Words of Advice to Young Men, Sermon 1
WORDS of ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.
MATTH. 6. 33.
But seek ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
THESE words are part of our Saviours Sermon upon the Mount, in which he spake with so much authority, that the people were astonished at his doctrine, for never man spake as he spake. The subject of this Sermon, is many excellent Promises, Precepts, Directions, Cautions, Exhortations, backed with Motives and Arguments very needfull for the promotion of Holiness in Heart and Life. 1. Our Saviour gives several promises of blessedness both here and hereafter, to quicken his Disciples in their endeavours after some choice Graces and qualifications of minde, and to incourage them against the outward persecution, which for his sake they might meet withall in the world, chap. 5. from vers. 2. to 15. 2. He directs them how they should behave themselves as Ministers, and his Disciples, by the similitudes of Salt, Light, a City set upon a hill, unto which they had or should have a conformity, from vers. 15. to v. 17. 3. He declares the immutability and purity of the Moral Law, vindicating it from the corrupt and false glosses of the Pharisees, and explaining it in its spiritual reach and meaning. 4. He warns them against Hypocrisie in their Religious Services, pressing them in their Alms, Prayers, Fasts, to approve the …r hearts to God, who seeth in secret, that they might receive an open reward, chap. 6. from v. 1. to v. 19. 5. He exhorts them to lay up for themselves Treasures in Heaven, and not to be solicitous about the Provisions of this Life; which Exhortation he backeth with six Arguments. The first is drawn from the safety of Heavenly Treasures, being removed beyond the reach of rust, and moth, and thies: The second, from the uncertainty of earthly Treasures, which are in danger of being corrupted and stoln, v. 19. 20: The third from the inconsistency of the true love of God with the over-eager love of things here below, Ye cannot love God and Mammon, v. 24. The fourth from the assurance they might have that the Lord would, without their carking care, provide as much of these things as he saw needfull for them; and that by their experience 1. Of Gods goodness to themselves in things of a far greater moment, namely, in giving them life which was more than meat, and in giving them bodies which was more than raiment, v. 15. 2. Of Gods goodness to creatures of far l…ss dignity, namely, his feeding the Fowls, and cloathing the Lillies, v. 26. The fifth from their inability to procure these things by their anxious thoughts about them, v. 27. The sixth, because hereby they did sinfully conform unto the Gentil…s and Heathens, v. 32. And then at last our Saviour directs how to obtain these earthly things without such sollicitousness; namely, by the seeking first of heavenly things, as in the Text: But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
In which words there are two parts,
1. An Exhortation, But seek ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness.
2. An argument to enforce it, and all these things shall be added unto you.
In the Exhortation there is,
1. The Duty, seek ye the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness.
2. The Season or Order, in this word First, Seek ye first, &c.
In the Argument, which is a Promise, there is,
1. The Things premised, these things, temporal things, such as food, raiment, and whatever is needfull for the body, whereof our Saviour had been speaking.
2. The fullness of the Promise, All these things, nothing shall be wanting.
3. The manner of conveyance, they shall be added unto you, they shall be cast in as appurtenances and over-plus.
SECT. I.
I Shall speak only to the former part of the words, namely, the Exhortation, whence we may observe,
Doct. That it is the great duty of all the Children of men to seek first the Kingdom and Righteousness of God.
In handling of which point I shall shew,
1. What we are to understand by the Kingdom and Righteousness of God.
2. What it is to seek this Kingdom and Righteousness.
3. What is implyed in this word First.
4. That all the Children of men ought First to seek the Kingdom and Righteousness of God.
5. Apply.
1. What are we to understand by the Kingdom and Righteousness of God. There is a three-fold Kingdom of God. 1. The Kingdom of his Power, 1 Chron. 29. 11. Thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above All. 2. The Kingdom of his Grace, Luk. 17. 21. The Kingdom of God is within you. 3. The Kingdom of his Glory, Joh. 3. 3. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of Gods Power be sure is not here spoken of, some understand hereby the Kingdom of his Grace: But I rather think, that in this place the Kingdom of God is to be taken for the Kingdom of his Glory, where the chief and perfect happiness of men doth lye, which our Saviour would have them to seek, and not be sollicitous about earthly things which are so empty and transitory: And I the rather conceive that it is to be taken for the Kingdom of Glory, because the Kingdom of Grace which is the way to Glory, is included in the next word, namely, the righteousness of God, as Rom. 14. 17. The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, &c. There is a twofold righteousness of God, 1. That righteousness which is imputed to us, whereby we are justified, called the righteousness of God by Faith, Phil. 3. 9. 2. That righteousness which is wrought in us, begun in regeneration, when we are renewed after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4. 24. and in the work of Sanctification is more and more increased and augmented, whereby we grow in our spiritual stature, untill we come to a perfect man, to be perfectly righteous, even as Christ Is righteous. The Object then which we are to seek is the Kingdom of God, the Crown of glory, which God hath layd up for his people, the Happiness of Heaven as the End; and the righteousness of God, reconciliation to him, through the imputation of his Sons rightcousness; and conformity to him through the working inherent righteousness in us by the operation of his Spirit, as the way to this Kingdom, and necessary means to attain this end.
2. The second thing is to shew what it is to seek the Kingdom and Righteousness of God: and here two things are implyed, 1. A diligent Enquiry after these things. 2. A diligent endeavour in the use of means to obtain them.
1. A diligent enquiry after these things, and that both after the things and after the means; such as seek after this kingdom and righteousness, they first inform themselves in the nature, worth and need which they have of these things, and then diligently inquire how they may get a part and i…terest in them: First, they enquire who will shew us the chief good? We see that the Creatures cannot yield us satisfaction, we cannot finde any perfect and compleat happiness upon the Earth, where shall we finde it? And being informed by the Word and Ordinances that God is the chief good, that his favour is better than life, and that in his righteousness there is the beginning of true happiness, and in his Kingdom there is perfection of happiness; that in his presence there is fulness and eternity of joy and blessedness, and that whilest they remain under the guilt and power of sin, they are under the Curse; and before they obtain his righteousness, and a title to his Kingdom, they are in a lost estate, their condition for the present is miserable, and they are exposed every moment to be thrown into the dark and deep dungeon of Hell, where they shall be most horribly and eternally tormented; they further (being convinced of sin, and awakened with the fear of punishment) earnestly enquire how they may be delivered from the estate of sin and misery, and be brought into a state of salvation; as the Jaylour, Act. 16. 30. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And being told that Christ only can save them from sin and wrath to come; they enquire how they may get an interest in Christ, and share in his righteousness; and being told of the Happiness in the Zion which is above, they enquire how they may get a title to the Kingdom of Heaven, and ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, as the Church, Jer. 50. 5. Such as seek the Kingdom of God to purpose, they set their faces towards the heavenly Jerusalem; their hearts are set upon it, they are resolved to get it whatever it cost them; they ask the way not with their faces Hell-ward, as some do, but with their faces Heaven-ward, being resolv'd to submit to any terms; to make use of any means so they may obtain it.
2. Seeking after Gods Kingdom and Righteousness, doth imply a diligent endeavour in the use of means (having found out what means are requisite) that they may obtain these things. Having found the Field where the Treasure is hid, there they dig that they may possess themselves of the treasure: Having found the Cabinet where the Jewel doth lye, they labour to open the Cabinet that they may get the Jewel: Having found the Shop, the Market where the Oyl is sold, they come to the place and buy: Being informed of a Scepter of grace held forth, they come and lay hold on it: Being informed of a Door of mercy, they come and knock, there they will lye, there they will crye, there they will dye, if they perish, they will perish in the use of means: Pray, hear, read, meditate, they will use any means, which God hath prescribed in his Word, though never so harsh and displeasing to flesh, and cross to their carnal interest: Though the use of powerfull means may be hazzardous, though they may endanger Liberty, Estate, Life, they will not flirich and start aside out of Gods way to his Kingdom whatever enemies and opposition they meet withall therein; they w…ll persevere in the way when the Sun of persecution shines hot upon them, they will hold on their course whatever the way and weather be, and so by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honour, and immortality, Rom. 2. 7. if by any means they may attain the possession of this Kingdom of God.
3. The third thing is to shew what is implyed in this word First, Seek first the Kingdom and righteousness of God.
| Two things, | 1. Precedency of Time. |
| 2. Precedency of Dignity. | |
| Seek First, that is, | Before other things. |
| Above other things. | |
| Seek First, that is, | Timely. |
| Chiefly. |
1. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, that is, seek these things timely, before other things; seek them in the Morning of your Life, in the Spring of your years, in the flower of your Youth. Read Ecclesiastes 12. 1. Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy Youth, while the evil dayes come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. Remember thy Creator, that God that made thee, and who alone can new make thee; who formed thy body in the womb, and who alone can form Christ in thy heart; who created thy soul, breathing into thee the breath of life, and who alone can create the New Man in thee after his Image, by breathing into thee his quickening Spirit: Remember thy Creator, who not long since brought thee out of the loathed estate of Nothing, and numbred thee amongst his Creatures; and who can bring thee out of the more loathed estate of sin, and number thee amongst his Children: Remember him, endeavour to know him, how great and good he is, how glorious and gracious; remember him, minde him who is every where present; remember him, get a holy awe and dread of him upon thee; remember him, get an interest in him, and acquaintance with him; remember him, make choice of him for thy God, and chief good; seek his favour, seek his Kingdom and Righteousness: And that Now in the dayes of thy Youth, in thy first years, when it is not long since thou camest out of his hands; remember him in thy Spring and bloom, before the Winter come; remember him in thy best dayes, b…fore the evil dayes, and the years of old decrepid age draw nigh, when thy body may be full of diseases, thy bones full of the sins of thy Youth, and thy Soul full of evil habits, and thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; when God whom thou hast forgot, shall say, I have no pleasure in thee; and thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in my Life; when thou shalt have neither inward nor outward comfort; when thy heart shall say concerning riches, honours, and all sensual enjoyments, I have no pleasure in them; I hoped for good, but I have met with disappointment; I looked for sweetness and satisfaction, but I am more unsatisfied than before; that which I formerly took delight in, hath a bitter taste and reflection: My years now are irksome, and tedious, and I can finde no pleasure in them. This was Solomons advice to young men to remember their Creator in the dayes of their Youth, and this is the advice of our Saviour a wiser than Solomon, to seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness; to seek this timely, before other things.
2. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, that is chiefly, and above other things. The things of this world may be sought; but it must be in subordination to the things of Gods Kingdom: You must make Earth to stoop to Heaven, and the concernments of the Body must give place to the concernments of the Soul; you must let the things of God have the chief of your thoughts and care.
4. The fourth thing is to shew that all the children of men ought first to seek the Kingdom and righteousness of God: All are bound to do it by vertue of the Precept in the Text, as well as engaged by their own Interest. It is for Gods glory that they should do it, and it is requisite in order to their own good; and it is very reasonable for men to obey when God commands nothing but what is in order to their own happiness, which they cannot neglect, but it will be to their ruin and destruction: This duty then lyeth upon every one, to seek Gods Kingdom and righteousness; no wealth, honour, dignity, or whatever else this world conceits and flatters can give a supersedeas hereunto; no condition, calling, temptation, or whatever engagements any may pretend, can excuse from it; neither the voluptuous inclination of Youth, nor the tedious infirmities of Old Age can be a sufficient dispensation for the neglect of it. The Emphasis of the word First I shall reserve to speak to in the word of Advice by and by.
SECT. II.
THE Improvement I shall make of this Doctrine, shall be in two words.
1. By way of Reproof.
2. By way of Advice.
Use 1. For Reproof of those that seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness last.
2. That seek these things least.
1. That seek the kingdom and righteousness of God last; that make this the last business of their …ime, which should be done first; wh…n their dayes …re stretched out to their full length, then they be…in to seek after Gods Kingdom; In the mean time …utting off Gods Ministers, who warn and call them …s Felix did Paul, untill a more convenient season, Act. 24. 26. Thus like Bankrupt Debters they crave …urther day, untill as Job 20. 11. they are on a sud…n clapt up into Prison, and lye down with their …ones full of the sins of their Youth.
2. That seek the Kingdom and righteousness of God least, who seek these things after a sort, but it … by the by, they do not make it their business; …hat seek, but it is in a slothfull, careless manner, …hat seek, but do not strive to enter in at the streight …ate, that do not seek heartily, diligently, chiefly; …hat seek the things of the world in the first place, …nd the things of Gods Kingdom afterwards, and as …ose things will suit with their secular interests, …nd earthly concernments, as if Mammon were to … preferred before God, and Earth were of more …orth than Heaven, and the Body more excellent than the Soul. I might here both speak of the si… of those persons, and shew how they dishonour God of the folly of those persons, and shew how they ar… injurious to themselves. But it is the next word … chiefly intend.
SECT. III.
Use 2. OF Advice, and that to Young Men, to pu… in practice the duty of the Text, See… first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness.
The chief composition of this Auditory at thi… time being young men, and the occasion of this Sermon being the desire of young men; I shall therefore address my self wholly unto you, that ar… young. It is a goodly sight to behold so many o… you come together, to hear something for your soul… good. I had several Texts propounded to my thoughts to speak unto; this I thought might be a suitable and seasonable as any: Your forwardness to hear, maketh me hope you will be forward to obey O that my Doctrine might now drop like the dew and that my words of advice out of the Word o… God, might be like the rain falling upon the tende… grass, which causeth it to spring: Let it not be lik… water falling upon so many rocks, which maket… no impression; or like rain upon barren ground which bringeth forth briars and thorns, instead o… hearbs meet for the Masters use; you know tha… such ground is nigh unto cursing and burning Heb. 6. 8.
Receive then, Dear Youths, the word of Advic… which I now give you in the name of my Lord an… Master, from whose mouth the Word did first proceed: Seek, first the Kingdom and righteousnesse of God. There is a generation of old ones who are going off the stage of the world, and you are comeing on in their room; ere long they will lie down in the dust, and you not long since did spring out of it; they are almost come to their Journeys end, and you are setting forth on the way; they are even arrived at the Port, and you are now putting forth to Sea. It is of the greatest concernment in the world to take and follow good advice at the first, before you are engaged too farr. Here therefore I shall put you in minde, that there are two wayes or passages in which all the children of men are travelling; the one is the way of sin, the other is the path of righteousness: The way of sin is broad, an open, beaten road; you may easily know it by the multitude of Travellers, it is the course of the world. Your Parents when they bring you into the world, set you down in this way; and many, yea most of them go before you in it: It appeareth to you the smoothest and fairest way; it may seem a delightfull way to you at the first, strewed with roses; such company, such enticements you may have in this way, as may render it most desireable, if you take Sense and Flesh for your guides and counsellers. But let me warn you before-hand that you walk not in this way, you will quickly finde the pleasur…s in this way to drop and fade, the flowers will wither, the Sun will be clouded, the delights of sin will vanish; and heavy griefs, and bitter sorrows, and vexation of spirit will succeed, and blot out all the sweet relish you have had of unlawfull enjoyments: You will finde your selves bereaved, and disappointed in that satisfaction and happiness you looked and hoped for it a sinfull course. It is a dangerous way; there ar… unseen snares in it, and you will receive secret, bu… deep and mortal wounds, which are beyond the ar… of man to cure: It is the way which leadeth to destruction, Matth. 7. 14. It is the high road to Hell thither it will bring you: And if there be some sensual sweetness in the beginning of the way, think what bitterness there will be at the end thereof: Think how terrible Death will be unto you, after a life of sin: but think how dreadfull the punishment of Hell will be when you are let thorow the gate of death, into that place of extream and dreadfull torment.
There is another way, namely the path of Righteousness, the way of Holiness, which is narrow and hath a strait gate; which you must go thorow, if you would get into it, namely the gate of Regeneration. It is a way that is difficult to finde, tedious and irksome at first; it is a weeping and sorrowfull way at the entrance, few there be that finde it; most are discouraged by the narrowness and difficulty of it, from putting their feet into it: But it is the way of Life, it is the way to the Kingdom, it is the way of Peace, it is the way of God, it is the way to Heaven. The difficulty is chiefly at the first; the sorrows are mostly in the pangs of the New Birth, in conflicting for passage thorow the strait gate; weepin…, may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning: Trouble may be your companion for a while, but peace and sweetness succeed in its room. If you walk steadily, you will finde it to be a way of such pleasure and delight, as you never did finde or can finde in the way of sin: And if there should be clouds and rain, and stormy windes of trouble and temptation in the Journey, yet the latter end will be Peace; be sure there will be rest and happiness in the Kingdom into which death will convey your Souls after they are seperated from your Bodies; there you will finde fullness of joy, and pleasure for evermore.
So that you have here Life and Death set before you; Heaven and Hell; eternal Happiness and eternal Misery: the latter at the end of the way of sin, and the former at the end of the way of Holiness. And which will you choose? if you will run with the wicked in the same excess of riot, if you will follow the multitude to do evil, if you will walk according to the course of the world, fulfilling the desires of your flesh, and make provision for the satisfaction of its lusts; you will be found at last in the number of the children of wrath, and the wrath of God will certainly come upon all such Children of disobedience: If you will live after the flesh, you shall die, you shall not escape the stroke of eternal death, you cannot avoid the damnation of Hell. But if you will turn your feet into the narrow path, and walk in the way of Obedience, which is the beginning of wisdom, if you will seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; you have a promise that God will provide for you whatever is needfull for you of temporal things, and in the end he will give you the Eternal Inheritance. Let me press upon you, dear young Men, the advice of the Text, to seek first the Kingdom and righteousness of God, seek the Kingdom of God as the end, and seek the Righteousness of God as the way and means.
SECT. IV.
I. FIrst seek the Kingdom of God. Here is a Kingdom proffered to you, not an Earthly Kingdom, but the Kingdom of Heaven: here is a Crown set before you, not a Crown of Gold, but that which is infinitely more precious, a Crown of Glory: As mean as you are, you may be all Princes, Sons and Heirs of the King of Heaven, if you will look and seek after it. Some Youths have aspiring mindes; like the Eagles they sore aloft, and would set their nests among the starrs, as Obad. 4. you cannot aspire to a greater dignity, than to get a title to the Kingdom of God; here you may mount as high as you will in your aim without sin, and attain an eternal Habitation, and Mansion above the Stars, even in the Palace of Heaven. Some young men have covetous desires after the World, and they will spare no labour in seeking after earthly riches, and an Inheritance here below: Let me entreat you to covet earnestly the b…st riches; do not endeavour so much to hoard up riches, as to lay up treas…res, I mean treasures in Heaven, which neither mo… nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break thorow and steal, Mat. 6. 20. Get a title to the Inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and sadeth not away, which Jesus Christ hath purchased and prepared. Some young men addict themselves to the pleasures of the flesh, they are very jovial and frolick in their youth, walking in the wayes of their heart, and in the sight of their eyes, and very desirous of carnal delights, and sensual satisfactions; here are delights and pleasures before you of a higher and purer nature, more reall and substantial, more durable and lasting. The way…s of God are wayes of pleasantness: But Oh what Joyes are there laid up in store, what delights are there in Heaven, in the immediate vision and full fruition of God the chief good O seek the Kingdom of God, where there are full and everlasting pleasures.
And if you would get a title to this Kingdom of God, and at length possession of it, you must,
1. Study the vanity and emptiness of all things here below; hearken to Reason, which will tell you so, because these things are unsuitable, unproportionable, uncertain, of a fading and perishing nature. Believe the report of the Word concerning the World and all things therein: Vanity of vanities saith the Preacher, all is vanity, Eccl. 1. 1. read that book throughout. Take the experience of others, who have tryed the world, and after the fullest and most desireable enjoyment of these things, have come off with dissatisfaction. Think how dangerous it will be for you to try: Let the Rocks which others have split themselves upon, be a warning to you to steer your course another way. Never look for, never seek happiness in the World; believe me, it is not there to be found. And therefore do not lay up your treasure on Earth.
2. Look into the Word, where life and immortality is brought to light; where the glory and happiness of Heaven, and the things which God hath there prepared for them that love him, are in some measure revealed. Look into the Gospel, which like a Prospective-glass will give you some view of the glory which is above; there you may perceive that Heaven is a place of rest, of peace, of light, of joy, of perfect and eternal happiness.
By the Word you may understand what happiness is prepared for the Body, how gloriously that will shine, even like the Sun, and be made like Christs most beautifull and glorious body at the Resurrection: There you may understand what glory will be put upon the Soul, what shining garments of Holiness it will be cloathed withall, and what Joyes of the Master it will be filled with.
3. Compare Earth and Heaven together in the ballance, and see which doth outweigh; whether the exceeding and eternal weight of glory be not more ponderous, than all the glory and happiness which the world can give, which indeed is not so much as the dust of the ballance to compare with it. And having made diligent enquiry and seriously considered and compared both these, then make your choice; the time of your Youth is the choosing time; renoun…e the World, and make choice of this Kingdom of God for your portion and Inheritance; and be …o tented to stay for your chief happiness till you come forth of the World: take not that for your portion which will so soon be spent; but choose that which will be both satisfying and everlasting, though you stay some time before you come to the full possession of it.
4. Apply the Promises of Eternal Life, 1 Joh. 2. 24. This is the promise which he hath promised, even eternal life. Titus 1. 2. In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lye, hath promised: Build upon these and the like Promises, they are a firm footing and ground for Faith, which will not fail.
5. Apply your selves unto Jesus Christ, in whom all the Promises are yea and amen, who hath purchased this Kingdom, and hath taken possession of it, and alone can give you title and admission.
6. Be earnest for this at the Throne of Grace, that whatever God giv…s, he would not deny you his Kingdom, that he would not put you off with the world for your portion, that you may not have your good things only in this life; urge the promises of eternal life, thew him his hand-writing, plead the merit and mediation of his Son; resolve to take no denyal, press in at the door, strive to get in at the strait gate; endeavour to take Heaven by violence; of which more by and by.
7. Get those qualifications which are needfull to fit you for this Kingdom, which are included in this Word Righteousness: And that is the second thing I would press you unto.
II. If you would seek Gods Kingdom, so as to obtain, you must also seek Gods Right…ousness. Seek imputed righteousness; the guilt of sin must be removed before it is possible for any to have admission into the Kingdom of God. You all are guilty of sin, God is offended, his Justice must be satisfied, you are insufficient, being finite; Christ hath made it in your stead, his righteousness is perfect, there must be an imputation hereof unto you, if you would obtain remission of sins, and an inheritance among the people of God. Your salvation doth depend upon your application of Christs righteousness; study your need, get conviction of sin, consider your danger whiles… under guilt, understand the intent of Christs sufferings, acquaint your self with the tenour of the Covenant of Grace. And. C…rist being held forth to you, lay hold on him by faith, his righteousness being intended for you, and proffered unto you, make application of it; cloathe your selves with it by faith, and therein appear with confidence before God, pleading for pardon and acceptation.
2. Seek imparted righteousness: Imputed righteousness is necessary to entitle you to Gods Kingdom, imparted righteousness is necessary to qualifie and prepare you for Gods Kingdom. This righteousness here is imperfect, and cannot be the causa regnandi, the cause of reigning, yet it is via ad regnum, the way to the Kingdom. This righteousness is begun in Regeneration, and further increased in Sanctification, as hath been said.
1. You must be regenerate, born again, if ever you would see the Kingdom of God, John 3. 3. Old things must pass away, and all things must become new, 2 Cor. 5. 17. As a man must be born before he can possess an Earthly Inheritance, so a man must be new-born before he can possess the Heavenly Inheritance. First you must be Children before you can be Heirs of God; you must be Children by adoption, and you must be Children by regeneration. Labour then after a gracious change in your heart, see your need of it, apply your selves to God for it; beg earnestly that he would by his Spirit be pleased to effect it; put your selves under the influence of the Word, be ready to yield to the movings and strivings of the Spirit.
2. Having shot the Gulph, passed thorow the strait gate of Regeneration, and obtained the beginning of the work of grace, you must endeavour after Sanctification, that you may grow up in holiness. You must by the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the body, and cleanse your selves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God; and hereby you will be made meet to be made partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light; and an entrance will be administred unto you most assuredly into the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 7. 1. Col. 1. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 11.
SECT. V.
HAving thus given you advice as to the thing, to seek the Kingdom and righteousness of God, I shall now further advise and exhort you to seek First this Kingdom and Righteousness.
1. Seek First, that is, Timely, and before other things.
2. Seek First, that is, Chiefly, and above other things.
1. Seek First the Kingdom and Righteousness of God, that is Timely and before other things. Do it now in the time of your Youth, in the Morning of your Life, so soon as Reason doth begin to d…wn. Here I shall give you three motives to stirre you up to do this in the time of your Youth.
| Consider that the time of Youth is | 1. The most Acceptable time. |
| 2. The most Seasonable time. | |
| 3. The most Safe time. |
1. The time of Youth is the most acceptable time, 2 Cor. 6. 2. The Apostle speaketh of the day of the Gospel, and I may speak it of the day of Youth: Behold now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation. Any part of the day may be acceptable; be sure the beginning of the day is most acceptable. God is best pleased with young ones who seek the things which belong to his Kingdom, and their salvation; that dedicate themselves to his service betimes, before Sathan and the World have ravished their Virgin-affections. Under the Law God required the First-fruits and First-born for Sacrifice, and under the Gospel God requireth the first-fruits and first-born of our time, and thoughts, and affections: The first-fruits under the Law were to be mingled with Oyl and Frankincense, which gave forth a sweet savour, Lev. 2. 15. when you devote the first of your time, and parts, and strength to God, this is a sweet savour to him. God taketh especial notice of, and is exceedingly pleased with ea ly seekers, and timely services. Jer. 2. 2. I remember the kindness of thy youth, and the love of thy espousals; and Cant. 6. 11. we read of Christ, going down into the garden of the Church, to see if the Pomegranates budded; the buddings and blossoms of Youth are sweet and pleasing to Chr…st: the youngest Disciple was Christs beloved Disciple. It is recorded for the commendation of Josiah, that he did that which was right in the sight of God when he was but eight years old, 1 King. 22. 1. and of Timothy, that from a Childe he had known the Holy Scriptures, whereby he became wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3. 15. None are like to bring so much glory to God, as those that s…ek his Kingdom and Righteousness in their youth; and therefore this time is the most acceptable time.
1. The grace of young persons is most conspicuous; it is like the Morning-blush, like the first opening of the Rose, like a Diamond set in a Ring of gold; early grace hath a sweet fragrancy, and glorious lustre in it: The beauty of it doth then most shine, and the power of it doth then most appear, when young ones do deny themselves, and take up the Cross, and bear the yoak in their youth; when young ones do deafen their ears against all enticements unto pleasing sins, and break thorow the temptatious they meet withall, and with full purpose of heart stick close unto God. This doth shew the power of grace, and tendeth much to Gods glory.
2. The time of young ones is longest which they have to glorifie God; when they seek and serve God betimes, they may not only escape many pollutions in the World wherewith other youths are defiled, to the dishonour of God, and the wounding of their own Consciences; but they may bring much glory to God in their generations. God hath work enough to employ them in (all tending to his glory and their good) thorowout the whole day of their lives, though they should begin in the Morning so soon as they can see, and work a whole and long Summers day, untill the night and darkness of old decrepid years. I might instance in some of the works they are to be employed in; they have a pardon to sue out, evidences to clear, corruptions to mortifie, graces to get and improve, a treasure to lay up, temptations to resist, relations to fill; so many duties to perform to God, to Man: They may finde more work than time; Eternity-work is begun in this life. Now look, as a Master who driveth a great trade, is best pleased with those servants who rise most early, and are most diligent in his business; so God who hath so much work for his people, is best pleased with young persons, who seek him early and diligently.
3. The Strength of young persons to serve God with, is the greatest. 1 Joh. 2. 14. I have written unto you young men, because you are strong. Marvellous is the strength and power of grace in some young ones, who have been sanctified betimes, whereby they have been enabled to do him some notable service in the world. In youth, as the Body is most strong and active, so the Soul is most vigorous and lively, and ther…fore most fit to be employed by the Lord. Se…k then Gods Kingdom and Righteousness in the time of Youth, because this is the most acceptable time, God is best pleased therewith.
2. The time of youth is the most seasonable time. There is a time for all things, saith Solomon, Eccl. 5. 1. The time of youth is the most s…asonable time to seek the Kingdom of God. There are four things requisite in seeking Gods Kingdom to all such as would obtain it.
1. The Breaking of the heart for sin.
2. The Breaking of the heart from sin.
3. The Opening of the heart to Christ.
4. The Furnishing of the heart with Grace.
The time of Youth is most seasonable for all.
1. You must get your heart broken for sin, if ever you would enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; you must mourn for sin here, or weep for sin for ever; you must sowe in tears, if you would reap in joy. The time of youth is most seasonable for this; your sorrow is like to be loss heavy, and more kindly: The heart hath a natural hardness, but if it hath got a contracted hardness, it will with more difficulty be broken, if ever it be broken: Custom in sin will take away sense of sin; and if you continue in the practice of sin, you will feel a senselesness and stupidity grow upon your spirit; and Conscience more tender and timorous at first, by degrees will grow feared as with a hot Iron, and be past feeling. Bring your hearts therefore now under the hammer of the Word, that they may be broken; the longer you deferre, the harder you will finde it to repent.
2. You must get your hearts broken from sin; you must turn from your evil wayes, otherwise iniquity will be your ruine. The longer you continue in sin, the harder it will be to leave sin; custom will be a second nature to you; the changing whereof will be like changing the skin of the Aethiopian, and taking away the spots of the Leopard. When sin is rooted and riveted in you, if so be you should turn from it, it will be with unexpressible tearings, and divulsions of spirit. It is a hard thing to irradicate old habits, which at first in the tender years may be done with more ease: Therefore, Dear young ones, labour to get sin rooted out of your hearts betimes. Get sin mortified before it hath got too much life and strength; oppose sin before it hath got too much head and power, which you may do with more facility and success.
3. You must open your hearts and give entertainment unto Christ, if you ever expect to have the gate of Heaven opened unto you, and to be entertained by Christ in his Kingdom. Such as shut the door of their hearts against Christ when they are young, will finde (if Christ doth not withdraw, and leave knocking) that the door will be faster bolted and barred within against him; the longer you hold it out, the more will Sathan strengthen the Fort against Christ, and more easily beat off whatever assaults are made upon you by the Word and Spirit. Christ will come in most willingly to them that open to him presently; and the match will quickly be made up, if in youth you hearken to the motion. Let me beseech you, therefore, my dearly beloved young ones, to open the door to Christ without any further delay; by me he standeth now and knocketh for entertainment; what answer shall I return, that you have harboured lusts there, where his lodging should be, and would not part with them? that you put me off till a further day, untill you had a little longer tasted the sweets of sin: O take heed of such carriage of heart towards Christ, Qui non est hodie, cras minus aptus erit, if you be not willing to open to Christ now, you will be more unwilling to morrow: do it then presently; may I be instrumental to joyn the Lord Jesus Christ and you together in marriage; receive him into your hearts, and accept of him, to love, honour, and obey him, and do it heartily and resolvedly, and he is yours.
4. You must get your hearts furnished with grace, if ever you hope to share in the glory of Gods Kingdom. Grace is glory in the seed, and glory is grace in the flower; grace is glory in the root, glory is grace in the fruit; grace is glory in the first-fruits, glory is grace in the harvest: You must get the seed sown, the root planted, or no flower, no fruit, no harvest is to be expected; you must get the Kingdom of Gods grace within you, Luk. 17. 21. if ever you would be admitted into the Kingdom of his glory. And the time of youth is the most seasonable time for the getting of grace; no time like the Spring for setting of this Plant of grace in the heart; in the youth the heart is more plyable, and like the yielding Wax more ready to receive the impressions of the Spirit.
3. The time of youth is the most safe time. If you make it your first care to seek the kingdom and righteousness of God, you are most likely to finde and be successefull; but if you make delayes, you run your selves upon great uncertainties: there is danger that you will never obtain, if you do not seek whilest you are young. The danger lyeth in three respects:
| In respect of | 1. The Uncertainty of Life. |
| 2. The Uncertainty of the Means. | |
| 3. The Uncertainty of Gods working by the Means. |
1. In respect of the uncertainty of Life; no Age …s secure, and fenced against the arrowes of Death: Some flowers are nipped in the bud; some Springs run into the Sea so soon as they arise; the thred of Life in some is quickly cut, and the Candle blown …ut within a while after it is lighted. You may dye whilest you are young, and if you do not seek Gods kingdom and righteousness now, you may not have …ime to seek these things at all.
2. Your danger is in respect of the uncertainty of the Means of Grace: you have now means and opportunities of seeking, hereafter you may be deprived of the means, if you be not deprived of your lives. You have calls now, hereafter you may be placed where you shall be out of call: you now are planted in a fruitfull soil, where the Sun shines, and the Dews of the Word do fall; if you remain fruitless God may remove you out of his Garden, or he may withhold the dews, and cause the Sun to retreat into a cloud: He may either take away the Means of grace from you, or take away you from the Means; and if you do not seek and obtain whilest you enjoy the Means, are you like to do it when you are deprived?
3. Your danger is in respect of the uncertainty of Gods working by the Means, though he should continue them unto you; the winde blowes where and when it listeth. In youth you may feel the sweet breath of the Spirit moving upon your hearts; if you do not hoist up sail when you have a fair wind, possibly you may never have such a winde again as long as you live, God may swear in his wrath that his Spirit shall no longer strive with you, God calleth upon you when you are young, if you refuse, you may hereafter call, and cry, and seek, and knock, and not be heard or answered, and the door be shut up against you for ever. See Prov. 1. 24. to the 31. Mic. 3. 4. Zacb. 7. 11, 12, 13. We read of Esau's weeping for the blessing to no purpose; and the foolish Virgins going to buy Oyl when it was too late; and our Saviour telling Jerusalem, that their day was spent, and the things which belonged to their peace were hid from their eyes. There are many that neglect the things of Gods Kingdom when they are young, that have their day of grace set upon them, before their lives be half spent; God doth leave off calling, and the Spirit doth leave off working, and they are given up to a judiciall hardness, as Act. 28. 26, 27. The time of youth then is the most safe time. Hearken then, O ye young men, and be perswaded in this your day to minde the things which belong unto your peace, and to seek. Gods kingdom and righteousness. Seek this first, that is timely, before other things, and that you may seek so as to obtain.
SECT. VI.
2. You must seek Gods Kingdom and Righteousness First, that is Chiefly and above other things. These things must have the chief of your study, and care, and labour; you must make it your business, and look upon it as your chief business; if business about the world have more of your time, because of your engagements in your particular callings, yet this should have more of your care and heart. Better miscarry in any business than in this business; better miss of an Estate, than miss of Gods Kingdom; better be a poor begger than remain a guilty sinner; better the body be cloathed with rags, than the soul be without the white robes of Christs Righteousness; better the body were starved, than to have the soul damned; the greatest poverty and misery in this life which can befall you, is not to be compared with the eternal misery of Hell, which in the neglect of the duty of the Text you cannot escape. And suppose you should gain the whole world, what is that in comparison with the gain of the Crown of Glory? what is earthly riches compared with heavenly treasures?
1. The worth then of Gods Kingdom, which is an Inheritance beyond any purchase, except that of the blood of Christ; and the excellency of this Righteousness, which when it is imputed, doth bring with it pardon of sin, the favour of God, the peace of Conscience, and sometimes the unspeakable joyes of the Holy Ghost, which the whole World were you possessed with it could not procure: Where this Righteousness is imparted, it doth include all the graces of the Spirit, which are the choicest Jewels, the chiefest Ornaments, the best Riches, the least measure of which is of more worth than ten thousand worlds, and will stand you in more stead in a dying hour, and be of only signification and advantage when you come forth of the body, and appear (naked, stripped, quite naked and bereaved of all earthly enjoyments) before the Judgement-seat of God; I say, the worth and excellency of Gods Kingdom and righteousness should move you to seek after it above all other things.
2. The necessity of this Kingdom and Righteousness should further stirr you up to employ herein your chief care. It is the Unum Necessarium, the One thing necessary; other things you may have, and you may be without, but you must have a title to Gods Kingdom, or else you cannot be happy; you must have Gods Righteousness imputed and imparted, or else the guilt of sin will remain, and you will continue servants and slaves to sin, and cannot escape the punishment of sin, the dreadfull and eternal punishment of sin in Hell. There is a necessity of the thing, and there is a necessity of seeking it chiefly, or else you are not like to obtain; especially if you consider,
3. The difficulty of obtaining; it is no easie thing to get to Heaven; you must labour if you would enter into this Rest, Heb. 4. 11. you must strive if you would enter in at the strait gate, because many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able, Luk. 13. 24. You must take the Kingdom of Heaven by violence, if you would take it at all, Matb. 11. 12. not as if there were opposition from within, for God is willing to entertain you, the Lord Jesus is ready to set open the door before you, the Spirit is ready to help you; but there is opposition about the walls (as it were) of the place; Sathan he buildeth Forts and strong Holds, and casteth forth his fiery darts, to drive you off, when you make any attempt this way: You will meet with opposition from the Devil and the World, and chiefly from within your selves, when you do in good earnest set your faces towards Heaven; therefore you had need labour and strive, and make it your chief care and business to get into this Kingdom. You are in a Sea as it were, where there are waves of trouble beating upon you, a tide of inward corruptions working against you, and a boisterous winde of temptation to carry you back; you had need to row hard, if you will get to the Haven. You are travelling in the narrow path, where there are many by-paths, and many enemies to oppose you; you had need look well to your way, to get on the spiritual Armour, and fight the good fight of Faith, if you would obtain the Crown at the end of your way, and at last lay hold on Eternal Life. To conclude, let me exhort you so to seek that you may finde, so to run that you may obtain, so to fight that you may overcome, that after all your travail and pains you may sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of God.