto the Fathers, by the Prophets, ſayes the Apoſtle, Heb. 1.1. But hath in theſe laſt dayes ſpoken unto us by his Son. And now, may I ſay, in divers manners too. Sometimes by his Word, in plain Scripture; ſometimes by the explaining, or awakening Miniſtry of it; and that either in Doctrine or Reproof and Threatning; or in Promiſe and Incouragement; Sometimes by his Spirit, in the ſecret workings and whiſpers of it, in, and on the Conſcience; and ſometimes by his Rod; when our ſtupid Dulneſs, or perverſe Careleſneſs is grown to ſuch a paſs, that other means and wayes are p. 74ineffectual; then he takes up his rod, and points more plainly and convincingly at our duty, and engageth us in it, with the more fixed, and ſolemn reſolution. Thus far the Text it ſelf confirms its own truth: And let this ſerve at preſent to prove the foreign of it.

I ſhall add but a word or two more, for the Demonſtration of the foreign: and ſo proceed to the Interpretation of the voice.

For Demonſtration, or why the Lords Rod ſhould have a Voice.

1. For the glory of his Attributes. Gods Wiſdom, Juſtice, and Mercy, are highly concern'd in it. To think that Divine Diſpenſations are ſteer'd by a blind Instinct Neceſſity, or Caſualty, without ſome gloriouſly deſigned, and determined End, is Atheiſtically to blaſpheme his heavenly Wiſdom. Affliction cometh not forth of the duſt, Job 5.6. God has a Wheel within the wheel; a wheel of infinite Counſel and Wiſdom, which moves within the wheel of external Providence. Deus & Natura nihil fruſtra agunt. Nay, it would greatly derogate from the glory of his Juſtice, to exerciſe his Rod, without ſome proportionable End: For, (to ſpeak with holy reverence) God is, as it were, bound in all his Divine Actions, to aim at his own Glory, becauſe there is no higher End, for all Humane, Angelical, or Divine Motions to terminate in. And wherein is he glorified more than in the high Exploits, and bleſſed Fruit of his Rod? This is, as it were, the Scepter, the Faſces of his Kingdom, the Coercive Laws of p. 75his Government, and the great viſible Pillars of his Juriſdiction over the ſons of men, Now it is certain, that on the account of his abſolute, and ſupreme Sovereignty, he may, without any violation of his Juſtice, diſpoſe both of Us and Ours, as he pleaſes; neither is he bound to give us an Account of his wayes, any more than we are bound to give the Worms we tread on an account of ours. He might deal with us with dumb blows, and never ſtand to reaſon the caſe with us. He once gave us both to know, to Will and Obey; and dare we think to enjoyn him to look up, or repair what we have loſt or ſpoi'd? Though we have pluckt out the eyes he gave us to ſee with, and ſtopt the ears he gave us to hear with, may he not in Juſtice require it at our hands? and that, not only by a Precept, but a Penal Law? Yet, ſuch is the bleſſed Commendation, and condeſcention of his Grace and Mercy, that he will plead with us before he ſtrikes; nay, and his very Rod ſhall ſpeak, and that in ſuch a Dialect, as our poor, broken capacities may in ſome certain and ſaving manner apprehend.

2. To reach his Ends. God's End is not barely to manifeſt the greatneſs of his Almighty Power, nor the ſeverity of his Supreme Juſtice, in cruſhing in pieces the poor Potſheards of the earth; but to reduce his degenerate, fallen Creatures, to a nearer Reſemblance, and fuller participation of that Bleſſed Image of his own, which he had at firſt enſtamped on them. Man was the Epitome of Gods ſix dayes work, the p. 76Microcoſm, the little World, the Crown of his Creation: Therefore, when Man fell, this little World was ruin'd, and became a Chaos, a confuſed, and dark heap of all manner of helliſh, and rebellious Principles and Practices: ſo that ever ſince, God hath been on a New-Creation-work in the World, Eph. 2.10. and 2 Cor. 5.17. compar'd with Joh. 5.17. And in this his new work he obſerves his old method; Firſt, he creates Light to work in, though not to work by: Light for his creature's ſake, but not for his own. God is now working on rational creatures, which muſt, in ſome meaſure, and in ſome ſenſe, co-operate, or work with him; what will ſerve again of the old ruines, muſt ſtand, as for the matter and ſubſtance of it: the old Faculties and Powers, New-wrought and Sanctified unto a new, yet its primitive, Order and Service. Now, I ſay, the caſe being thus, it would not ſeem ſo conducible to his End, to leave his creatures utterly in the dark, as to his mind and pleaſure, in and by ſuch Providences; for his Rod is as his Axe or Saw, to leſſen, or ſhorten, or ſhape us in any manner, for the place and uſe he hath decreed, and called us unto, and under theſe, we are not to be meerly paſſive, but active alſo. Let this ſuffice now to have been ſpoken, by way of confirmation of ſo plain and evident a Truth.

2. Well, this, we hope, is ſufficiently manifeſt, both from the light of Reaſon, Scripture, and Conſcience, that the Lords Rod hath a Voice. But what this Voice is, or how to give p. 77the true and infallible Interpretation, is the Question: and were this Queſtion as earneſtly, impartially, and practically debated and reſolved, as the Mint and Rue, the leſſer Circumſtantials and Punctilios of the Law, or of private and worldly Intereſt; there were ſome probable hope, nay, more than probable, that God might yet at laſt obtain the Glory he is contending, and we the happy peace and ſalvation, we are looking and longing for. And for your help in this diligent and ſerious Search, give me leave to premiſe theſe four things.

1. Know therefore, in the firſt place, That when God ſpeaks to us by his Rod, he ſpeaks as to Rational creatures, that are capable of drawing Inferences, as well from his Works, as from his Word. God doth not work upon us as upon Stocks and Stones, that are ſuppoſed utterly inſenſible of the Stroaks, and ignorant of the Workman's deſign; God hath principled us with an intellective Faculty, that we might conclude concerning his Will from his Works. Hence is that compaſſionate wiſh, Deut. 32.29. O that they were wiſe! that they underſtood this! that they would conſider their latter end! And that ſad complaint, Iſa. 1.3. Iſrael doth not know, my people doth not conſider. Though I ſhould heap miſchiefs upon them, and ſpend mine arrows upon them; though the ſword without, and terrour within, ſhould deſtroy both the young man, and the virgin, the ſuckling alſo, with the man of gray hairs; yet p. 78who would lay it to heart? the filthy would be filthy ſtill, the wicked and deceivers would grow worſe and worſe ſtill; For they are a nation void of Counſel, neither is there any underſtanding in them. 'Tis true, we are ſenſible enough of the Smart of the Rod, but not of the End, and Deſign of it. In other things, that, comparatively, little or nothing concern us, we can, with an elaborate, and ſtudied exactneſs, run through the whole Series and concatenation of propinque and remote cauſes, and examine their mutual dependences and products; and yet how ſtrangely blind and ſottiſh are we in the caſe between God and our ſouls? Oh! whenever there is an evil in the Camp, a Judgment threatned, or inflicted, on the Church, State, Town, Family, wherein you live, or on your own Perſons, or perſonal relations; let your next and ſpeedy courſe be, to make diligent Inquiſition to find out the Achan that hath mov'd the Sedition, and rais'd the Controverſie between God and you; that he may not upbraid your wretched ſtupidity, as he did Iſraels, Iſa. 1.2. Hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth! and verſe 5. Why should ye be ſtricken any more? ye will revole more and more. And Jer. 6.17. Alſo I ſo watchmen over you, ſaying, Hearken to the ſound of the Trumpet; but they ſaid, We will not hearken. Here God threatned Warr, by the ſound of the Trumpet, but all was one to them, we will not hearken. Therefore, ver. 19. Hear, O Earth Behold, I will bring evil upon this People, ever the Fruit of their own thoughts, becauſe the p. 79have not hearkened unto my words. Oh, my Brethren! As you deſire, and hope to be ſaved from that Sword and Peſtilence, and all the other evils that are upon you, or impendent over you, and from the wrath to come; hearken to the ſound of Gods Trumpet, to the voice of Gods Rod: O, don't abandon your reaſon, and play the mad men in the things that do ſo nearly concern you! God is now contending with us for theſe and theſe things, and ſhall we not give him a ſober hearing? nay, we do hear, and feel too, that our ears do tingle, and our very hearts ake, and ſhall we not regard? O that ever this ſhould be ſaid of England! What? what will become of us? The Harp and the Viol, the Tabret and Pipe, and Wine are in their Feaſts, but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither conſider the operation of his hands. Therefore my People are gone into captivity, becauſe they have no knowledge, Iſa. 5.12, 13. Let this be the firſt thing then remembred by the way, that whenever God doth lay his rod on you, he expects you ſhould take ſpecial notice of it, and ſet your ſelves with all ſeriouſneſs, ſpeed, and impartiality, to inquire into the true, and ſpiritual Meaning, and End of it.

2. Examine Conſcience by the Word of God. How doth the Phyſician underſtand the diſtemper of his Patient, but by comparing and judging the Urine by the Rules of his Art? Caſt the Rod then into a clean Ʋrinal of Conſcience, and examine what the Word of God will ſay of it there. Conſcience is Gods Deputy and Regiſter, p. 80and if thou haſt not for the preſent ſcratcht out God; writing there; for the preſent, I ſay, for theſe Characters will never be expung'd thoſe leaves, but by the ſame Divine hand that ingraved them. If thou haſt not ſubſtituted the Lyes and Impoſtures of thy own deceived heart, but wilt be faithful and ingenuous; here thou ſhalt find a true, and plain interpretation of Providence. We may not expect that God ſhould ſpeak to us immediately from Heaven, vivâ voce, or by any miraculous Revelations or Enthuſiaſms, as ſome giddy Brains would pretend unto; this were indeed Phanaticiſm, nomine & re. But, The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. The Word ſpeaks, and the Rod ſpeaks, and Conſcience will compare theſe together, and from thence draw up a full and perfect Declaration, and both prove, examine, and anſwer every Article of it, if it may but be ſuffer'd to execute its office in you. The great reaſon why we are ſuch ſtrangers to God, is becauſe we are ſuch ſtrangers to our ſelves: Nemo is ſeſe tentat deſcendere, nemo. Perſ.Affliction hath a great I fluence, as on the other powers of the Soul, ſo eſpecially on the Conſcience, either to ſoften or to fear it: Every ſtroke on Pharaoh left him harder and harder. Why will ye be ſtricken any more? ye will revolt more and more. But where the rod is intended for good, and works toward that End, there it ſoftens and quickens the Conſcience. What a bleſſed effect had that Rout at Ai, on Joshua p. 81and his people, Josh. 7. They preſently fly to God, to know the Cauſe, and as ſoon as ever the thing was hinted to them, how induſtrious and reſtleſs were they, till they had found out the very Man, and executed Gods Law upon him, and ſo remov'd the Guilt and the Wrath …om Iſrael? oh, that God would once ſet our Troubled Camp on the like courſe, in a like general, ſincere, and effectual manner! Manaſeh's Fetters was that ſoftned Manaſſeh's Conſcience, a Chro. 33.11, 12. 'Twas Ne…uchadnezzar's affliction, that humbled his …roud hear, Dan. 4.33, 34. 'Twas the ſtroak …rom Heaven that opened Saul's eyes, Act. 9. … Chriſtians! take heed of hardning your …earts under the Rod; an affliction is never removed, but it leaves either a curſe or a bleſſing behind it. Therefore, whenever God takes his rod over you, or layes it on, upon …ou; as you reſpect the ſpiritual and eternal …ace and welfare of your poor ſouls, awake …our Conſciences, and find out the Cauſe, and …e Meaning of it. 'Tis not enough to groan, and mourn under the burden; this is but Na…re's common courſe; which (if this be all) is … Gods account, but as the ungrateful howling … a Dog, Hoſ. 7.14. Nay, it is not enough neither, to bewail any external, though ſpiritual, …ſs; for, if this be all that your care and …oughts are taken up about; thoſe that ſate at …e door of the gate of the Lords houſe, weeping … Tammuz, Ezek. 8.14. were almoſt as …ligious … you. Take this for a ſecond Direction; p. 82Set Conſcience on work, and that … a lively, impartial, and regular way; acquain… your ſelves with Gods, and know upon what termes he is with you. O, my brethren! the… is a great deal of ſelf trying, and ſelf do…ying work before you. But how Conſcient is to be put to it in this duty, I ſhall ſhew y… more at large hereafter.

3. Though the Rod may be general, yet t… Voice is particular. Beſides thoſe more private and perſonal evils, that every Town, Congregation, Trade, Family, or Perſon, are conplaining under; there are National and P… lick miſeries, which are the common Calamites wherein every individual Member is particularly concern'd; and ſo the voice directs its … ſtinct and particular Items to every one pa… cularly; and to every one it ſutes it ſelf ſeaſonably and proportionably. It is a voice of Humiliation to my Pride; of Mortification to t… Covetouſneſs; of Self-denial to the Luſt and Revenge of another; of Quickning to t… Negligence and Cowardice of another; … Eſtabliſhment to the Haeſitation, and Unreſolvedneſs of another; of Peaceableneſs and Charity to the Tumultuouſneſs and Cenſoriousneſs of another, &c. And to one it ſpeaks with more terrour and dread; to another, in calmer, and ſweeter Dialect, according to the nature and height of that guilt or corruption … aims at. Therefore reaſon thus with your ſelves God hath now taken up his Rod, and is comet plead with me: though the laſh fall more … p. 83verely on others; yet I am in the ſame Condemnation, and am as much concerned as ever thoſe were, that are now lying in heaps at-… feet? oh, how ſhall I, how dare I, think of running from, or juſtifying my ſelf before God! hay, a provoked, and an avenging God. Alas, Chriſtians! miſtake not; 'Tis not ſo much for the Oaths and Blaſphemies, the Drunkenneſs and Sodomie, the Sabbath-Breaking and Idolatry, of Gods enemies, thoſe ſons of Belial, that are among us, that God hath taken up this Controverſie with us; he hath, I will not ſay, a few, but many things againſt us. 'Tis for my ſin, and for your ſins, that God hath torn up our hedge, and thrown down our wall, and laid us waſte. As Mr. Bradford, that bleſſed Martyr, acknowledged in his Prayer; Lord, it was my unthankfulneſs that brought in Queen Maries daye; it was my unfruitfulneſs that cauſed the untimely death of King Edward the 6th. And thoſe Chriſtians that were baniſhed, and fled in Queen Maries dayes, profeſſed, where-ever they came, that God, for their unthankfulneſs, had taken the Goſpel from them.

If then you would learn the language of the Rod, and underſtand the meaning of it, take this for another Rule with you: Believe it, that God is now ſpeaking from Heaven to you; to me, and to thee, in particular: oh, what an awe, and dread ſhould this caſt upon us! Suppoſe you ſhould hear God calling out of Heaven to you by name; what a diſmal aſtoniſhment p. 84would … ſtrike you into? why Man, what doſt thou think? Is the Lords Rod a dumbrod? or elſe, hath it nothing to ſay to Thee, becauſe poſſibly, as yet, it hath not much to do with thee? or, is this a feigned Meſſage, an Errand of my own, that I am now come from God unto thee in? Do'ſt thou believe I am forcing thee with a lye? or elſe, is it true what I ſay? Well then, if the aim and level of the Rod, be at thee, and at me, in particular; is it not time for us to hear & lay it to heart? Shall the arrows of Gods a venging Fury ſtrike us through the very heart, before we will be perſwaded to look for the ſin, or the guilt there? O, my brethren! we ſtand Gods Butt this day: and be ſure, that either in your Luſts, or your Lives, he will ſhortly his you out; 'tis not the White, (which men ſhoot at) but the Black that God levels at; O ſeparate, ſeparate your ſelves! that you be not found anon among the ſlain of Gods Battel. 'Tis not Covenant-Intereſt ſhall excuſe you here, nor the Priviledge of Adoption that ſhall defend you; if a Child ſtand, nay, though his Natural, and OnelyOnly Son, between him and his Mark, he ſhall ſurely die.

4. If we would underſtand the true intent and meaning of the Lords Rod; we muſt humbly betake our ſelves to the Lord of the Rod. It is not ſafe to truſt our ſelves in this caſe; Self bears ſo ſtrong a hand in us, that it will be hard, if not impoſſible, to eſcape its Diſtinctions and Fallacies. There will be ſome ſecret Grains of Allowance for this Luſt; and a plauſible Diſpenſation p. 85for the other Sin; and a colourable veit ſpread over the other Abomination; a thouſand wayes we are in danger of deceiving our ſelves, untill we go to God, as the Diſciples did to Chriſt, to unriddle to us his own Parables. This was Joſhurs courſe, as you may read in the place before-quoted, and this was David's courſe, Pſal. 42.9. I will ſay unto God my Zeck, why haſt thou fongotten me? why go I mourning, becauſe of the appreſſion of the Enemy? O Sir! let this be your peedy courſe too: Set ſome time apart, ſolemnly to enquire of God, what his will is, and what he would have you to do, as to the hard caſe he hath ſet before you; Go into your corners, and commune with God in ſecret; lay down your packs at his feet, and ſpread them all before him; open every Box, and every Bundle, turn out the very Battom of all in his ſight, and tell him; Lord, I am ſonſible of thy Rod, oh, make me as ſenſible of thy meaning in the Rod! oh, let me know why my Father is diſpleaſed! thy Frowns are death to me; Lord! I cannot bear them; O, let me but once know my ſin, and it ſhall be enough! What is my Treſpaſs, what is my ſin, that thou art thus purſuing after me? ſearch all my Stuff, examin every Tent, and ſet it here before me; bring out the ſtollen Images, though the Rachel of my greateſt delight should diſſemble them, and plead a Cuſtom, or Natural Infirmity for them. 'Tis true, Lord, there is cauſe enough why thou shouldſt not only frown, but dash ſo filthy a Potſheard in pieces p. 86for ever; But, O let me bear, Lord, what now thou halt againſt me! let me not be judg'd and condemn'd in a Language I cannot underſtand. Is it my Pride that diſpleaſeth thee? O, break my heart, whatever it coſt me, and make me as humble as thou wouldſt have me to be! Is it my Worldlineſs, my Uncleanneſs, my Impatience, thy Remiſsneſs in Duties, my want of zeal, or loſs of Love; Lord, I would not ſpare one of theſe Amalekies; O let thy Spirit convince me of Sin! and then gird me with thy Sword, and thy Power, that, though I cannot ſtable them through at one thruſt, yet I may be ever hewing them in pieces, till thou haſt utterly deſtroyed them for me. Oh, my brethren! will you ingage your ſelves in this Duty? Would you be hid in the day of God's wrath? or shall be go on to pour it out upon you? Now reſo…, or ſhortly it will be too late. The Axe is lifted up; shall God ſtrike, or will you reſolve? He is about a ſtrange work among us, and that his Enemies shall shortly know; Will you be numbred among them that perish? the Lord forbid! Oh, let us prepare to meet the Lord, while he is yet a little way off, in the way of his Judgments, before his fierce wrath ſo light on our Sodom, that it be too late to eſcape to the Mountain. Thus I have given you the Key to unlock theſe hidden Myſteries, and to open the Oracle to you. Turn it as I have directed you, and as God shall enable you: Obſerve the four Wards of it; if you break or wreſt either of theſe, it will not do. I shall premiſe p. 87no further, but proceed to the Voice. And firſt, …n General.

1. One voice of the Rod in general, is this; God will have his People to awake, and conſider. The Anger of the Lord ſhall not return, until …e have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart; in the latter dayes ye …all conſider it perfectly, Jer. 23.20. When a people have o…t their Hearing, God will deal with them by that other ſenſe of Feeling. In the …tter dayes ye ſhall conſider it perfectly; though they have made a ſhift to ſtop their Ears at Warnings, Calls, and Threatnings; though …y Trumpets, and Heraulds of Warr, could …ot awaken them; yet my Sword ſhall at laſt …o it. I will reprove thee, and ſet them in …rder before thine eyes: now conſider this, ye …hat forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and …here be none to deliver, Pſal. 50.21, 22. If by words will not do it, my Blows ſhall; I will …et Life in them, or I will take that Life they have from them; if the renting off their skirt will not rouze them, I will tear them in pieces, and none ſhall deliver them. Lord, when thy …and is lifted up, they will not ſee; but they …hall ſee, and be aſhamed, Iſa. 26.11. Thus …oth God many times make his very Enemies Conſider, and force them to ſee, and gaze upon …heir damning guilt, and inevitable miſery: …hey ſhall know that God is too hard for them. …iciſti Galilae, was the curſed ſpeech of that …ccurſed Apoſtate, Julian: God will ſometimes give them the Praelibamina, the forc-taſts of p. 88Hell, and make them to conſider, whether they will or no. This, my brethren, is a dreadfu… kind of conſidering, when God ſhall caſt me… into Hell with their eyes open; like ſome departing Souls, ſcar…d by the hideous out-cryes … thoſe that are about them, when their eyes a… ſunk, and the gates of Death ſeem to be ſh… upon them; then to ſtare abroad again, in a gaſtly, trembling diſtracted, poſture; ut ſentiant ſe m… ri, hat they may feel themſelves to die: this is the Judgment and Vengeance of Conſidering. Bu… when God comes to deal with his children, be… treats them like a Father, though he knock them, yet he will not kill them; though be may break their heads, yet he will not daſh out their brains; and yet awake they muſt too, … dead as they are, he will not leave them ſo; he hath a Rod for them; which will break no bones; and with this he whips them into their ſpiritual ſenſes, when words will not prevail Awake thou that ſleepeſt, and ariſe from the dead, and Chriſt ſhall give thee light, Eph. 5.14. And now, Chriſtian Reader, thus fan… thou haſt read, but canſt thou ſay, Hitherto … am come. Have theſe, or any other of Gods Calls or Knocks ſo much as awakened thee … and art thou ſure thou doſt not dream? a… thou fit for a ſober, and rational debate of tha… Controverſie that lies between God and th… Soul? If ſo, then,

1. Conſider, whether thou ſtandeſt in relation with God, as a Friend, or as an Enem… this will be the very firſt thing that will call p. 89for ſerious thoughts. Lord, Who art thou? and whoſe am I? Are theſe the effects of Love or Hatred? the rods of a Father, or of a Foe? As ever thou expecteſt comfort in, or good from the Rod, get this Queſtion anſwered. As there is a vaſt difference between the iron Rod of Gods hoſtile wrath, and the gentle Rod of his Fatherly Correction, in reſpect of the Meaſure, and the Divine Attribute from whence it proceeds; ſo in reſpect of the End and Deſign of it too. The rod of his wrath is not intended to amend, but to deſtroy. A rod of Scorpions will not heal, but poyſon the ſoul; if we cannot look upon him as a Father, and on his rod, as the Fruit and Evidence of his Fatherly love and care, it is never like to reform us. If a Child be beaten by a ſtranger, it begets hatred, revenge, or ſlaviſh fear; 'tis that correction only, that we can, on good grounds, apprehend to come from real, though abuſed love; that is like to produce love and obedience in us. Thou haſt chaſtiſed me, ſayes Ephraim, and I was chaſt ſed, and becauſe it was thou, I was turned; I repented; I was inſtructed; I ſmote upon my thigh: Now, what was the relation between God and Ephraim? Is Ephraim my dear ſon? is he a pleaſant Child? With what undiſcoverable, and yet unconcealable affections, doth God fall on the necks of his poor children, that dutifully ſubmit to the Rod, like Joſeph on his Brethren, when the Relation could be no longer diſſembled towards them? p. 88duplicate page p. 89duplicate page p. 90Gods Kiſſes are never ſweeter, than when he kiſſes off the tears that his own rod had occaſion'd.

But here I would ſpeak a word or two, very briefly, to a Caſe, which poſſibly may be thy Caſe.Ob. The Rod lies very heavy upon me, may ſome poor ſoul complain; and I can apprehend nothing of love in it: I ſit in ſuch darkneſs, that I can ſee no light, neither from within, nor from above; I ſcarce dare to call God Father, nor can I ſee any evidencing, or comfortable Fruit of his Rod upon me. And what ſhall I do in this Caſe?

This hath ever been a common caſe with the People of God. Anſw. Wherefore hideſt thou thy face, and holdeſt me for thine enemy? ſayes Job. Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro, and wilt thou purſue the dry ſtubble? Job 13.24. He findeth occaſions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, Job 33.10. So David was ready to look on himſelf as a Caſt-away, Pſal. 51.11. caſt me not away from thy preſence. In whan a Caſe was the Spouſe? Cant. 5.6, 7. when her Beloved had withdrawn himſelf; ſhe fought him, and called him, but could get no anſwer; the Watchmen ſmote her, and wounded her: her eſtate was very low, and yet ſhe was the Spouſe ſtill. I would not that Affliction ſhould fill you with hard thoughts of God, or deſpairing thoughts of your ſelves. To conclude that the Sun is ſet, as ſoon as it is clouded, is too weak and childiſh; But more diſtinctly to the Queſtion.

p. 911. Can you truly ſay, that you love God as well correcting as comforting? if ſo; Let it be in Argument with you, that your love was not …laced on the enjoyment you have loſt, but on …he God you ſtill enjoy.

2. Would you not be content, and gladly …huſe rather to part with all that's dear to you … the world, than part with your Adopted Relation unto God? Had you not rather have God …r your Father, than the World with all its …owry, for your Portion? Let your higheſt Choice of God then be an Argument of Gods …careſt Choice of you.

3. Would you not rather have the Affliction …netified, than removed? Poſſibly in ſome hot …ſſault, or the Paroxyſm of ſome prevailing …mptation, thou mayſt not be ſo well able to …dg; but, when thou haſt ſpace to make and …clare thy deliberate Choice, wouldſt thou …hange thy afflicted Caſe for all the Pomp and …leaſure of thoſe that have the World, and …othing more, for their Portion? Would you …uſe rather to be thus waſhed from ſin, than …ith more eaſe or liberty to be ſtill pollu…d with ſin? If then the perfection of Ho…neſs be your Aim, it ſhall one day be your …own.

4. Doſt thou find that ſin begins to grow …erer than ever, and reſolutions ſtronger? …hough the ſenſe of thy ſuffering may lie up…rmoſt, and drown the ſenſe of ſin; yet canſt …ou not find, that ſin lying at the bottom, is …at which urgeth all? Wonder not at the p. 92Strugling then, Twins are in thy womb; continue theſe throws unto their appointed Iſſue, and know that this ſickneſs is not unto death; but a ſymptom of better health.

5. Let thy former experiences and evidences be produc'c againſt preſent doubts and jealouſies; on this Foundation, Joh. 13.1. Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end. If ever he were thy Father, he will ever be thy Father. For the Gifts and calling of God are without Repentance, Rom. 11.29.

2. Conſider what thy wayes and carriage toward God have been. Let us ſearch, and try our wayes, and turn again to the Lord, Lam. 3.40. This is abſolutely requiſite, both to our knowledg of the Offence, and expiation of the Guilt, and the removal of the Effect of it with a Bleſſing. How is it poſsible we ſhould know what God is diſpleaſed at in us, unleſs we reflect on what we have done? and conſider wherein we have miſcarried our ſelves toward him? Why hath God lighted up his Candle in our Conſcience, and unſeal'd the Word of his mind, and our duty, to us; but that by theſe we may come to know wherein he is pleaſed or diſpleaſed? And when we perceive his anger by the effects of it; don't common reaſon tell us, that this is the courſe? to compare our wayes with our Rule, and to conſider what we have done? Is there any probable hope of removing the Effect, without knowledge of the Cauſe? Alas, Chriſtians! how can you believe, p. 93how can you hope, how can you pray for deliverance, as long as the Cauſe of our Bondage is not acknowledged, nor removed? Ah, I how …pt are our falſe hearts to ſhuffle, and daub here, …o pack off the guilt on others! Loth we are to diſcover our ſhame, as long as we can get any Fig-leaves to cover it; but yet all will not …erve, the covering will be too narrow; thy …akedneſs will not be hid; there's no licking …hy ſelf whole; all thy Plea's and diſtinctions will not do; the Fallacy will be detected, when …nce God comes to moderate; 'tis not the Wo…an, nor yet the Serpent, ſhall excuſe thee; 'tis …ot the Peoples common vote or violence; 1 Sam. 15.21.1 Sam 15:21nor …hy ſupererogated Devotion, that ſhall palliate …hy partial obedience.Culpae ipſae non transferuntur, nec Criminum quaedam confuſio fit. Lipf. de Conſt. l. 2. c. 17. God will not charge on …is children, the debts, or the crimes of his …nemies: nor is he like thoſe paſsionate Furies, who, in their rage, know no diſtinction be…ween Friends and Enemies. What mean ye, …hat ye uſe this Proverb, ſaying, The Fathers …ave eaten ſoure grapes, and the childrens teeth …re ſet on edge? Ezek. 18.2. The ſoul that …neth, it ſhall dye, ver. 4. Be ſure,Yet ſee ver. 1. God is not …riking thee for nought; he ſees cauſe enough, … this cup had never come to thy ſhare. Lo, I …ave ſinned, ſaies David, and I have done wick…ly: but theſe ſheep, what have they done? …et thy hand, I pray thee, be againſt me, See alſo Ezek. 14.23.Ezek 14:23…nd againſt my Fathers houſe, 2 Sam. 24.17. …ow in this ſerious reflection on our wayes, we …ould conſider,

p. 941. Our ſins, with their aggravations. Pa… don of Sin is the Gate of Mercy; while S… lyeth at the door, Mercy cannot enter: Pen… tent Confeſsion is the only Lege-way to P… don; and certainly a diſtinct knowledg … neceſſarily precede ſuch Confeſsion, and a di… gent Search ſuch Knowledge. In this Clime… there's no ſtriding two ſtairs at once; if y… fail in one, you are out in all. The removal … an Affliction before the Sin be removed, is th… way to a greater, and more ſpiritual Judgment and to turn Rods into Scorpions. O my b… thren! for your Souls ſake, and for your d… Poſteritie's ſake, ſearch, and try your way… paſs an impartial review on all the Paſſages … Tranſactions of your hearts and lives. Th… God is diſpleaſed, we doubt not; and that … is the cauſe, we doubt not; but what theſe … are, and when, where, and how this guilt … and hath been contracted, is that which no… the Rod calls on us to examine. Sinner, w… thou be perſwaded to ſet thine heart to … work? Seemeth it a ſmall thing, that God h… impriſon…d his own Glory? and hath ming… our tears, nay, our bloud, with our ſacrifices? … d…vided, and torn us, Soul and Body, Church an… State? And, after all, ſhall God take up his o… Lamentation over us? Jer. 8.4, 5, 6, 7 Thus ſaith the Lord, Shall they fall, and … ariſe? ſhall he turn away, and not return? … then, is this People ſlidden back, by a perpet… backsliding? they hold faſt deceit, they ref… to return; I hearkned, and heard, but the… p. 95ſpake not aright; no man repented him of his wickedneſs; ſaying, What have I done? every one turneth to his courſe, as the horſe ruſheth into the Battel. Oh! how ſhould our thoughts …ry into every corner, and leave no ſtone unturn'd, leſt the Leproſie ſhould be in it, and the laſt end be worſe than the beginning.

1. The ſin of our nature will afford us matter of large conſideration, and ſad lamentation. That Peccatum agens; that Pregnant Sin; …hat Root of Bitterneſs; the Original of all our Sin and Miſery. Now ſit down, and ſeriouſly …onſider; Lord! in what a caſe was I born! …nd how long did I lie ignorant of, and con…ented under that eſtate! how little have I been …roubled about it! how faint and heartleſs, at …eſt, have my endeavours been, to wreſtle with …, or to eſcape from it! oh, how full am I ſtill of the old Dregs! like a Cake not turn'd, but …ttle more than half bak…e; perpetually prone …o backſliding! If thou wilt know from whence … is that the Streams run ſo foul, away to the …ountain, and there thou ſhalt quickly ſee how … comes to paſs, and that it is more than an …cquired Pollution; the Fountain, the Foun…in is unclean! This was David's courſe, …ſal. 51.5. Behold, I was ſhapen in iniquity, …nd in ſin did my mother conceive me. Sin ſet …ut with me, the very firſt ſtep from my Con…tion: the Leproſie clave unto me in the very …it from whence I was digged. He that never …lt the bitterneſs and weight of Original ſin, …rther than it diſcover'd it ſelf in Actual; p. 96is yet a ſtranger to true Repentance. And for the aggravation of this Plague of our Natures, conſider the ſinful effects of it.

2. In reſpect of omiſſion. How hath it deadned thee to all kinds of duty; eſpecially to the moſt ſpiritual, and ſelf-denying duties! When we ſhould, and ſometimes, when we would d… good, evil is preſent, and too often prevalent, with us. Brethren! in the Bowels of Chriſt Jeſus, I beſeech you, conſider how large an Indictment of this nature, Conſcience has on record againſt us; We can't plead ignorance, as ſome others, it may be, hope to do; We have, or might have known our Maſter's Will; He hath not left us one Talent only, but all the Treaſures of his Houſe; the unſearchable riches of his Goſpel: He hath not left us as ſome ſmall Legatees, but Heirs and Executors of his whole Will and Teſtament; and now, what have we to ſhew for all this? Here we have been wrangling about Circumſtances and Adminiſtrations, deſpiſing or envying one anothers portion, & ſo have turned the grace of God into laſciviouſneſs. On, where's the Improvement! where's the Encreaſe! the Advantage that God will ſhortly call for! Remember what was Laodicea's temper, and what was Laodicea's curſe Oh, this wretched, this curſed lukewarmneſs! how dear is it like to coſt us! By that time we have diſcounted what we have l… paſs, through invincible, nay, ſhall I add, through affected and groſs Ignorance; how many gracious demands have we wickedly repell'd, becauſe of ſome diſtaſtful, or fleſh-diſpleaſing p. 97difficulty that ſeem'd to attend it? how might God diſpatch his Angels with warrants of Contempt againſt us! Oh, what can Conſcience ſay! han't we eaſily granted the Devil what we have ſtiffly denied Chriſt? and begrutcht God, what we have willingly, and prodigally beſtowed on our Luſts? ah, how ſhould theſe things pierce our Souls to conſider! Again, by that time we have abſtracted all that we have loſt of that which we have done, through ſinful miſcarriages, in the manner, or in the end; how very little will it be, that we have been found faithful and diligent in?

3. In reſpect of Commiſſion; What black Legions will there meet us here? If we look no further than our Hearts, what an Abyſs of Filth and Deceit ſhall we find there? Our guilty Eyes have been, as it were, in covenant with Luſt. What endleſs Catalogues are our Tongues convicted of? Can we waſh our Hands in Innocency? how juſtly may we hold them up at Gods Barr? The miſerable abuſe of our Time; The evil Examples we have laid, as ſnares for others; I am numbring now by Thouſands and Millions: Oh, our Pride! our Worldlineſs! our Self-endedneſs! our Cenſoriouſneſs! our Impatience! theſe are ſome of the Generals, under whoſe arbitrary Command we have yielded up our ſelves into ſubjection. Lord! what ſad work have we made? whither ſhould we wander, were it not for thy Shepherds Crook? what tears of bloud are ſufficient to teſtifie a Repentance anſwerable to ſuch Guilt? oh, that p. 96duplicate page p. 97duplicate page p. 98God would prevail with me, and you, and every one of his People, to take theſe things into deeper conſideration, than ever yet we have done! Now that God is not only warning us with his Word, but warming us with his Rod; how near ſhould it go to our very hearts to think what a ſtrange and unpleaſing work we have put God upon! Oh, methinks we might hear the ſounding of his Bowels within him… how loath is he to part with us, or to depar… from us! How ſhall I give thee up, Ephram … how ſhall I deliver thee, Iſrael? how ſhall … make thee as Admah? how ſhall I ſet thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together, Hoſ. 11.8. What dear ingagements of love hath God laid upon us? When Iſrael was a child, then I loved him; I taught Ephraim alſo to go, taking them by the arms: But they knew not, that I healed them. The people that will not conſider, are nigh unto Curſing: oh, that God would now awaken us, that we might know the things that belong to our Peace! When Parents correct their children, they do, or ſhould reckon with them, and remember them of thoſe old ſcores which have been paſt by with an angry look, o… a bare threatning. This is that, my Brethren which God is now inſiſting on with us; no… but that the preſent Provocations are high enough, to have exhauſted a far greater proportion of wrath; but he will have us to know, that this is not all he hath to reckon with us for; there are old miſcarriages behind, which wer… p. 99never yet accounted for;Exod. 32.34.Exod 32:34 a thouſand debts and treſpaſſes, which, it may be, were never once entred on your Books; How many years war, how many years peace? how many years ſcarcity, how many years plenty? and how many thouſands of Items are there ſet under every one of theſe heads? O! methinks, the very thought of theſe things, is enough to amaze us, and ſtrike us dead!

2. We ſhould conſider our Duties. This was good Hezekiah's practice, 2 King. 20.3. I beſeech thee, O Lord, Remember now how I have walked before thee, in truth, and with a perfect heart; and have done that which is good in thy ſight. Chriſtian! theſe are things that require thy exacteſt examination; and the rather, becauſe on theſe thou art apt to lean. When all thy outward comforts lie at the mercy of thine enemies, hither thou thinkeſt to flie, and beginneſt to look big on thy Duties; not as to their Merit, but as to their Evidence. Don't all thy hopes ſeem to hang on this pin? Beſides, by theſe God hath been more immediately honoured, or diſhonoured: Nothing reflects ſo much on his honour, either to the praiſe or diſpraiſe; as that which participates, or pretends the neareſt Relation to him. Now make the caſe; Suppoſe thou ſhouldſt be miſtaken in thy duties, as, 'tis poſſible, thou mayſt; what if there ſhould be a Flaw found in them at laſt, which will ſpoil all; in what a caſe art thou then? Canſt thou believe that there are none ſo miſtaken? O Chriſtian! let me tell thee, Hell p. 100is called the place of Hypocrites, even ſuch as were for the moſt part thus miſtaken. Nay, the beſt of Saints, may, in a great meaſure, be miſtaken too; they may overween their duties, and miſs of much of that peace and ſupport they expected in a day of tryal; therefore bring thy duties to the Teſt, and try them theſe three waves.

1. By the Principle from which they have proceeded. Canſt thou truly ſay with the Apoſtle, 2 Cor. 1.12. This is our rejoycing, the teſtimony of our Conſcience, that in ſimplicity, and godly ſincerity, and not with fleſhly wiſdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our Converſation in the world. 'Tis poſſible, there may be a carnal rejoycing, in a falſe ſuppoſition; but, art thou ſure thy rejoycing is not in vain? Hath Duty proceeded from a Principle of Love and Obedience, and filial awful Reſpect unto God? Hath his Sovereign Command, and the conſcience of Duty, been the Terminus à quo… Can you look back on your duties, and appeal to God, that all this hath been done in an humble obedience to his command? Had Self-love, or Blind Cuſtom, or Slaviſh Fear, no… hand, nor intereſt in them? Thoſe are queſtions that God and Conſcience can beſ… anſwer.

2. By the Rule, by which they have been directed. Hath the Word of God been thy Rule in all thy duties, not only of Solemn Worſhip, but of thy Calling and Relation? in all the tranſactions of thy Common, and Civil Affairs? p. 101And hath this Rule had a Casting-Voice againſt all the Votes of carnal Reaſon and Intereſt? Haſt thou us'd the Word of God, as thy Rule? As many as walk according to this Rule, peace be on them, Gal. 6.16. Hath it been your Walking-ſtaff, a Rule at hand where-ever you go? A Carpenter, (you know) is diſtinguiſhed much, by the Rule he carries in his hand; which is not only for his ſupport, but for the meaſuring and trying of any work he may meet with in his walk? And ſhall a dry ſtick be of more uſe and ſervice in the hand of a Carpenter, than this Olive-tree, whoſe labour never fails, in the hand of a Chriſtian! But, as for me, my feet were almoſt gone: my ſteps had well nigh ſlipt, ſayes the Pſalmiſt, until I went into the Sanctuary of God: then underſtood I their end, Pſal. 73.2.17. This is a tryed ſtaff in ſuch caſes; thou mayſt depend upon it, and truſt thy life and ſoul with it; if it break under thee, or ſtart aſide with thee, or any way deceive thee, without thy horrible abuſe of it, then never believe God more. As for God, his way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tryed: he is a Buckler to all thoſe that truſt in him, Pſal. 18.30. And again; Is not thy whole life one continued courſe of work? Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatſoever ye do, ye muſt do by rule; eat and drink by rule, and ſleep by rule, talk by rule, and work by rule. Wherewithal ſhall a young man cleanſe his way? by taking heed thereto, according to thy word, Pſal. 119.9. Thoſe that will work for God, p. 100duplicate page p. 101duplicate page p. 102muſt work by Gods Rule; Gheſs-work will never vſe under a crocked, and blind eye, and in a crocked, and unhappy hand. Now conſider, how have you employ'd your Rule? the Tradesman will underſtand every Figure and Point in his Rule, and the uſe of it; have you thus improv'd your Judgments about it? doth the word of Chriſt dwell in you richly, in all wiſdom? Col. 3.16. Hath it been a Commanding, a Transforming Rule? have you, with open face, beheld your ſelves in this Glaſs, that you are changed into the ſame Image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord? 2 Cor. 3.18. Ha'nt it been a Rule to talk, and to reprove others; to cenſure your brethren, and to condemn your enemies, rather than to reform your ſelves by? Hath it been your only rule? han't your own habituated Luſts, and Wills, and Cuſtomes, been as much your rul as this? Han't the Genius of the Times, the Examples of Great ones, or thy Byas of thy Intereſt, been as much thy Rule, as any thing elſe? oh, that God would ſet your Conſciences on work, to ſearch theſe things out!

3. By the end unto which they have been deſigned. The glory of God (I know) and your own Salvation, is the End and Deſign that you own: Ay, but may I ask you ſecretly, Hath this been your very end in earneſt? the terminus ad quem, of all your Duties and Endeavours? Can you appeal to God, who knoweth all things, that this is true? and dare you venture you… ſouls upon it? Oh, that I could ſay ſo too … p. 103Hath not ſelf, or ſomething elſe, which thou art not willing to own, ſometime ſtood Captain in thy Prizes? what elſe mean theſe ſelf-attributions? theſe ſelf-confidences? this ſelf-ſeeking, and ſelf-pleaſing? han't Gods glory hung like a Curtain by thee, to cover that which thou art aſham'd ſhould appear! Oh, Chriſtian! what wouldſt thou ſay, if all thy duties ſhould be loſt, and all thy hopes loſt, and that which now ſupports thee, ſhould at laſt undo thee? The time is at hand, that God will try what our ends have been; oh, that I could prevail with my ſelf, and you, to be before hand with God in this great Search!

3. We ſhould conſider our Graces; and that,

1. For the truth of them. Thy Aſſurance of the truth and reality of thy grace, will be thy beſt ſupport under ſinking Providences. The time may come, that thou mayſt have nothing in the world thou canſt call thine own, but what thou haſt within, and above; When St. Peters advice may be more in ſeaſon with thee, 2 Pet. 1.10. Give all diligence, to make your Calling and Election ſure. Conſider, how dreadful a caſe would it be, ſhould you be numbred at laſt among thoſe, that now you would look upon as God's and Your enemies; if all your diſtinctions and diſtances ſhould vaniſh at the Grave, and when your veils are gone, your inſide ſhould be like ſome of theirs? If they upbraid you with hypocriſie now, how juſtly may they do it then? with what aſtoniſhing p. 104ſhame wilt thou be coupl'd up with thoſe that now perſecute thee? when that which now thou accounteſt intolerable ſlander, ſhall appear to be true, and God ſhall witneſs to all the world, that thine enemies were not miſtaken in thee? oh, how can we be ſerious enough, in a buſineſs of ſo immediate Concernment! let thy caſe be what it will, 'twill be worth thy pains to know it.

2. For the growth of them. What increaſe have we made of our Maſter's talents? By the growth, we may gueſs at the the truth of grace. The path of the just, is as the ſhining light, that ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day, Pro. 4.18. Conſider, what means and helps you have had: where's that you have to ſhew for all your Sabbaths, Ordinances, and Duties? a little growth, it may be, in the head, like children in the Rickets; but, where's that Humility, that Self-denial, that Heavenly-mindedneſs, that Patience, Charity, and univerſal Obedience; that Inward, and Spiritual growth, that growth at the Heart, and at the Root, wherein the Life, and Power of Chriſtianity doth conſiſt? Hath your growth been proportionable? Proportionable to the means you have enjoyed? how have your Crops paid the charge of all that Husbandry and Patience, that hath been laid out about you? Proportionable, each part to other? han't your Zeal ou…-…un your Knowledge? or your Knowledge overgrown your Love? Gods growing Temple, is a Building fitly framed together. Eph. 2.21. Not like Nebuchadnezzars p. 105Image, with his golden head, Dan. 2.32.Dan 2:32but all the other parts of baſer Metal.

3. We are to conſider, what Gods wayes and carriage towards us have been, and to compare our wayes and his together; which might be one ſpecial mean to humble, and ſhame us; Hear now, O houſe of Iſrael, Are not my wayes equal? are not your wayes unequal? Ezek. 18. 25. O, let us ſit down now, and conſider, where the inequality, the unrighteouſneſs lies. What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me, that they are gone farr from me? Jer. 2.5. Have you examin'd your wayes, according to my laſt direction? and have you dealt thorowly, and impartially with your ſelves in it? if ſo, let me ask you, What think ye? Where's the fault how? If the inequality be on your part, as I am ſure you have found it, if you have found it at …ll; O then, reſt not here, go on, until you have brought it to ſome happy iſſue. Conſider, how …ong hath God waited? how many wayes hath …e tryed? how hath he proffer'd, at this time, …nd at that time, and yet hath forborn? how …ften hath he drawn his ſword upon us? and …et hath put it up again, and could not, for his Pity, ſtrike; even as we have proffer'd to return, and yet we have plaid faſt and looſe with him, like a broken, and deceitful Bow. And …ow, what a Compaſs is he fetching, to humble …s! Here we are complaining, how ill it is with …s; oh, where is our peace, our liberty, our …lenty, and the glory of God, in his Worſhip …nd Ordinances, become! Who would have p. 106thought that ever it would have come to this? But, alas! we are blind, we can't ſee the cloud riſing, till it begin to fall about our ears; Why! theſe things, nay, and it may be, more than theſe, have been foreſeen by ſome, whoſe eyes were in their heads, and foretold too; and yet now we are come with our Non putarâmus, Who would have thought it? Why! who would not have thought it? who could ever have hop't that God would proſper a Building on ſuch a Bottom, and in ſuch Hands? who would wonder to ſee a Houſe tumble, when Blood, and Treachery, and Oppreſſion, and Self-ſeeking, and Deceit, and Covenant-breaking, lay the Foundation of it? and all this, though ſeen by ſome, yet lamented, as it ought, by few; at leaſt, by thoſe that knew not how to help it: We may wonder rather, that it is with us as it is. And now theſe two years, or more, hath God had us on the Hip, like poor Iſaac, bound, and ſtretcht upon the wood; Who, What is it, hath prevented hitherto, that we have not been offer'd in Sacrifice? Nay, thouſands have been ſacrificed to the Plague, and to the Sword.Can we think that our repentings, our humiliations, our perſonal, family, or heart reformations, have done it? oh, that it were ſo! oh, that it were indeed ſo! But that which I chiefly aim at, under this Head, is this: Walk with God, in the way of his Providence; keep thine eye alwaies upon him; follow him as farr as Faith can trace him; take all theſe things, as the wiſe, and righteous, and merciful iſſues of his all-diſpoſing Counſel and Governance; look on thy ſelf as a piece of Clay p. 107on Gods Wheel; and let every turn of this flying wheel, help forward Gods deſign of grace upon thee.

4. Laſtly, we muſt conſider what it is that God aims at in us, and expects from us; This leads me to the following part of the Voice, and will be more fully anſwer'd, in that which remains to be ſpoken on this Subject: Wherefore, I ſhall add the leſs to this Branch. Are we ever like to anſwer Gods Ends, as long as we cannot, or will not, conſider what his Ends are? Sure, 'tis in vain to give Laws or Ordinances to dead men, or mad men; ſuch as are incapable of any ſerious conſideration. The Aim of the Rod, in general, is this: viz. A Goſpel, and Spiritual conformity to the Image, and revealed Will of God. This is the grand deſign of his Word, and of all his Providences and Ordinances; to renew that Image and Power in us, by the ſecond Adam, which we had loſt in the firſt Adam. He gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Prophets, and ſome Evangeliſts, & ſome Paſtors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the edifying of the body of Chriſt, Eph. 4.12, 13. That we might grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Chriſt, ver. 15. Sufferings are part of our conformity to Chriſt, who was a man of ſorrows, and acquainted with grief, Iſa. 53.3. and the means and way of our conformity to him in the perfection of Grace; who was made perfect through ſufferings, Heb. 2.10. Perfect, as to his Office, though not as to his Nature. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like p. 108unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high Prieſt, ver. 17. He bare them, as the Condition of our peace; but we, as the puniſhment of our ſin, and the Medicine of our Souls. Thus you have heard the firſt Voice of the Rod in general; It would cauſe you to awake, and thus to conſider. But if you reſt here, and go no farther, you do no more than the Sluggard, whoſe Field is curſed with Thorns and Nettles; you may rub up your eyes, and draw aſide your curtains, and let in the light, and tell over the Dreams and Shades that have diſquieted, or beguil'd you, through the paſſages of the night; and yet while you keep your Beds ſtill, and fold your hands, for another Nap, you do but aggravate the provocation, and cauſe God to double his ſtroaks, both for number and weight. Hath God called us to be idle? Riſe, let us be going; we are lookt for in the Vineyard; one hour's ſlumber now, hath more ſhame, and guilt, and danger, than three at Midnight. Know therefore, in the next place,

2. The Rod calls for univerſal Reformation. Amend your wayes, and your doings, ſayes God, Jer. 7.3. And throughly amend your wayes, and your doings: throughly execute Judgment between a man and his neighbour, ver. 5. Sirs … God will make through-work with us, before he leave us; either he will throughly reform us, o… throughly ruine us. He hath now ſtript us from head to foot, and hath even ſet us as in the day that we were born; ſure, he means not to waſh p. 109our feet only, but will now ſpread his Plaiſter as large as the Sore. He hath brought us to the Red Sea, where he will baptize us in the Cloud, and diſtinguiſh who are of Egypt, and who are of Iſrael; nay, who are of Iſrael, and who are Iſrael indeed. Now this Univerſality reſpects,

The Subject.

The Object.

1. The Subject. Every part, and power of Soul and Body, muſt paſs under the Fuller's hands. Yield your ſelves (without any reſtrictions, or reſerves) unto God, as thoſe that are alive from the dead; and your members, as inſtruments of Righteouſneſs, unto God, Rom. 6.13. All that was out of Frame, muſt be ſet at rights again. If one Wheel, or the leaſt Pin, be miſ-plac'd; if the moſt indiſcernable motions be impeded, the whole Frame, though other-wayes, never ſo glorious or elaborate, is rendred utterly uſeleſs and unſerviceable. Should I inſift here, on a diſtinct Comment on the ſeveral diſorders, weakneſſes, and pollutions of every particular Faculty and Member, I might ſeem to treſpaſs on my Text, and abuſe my intended brevity. OnelyOnly, let me tell you, as I paſs; The reformed Creature muſt be a new Creature; and the new Creature muſt be new-born; and the Child new-born hath every part and limb alike new; not only a new Head, or a new Tongue, but a new Heart, a new Eye, a new Will, a new Conſcience, new Affections, new Feet, new hands, new within, and p. 110new without. If any man be in Chriſt, he is a new Creature: old things are paſt away; behold, all things are become new, 2 Cor. 5.17. The Corruption is univerſal, and ſo muſt the Reſtitution be: the dead man is all dead; and ſo when life comes, it is univerſal; tota in toto, & tota in qualibet parte. Lord, not my feet only, ſayes Peter, but my hands, and my head, Joh. 13.9.

2. The Object. 'Tis not enough to lopp off a ſprout or two of ſin, but it muſt be cleanſed up by the Roots. Cut theſe Brambles, and you ſhall have three for one, prune them above ground, and they grow the ſtronger at the roots. Ah, my Brethren! is this all you have done? What though your Church-path, o… your Market path be free from thoſe Brambles, that your Neighbours ſtumble not at them; yet the Field is overgrown, and God hath nothing to ſow, at leaſt, to grow there. O, ſit down and conſider, what ſins have you been particularly and perſonally convinc'd of? Can you name me the Luſts that you have ſet up for your Mark, the ruine whereof, you are reſol'vd, i… the ſtrength of God, to ſeek; and againſt which, you will die Fighting or Triumphing … Anſwer me here, and then let me ask again; What is the ſin thou art thus out with? and whence ſprung thy ſtrife with it? Is it ſom… ſcandalous foul abomination? Drunkenneſs, i… may be, or Adultery, or Theft, or Tale-bearing or any the like things, of evil report amongſt the ſoberer ſort of carnal men? 'tis true, theſe p. 111things are a grief to every godly heart, to behold in others; much more, if their own. Now tell me, Chriſtian, are theſe the ſins thou findeſt thy ſelf moſt guilty of, and addicted to; or doſt thou ſeem to bear them ſuch a ſpleen, becauſe they are the ſins of others, and the ſhame not like to reflect on thy ſelf? If this be it, Publicans and Harlots may be in a fairer way to Reformation than thou. Haſt thou duely ſearcht thy own heart? what haſt thou found there, that thou canſt thus reſolve againſt? haſt thou mark'd out the King of Iſrael, thy accuſtomed, and moſt endeared Luſt; and muſtered thy ſtrength, and ſevereſt charge there? haſt thou found Thy Enemy, Thy Iniquity? Canſt thou go freely to thy heart, and to all the privy, and ſubdolous Receſſes of it, and pull out thence, that ſecret, ſpiritual, and almoſt indiſcernable Pride, that hidden and painted Idol of Covetouſneſs, that Jeſuited Traitor of Unbelief, thoſe circumciſed Shechemites, that are there, like Toads out of their Holes, and hew them in pieces before God? Alas, Chriſtian! 'tis not doing, nor ſuffering, will ſave us, nor yet comfort us long, unleſs we do, and ſuffer, according to the full, and true in…ent and meaning of the Revealed Will of God; To lop off a forward, ſcourging Luſt here, and …o go, and graft it again on another stock by, …s the propagation of ſin, not the reformation of …e Sinner. Oh, Sirs! I would not for all the world, you ſhould be miſtaken; 'tis as much as our own Souls, and the Crown of my rejoycing p. 112on your account, in the day of the Lord, comes to. I fear the miſtake is more common than you are aware. O keep them all clean, within, as well as without, that you may never be aſham'd when God ſhall turn out your Inſides to all the world.

3. God expects that his People ſhould humble themſelves greatly under his mighty hand. Jer. 7.29. Cut off thine hair, O Jeruſalem, and caſt it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the Lord hath rejected the generation of his wrath. And Jam. 4.10. Humble your ſelves in the ſight of the Lord, and he ſhall lift you up. So, 1 Pet. 5.6. Humble your ſelves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. This is the proper, and direct Voice of the Rod: if afflictions be doctrinal, as you have heard? what more natural Inferences may we deduce from it? why hath God brought down the outer man, but that he might humble the inner man? For the day of the Lord of Hoſts ſhall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, and he ſhall be brought low, Iſa. 2.12. God will cauſe the ſtout hearts of the world to ſtoop, and make them know it is in vain to magnifie themſelves againſt their Maker. Know therefore, that when ever God hath to do with thee in ſuch wayes a… theſe, he hath a ſpecial eye on thy Pride, for he hath ſaid, God reſiſteth the proud, Jam. 4.6. Neither is thy forced external humiliation, enough; to be humbled, and to be humble, are p. 113…f a wide difference. A Pharaoh, an Ahab, may lye under a Force, and under all their Humiliation, be as proud as ever. 'Tis not …nough to bear an Affliction, though (it may …e) with ſome commendable meaſure of pa…ence; 'tis not the hanging of thy head like … Bull-ruſh, nor thy reſolute contempt of …he Croſs, that will commend thee before God; The iron may look like Gold while 'tis in the …re, and yet it is but Iron ſtill; as ſoon as …he heat is over, it returns to its old form: oh, …y brethren! if you will learn any thing, if …ou will get any thing by the Rod, learn to …umble your ſelves under it.

4. God expects that his People ſhould ſtir up …hemſelves, to lay hold of him. Shall we let …ur Father go, before he hath bleſſed us? …oe unto us when God departs from us, Hoſ. ….12. Don't we know and profeſs, that all …r hopes and happineſs are bound up with …m? and can we ſee him going, and our …arts not melt within us? oh, my Soul! ſhall …e loſe him thus! can we ſee him turning his …ck upon us, and taking his laſt Farewel of …, and our Souls not dye for very grief? O England! haſt thou not a few Names yet, that …nnot, that will not, part with their God ſo? …, that I could melt into a cloud of Tears, and … ſprinkled on the hearts and eyes of my care…s Brethren! O Blind! Blind England! Me…inks I ſee Lo-ammi and Lo-ruhamah written … the doors of thy Sanctuaries, and the abu…d Sampſon of divine Patience laying hold on p. 114the Pillars of it; Lord God, what wilt tho… do with us? Shall we fall, and not ariſe? will thou turn away, and not return? O Father Wilt thou not then take thy children with thee with whom wilt thou leave us and our little ones? who ſhall teach us? who ſhall feed us? who will protect us? who will care for us? what will become of us? oh! let us dye in thine Arms before thou go: If thou wilt not. if thou wilt not ſtay with us, let us go when thou goeſt, and dye, that we may be with thee Crowns nor Kingdoms ſhall not tempt us … tarty behind thee; thou haſt our hearts, and our life is hid in thee; if thou leave us, … dye. Oh, Sirs! if there be any thing of the life, or love of God in you; if ever you did or ever mean to pray more? now pray; … you have any power with God, any relation to him, any intereſt in him, by Chriſt? now plead it, and improve it; if you can do any thing, now try what you can do to help us Marvel not at my Paſſion, Brethren; I can't look up towards Heaven, and think of a departing God, but that I could even breathe ou… my very Soul after him; I can't think on your poor children, and thoſe yet unborn of you and what is like to become of them twenty years hence; if the glory of Iſrael, and th… power of godlineſs ſhould now depart from us; but is cuts my heart with pity for them and can you altogether hold your peace at th… time? certainly, 'tis no ſuch indifferent caſe … the world accounts it. Who will plead with p. 115God in ſuch a time as this, if you will not? Can theſe Dunghil-Birds ſet a due rate on Jewels? What is thy beloved more than another beloved? Cant. 5.9.Song 5:9they can ſee no ſuch beauty in him, nor advantage by him, that they ſhould deſire him; their Corn, and Wine, and Luſts, are better to them than all that is in God or Chriſt; and are theſe the perſons then that are like to appeaſe a provoked God, and to hold him with us? You can't loſe a Child, a Wife, a Husband, a dear Friend, or any outward comfort or enjoyment, without ſome tears or trouble; and can you part with God, the fountain of all theſe, nay, of all good, with leſs trouble and care of heart? Gird your ſelves, and lament, ye Prieſts: howl ye Miniſters of the Altar: come lye all night in ſackcloth, ye Miniſters of my God, Joel. 1.13. Te that make mention of the Lord, hold not your peace day nor night, keep not ſilence, and give him no rest, till he eſtabliſh, and till he make Jeruſalem a praiſe in the earth, Iſa. 62.6, 7.