Religion Our True Interest, Chapter 5 – Chapter 8
CHAP. V. Shewing the first Character in special of the Godly, namely, Speaking of God.
2. HAving done with the Character of the Godly in General, I proceed next to their Special Characters.1. Special Character. 1▪ They spake often one to another. When the Wicked said, It is Vain to serve God, then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another. The meaning of this word, they spake often, is, they did discourse Religiously together, their Tongues were Divinely tuned by the Holy Ghost.
Doct.Christians when they meet together should use holy Conference. This is not only an advice, but a charge, Deu. 6.6. These words shall be in thy Heart, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy House, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lyest down, and when thou risest up. Indeed where there is Gratia infusa, it will be effusa; Grace changeth the Language, and makes it Spiritual. When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles, they spake with other Tongues, Act. 2.4. Grace makes Christians speak with Other Tongues. A good Christian hath not only the Law of God in his Heart, Psalm 37.31. but in his Tongue, vers. 30. The body is the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 6.19. The Tongue is the Organ in this Temple, which sounds in Holy discourse, Prov. 10.20. The tongue of the Iust is as Choice Silver. He drops Silver sentences, enriching others with Knowledge, Mat. 12.35. A Good man out of the Good treasure of his Heart bringeth forth good things. In his heart is a Treasure of Goodness, and this is not like a bag of Mony Sealed, but he brings something out of the Treasure within to the enriching of others. Grace is of the Nature of fire, which will not be pent up: like new Wine it will have Vent *Acts 4.20.. There is a principle within constrains to holy Conference, Job 32.18. The Spirit within me constraineth me.
CHAP. VI. Containing the Applicatory part.
1 Vse. Inform.IT shews the Genius and temper of true Saints, they speak often one to another; their Lips drop as an Hony-comb. A man is known what country he belongs to by his Language. He who belongs to the Jerusalem above speaks the Language of Canaan; none of Gods children are dumb; their mouth is a well-spring of Wisdom, Prov. 18.4.
2 Vse. Reproof. 1 Br.Here I may draw up a bill of Indictment against five sorts of Persons. 1. Such as are silent in matters of Religion. They would be counted Good, but he must have good eyes that can see it, I know not whether it be Ignorance or Bashfulness that makes good discourse waved. Many are so mute in Religion as if their Tongues did cleave to the roof of their Mouth: had they any love to God, or had they ever tasted how sweet the Lord is, their mouth would talk of his Righteousness, Psalm 71.24. Friends, what should we mind but Salvation? what are the things of this world? they are neither Entia *Pro. 23.5, nor Manentia †1 Cor. 7.3.. Do not we see men heap up Riches, and on a sudden, death as Gods Serjeant Arrests them? What should we talk of but the things Pertaining to the Kingdom of God? Let this cause blushing among Christians, that their meetings are so unprofitable, they leave God out of their discourse. Why is there no good conference? Have you so much Knowledge that you need not have it encreased? Have you so much Faith that you need not have it Strengthened? Silence in Religion is a loud sin. We read of one who was possessed with a Dumb Devil, Mark 9.12. How many are Spiritually possessed with a Dumb Devil!
It is a rebuke to such as when they meet together,2 Branch. instead of speaking of Heaven, they have idle frothy discourse *Foliis leviora caducis verba, Ovid.. They do foreign but no foreign, as Plutarch said of Alcibiades. Their Lips do not drop as an Honey-comb, but run as a Spout; their speaking is Just like a Childs scribling, Psalm 12.2. They speak Vanity every one with his Neighbour. If Christ should ask some as he did the two Disciples going to Emaus, Luk. 24.17. What manner of Communications have you as you walk, they could not say as they did, concerning Jesus of Nazareth; no, perhaps about Toyes, or new Fashions. If Idle words must be accounted for, Mat 12.36. Lord, what an account will some have to give!
3 Branch.It reproves the Avaritious Person, who instead of speaking of Heaven, talks of nothing but the World: the Farmer speaks of his Plough and Yoak of Oxen, the Tradesman of his Wares and Drugs; but not a word of God. John 3.31. He that is of the Earth speaketh of the Earth. Many are like the Fish in the Gospel that had Money in it's Mouth, Mat. 12.27. They talk only of Secular things, as if they Imagined to fetch happiness out of that Earth which God hath Cursed. Seneca being asked of what Countrey he was, answered he was foreign, a Citizen of this World: we may know many to be Citizens of this World, their speech bewrayeth them.— O curvae in terras animae, et caelestium inanes.
4. It reproves them who do indeed speak often to one another but in a bad sence. 1. They speak one to another in hasty words. Their words should be like the Waters of Shiloah that go softly, but too often they are fierce and Pungent. *Magnoque irarum fluctuat aestu. Virgil.Water when it is hot soon boils over; when the Heart is heated with anger it soon boils over in furious speeches, Jam. 3.6. Passion transports. Many curse in their anger. The Tongue is made in the fashion of a Sword, and it cuts like a Sword: Angry words often prejudice him that utters them: Rehoboam with one churlish word lost ten tribes. A fiery Spirit is unsuitable to the Master we serve, the Prince of Peace; and to his Ambassage, the Gospel of Peace. Such whose tongues are set on fire, let them take heed they do not one day in Hell desire a drop of Water to Cool their Tongue.
2. They speak one to another in a bad sence who Murmure and complain one to another; they do not complain of their Sins, but their Wants. Murmuring proceeds from unbelief, Psalm 106.24. They believed not his word but murmured. When men distrust Gods Promises, they murmur at his Providences: this is a Sin God can hardly bear, Numb. 14.27. How long shall I bear with this People that murmur against me? Israels speeches were Venomous, and God punished them with Venomous Serpents, 1 Cor. 10.10.
3. They speak one to another in a bad sence, who vent themselves in filthy scurrilous Language. The Heart is a Vessel full of Wickedness, and the Tongue sets it a-broach. When the Face breaks out in Sores and Pimples, it shews the Blood is corrupt: when men break forth in unsavoury speeches it shews the Heart is Profane. 1 Cor. 15.35. Evil communication corrupteth good manners. We read that the Lips of the Leper were to be covered, Levit. 13.45. It were happy if we had such Magistrates as would by their Authority cover the unclean Lips of these Lepers.
4. They speak one to another in a bad sence, who instead of seasoning their words with Grace, mix them with Oaths. Swearers rend and tear Gods Name, and like mad Dogs fly in the face of Heaven, Jer. 23.10. Because of swearing the Land mourns. Some think it the Grace of speech to interlard every sentence with an Oath; as if they would go to Hell Genteelly. But saith one, it is my Custom to Swear. Is this an excuse or an aggravation of the sin? If a Malefactor should be arraigned for Robbery, and he should say to the Judge spare me for it is my custom to rob on the High way, the Judge would say, thou shalt the rather dye. For every Oath that a man Swears, God puts a drop of Wrath into his Vial.
5. It reproves them who instead of speaking in an holy manner one to another, speak one of another; 1. In censuring, some make it a part of their Religion to Descant and Criticize upon others. They do not imitate their graces but reflect upon their failings. God grant professors may wash their hands of this. Were peoples hearts more humble, their Tongues would be more charitable. 'Tis the sign of an Hypocrite to censure others and commend himself.
2. They speak one of another in slandering: Psalm 50.20. Thou sittest and slanderest thy own Mothers son. Slandering is when we speak to the prejudice of another, and speak that which is not true. Worth is blasted by slander. Holiness it self is no shield from this sin. The Lambs Innocency will not preserve it from the Wolf. Iob calls slandering the scourge of the Tongue, Job 5.21. You may smite a man and never touch him. A slanderer wounds anothers fame, and no Physitian can heal these wounds*Majora sunt linguae Vulnera quam gladii, Aug.. The Eye and the Name are two tender things. God takes it ill at our hands to calumniate others, especially to asperse those who help to keep up the credit of Religion. Num. 12.8. Were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses? what my Servant, who hath wrought so many Miracles, whom I have spoken with in the Mount Face to Face, were not ye afraid to speak against him? The Greek word slanderer signifies Devil †1 Tim. 3.11.. This is the Devils proper Sin, he is the accuser of the Brethren, Rev. 12.10. He doth not commit Adultery, but he bears false Witness. The slanderer may be indicted for Clipping, he clips his Neighbours credit to make it weigh lighter. This our nature is prone to; but remember, it is as well a sin in Gods account, to break the Ninth Commandment, as the Eighth.
Put this Great duty in Practice,3 Vse. Exhortation. imitate these Holy ones in the Text, They spake often one to another. Hierom thinks they did speak something in defence of the Providence of God, they vindicated God in his dealings, and exhorted one another not to be discouraged at the Virulent speeches of the Wicked, but still hold on a course of Piety. Thus (Christians) when you meet, give one anothers Souls a visit, drop your Knowledge, impart your experiences each to other, Psalm 66.16. Sampson having found Hony did not only eat of it himself, but carried it to his Father and Mother, Iudg. 14.9. Have you Tasted the Hony of the word? let others have a Tast with you. He who hath bin in a Perfumers shop doth not only himself partake of those sweet smells, but some of the perfume sticks to his cloaths, so that those who come near him partake of those perfumes: so having our selves perceived the sweet Savour of Christs Oyntments, we should let others partake with us, and by our Heavenly discourse, diffuse the perfume of Religion to them, Col. 4.6. Let your words be seasoned with Salt: let Grace be the salt which seasons your Words and makes them Savoury. Christians should take all occasions of Good discourse when they walk together, and sit at Table together. This makes their eating and drinking be to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31. What makes it a Communion of Saints but Good conference?
But some may say they are barren of matter, and know not what to speak of?
No, have you walked so often through the field of Scripture, yet gathered no ears of Corn? have not you matter enough in the Word to furnish you with discourse? Let me suggest a few things to you. When you meet speak one to another of the Promises. No Hony so sweet, as that which drops from a Promise. The promises are the support of Faith, the springs of joy, the …aints Royal Charter. Are you Citizens of Heaven, and not speak of your Charter? Speak of the preciousness of Christ: he is Beauty and Love; he hath laid down his blood as the foreign or price of your Redemption. Have you a friend that hath redeemed you, and never speak of him? Speak one to another of Sin, what a deadly evil it is, how it hath infected your Virgin-nature, and turned it into a lesser Hell. Speak of the Beauty of Holiness, which is the Souls Embroidery, filling it with such Oriental splendor as makes God and Angels fall in love with it. The Graces are (as Damascen saith) the Sacred Characters and Impressions of the Divine nature *foreign.. Speak one to another of your Souls: enquire whether they are in health. Speak about Death and Eternity: can you belong to Heaven and not speak of your Country? Speak one to another of the Times, wherein God is the Greatest sufferer: let your hearts bleed for his dishonours. Thus you see here is matter enough for Holy conference.
Why then do you not set good discourse on Foot? I perswade my self one main reason of the decay of the Power of Godliness is want of Christian conference: people when they meet talk of Impertinencies, but God and Heaven are left out of their discourse. That I may perswade you in your converses to put in a word about your Souls, let me offer these few things to your consideration.
1. It was the practice of the Saints of old. Elijah, and Elisha went on talking good discourse till the Chariot of Heaven came to part them, 2 Kin. 2.11. Davids Tongue was Tuned to the Language of Canaan, Psalm 71.24. My Tongue shall talk of thy Righteousness. The Primitive Christians into whatever company they came, were speaking of a Glorious Kingdom they expected, insomuch that some thought they were ambitious of worldly honour; which made Iustin Martyr Apologize for them, that the Kingdom they looked for was not of this World, but a Kingdom with Christ in Heaven. Ierom saith of some of the Roman Ladies, They did spend much of their time in communing together, and they would not let him alone, for asking him Questions about their Souls.
2. We are bid to Redeem the Time, Eph. 5.16. The Poets painted time with Wings, because it flies so fast— Volat ambiguis mobilis alis hora—Time lost had need be redeemed; and is there any better way to redeem time, than to improve it in trading for Heaven, and speaking of God and our Souls?
3. Jesus Christ hath set us a Pattern: his words were perfumed with Holiness, Luke 4.22. All bare him witness, and Wondred at the Gracious words which proceeded out of his Mouth. Christ had Grace poured into his Lips, Psalm 45.2. In all companies he set good discourse on foot. When he sate on Iacobs Well he falls into an Heavenly discourse with the Woman of Samaria about the Water of Life, Iohn 4.14. And so when Levi made him a Feast, Luke 5—He feasts him again with Heavenly discourse. And no sooner was Christ risen from the Grave, but he was speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, Acts 1.3. The more Spiritual we are in our speeches, the more we resemble Christ: should not the Members be like the Head? Christ will not be our Saviour, unless we make him our Pattern.
4. Good discourse would prevent sinful discourse. Much sin passeth in ordinary talk, as Gravel and Mud pass along with the Water. How many are Guilty of Tongue-sins! Good discourse would prevent evil, as labour prevents idleness. By inuring our Tongues to the Heavenly Dialect, the Devil would not have so much Power over us.
5. We may guess at mens Hearts by their common discourse. Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind*Verba sunt speculum mentis. Bernard.. As you may Judge of a Face by the glass whether it be fair or foul; So by the words we may Judge of the Heart. A lascivious Tongue shews a lustful heart, an earthly Tongue a covetous heart; a Gracious Tongue, a Gracious Heart. The Ephraimites were known by their Pronunciation, saying Sibboleth for Shiboleth, Judg. 12.6. So by the manner of our speech we may be known who we belong to. The Tongue is the Index of the Heart. If you broach a Vessel that which is within will come out; by that which comes out of the Mouth, you may Guess what is within in the Heart, Luke 6 45. Out of the abundance of the Heart the mouth speaketh.
6. Good discourse is beneficial, Iob 6.23. How forcible are rights words? A word spoken in season may make such a powerful impression upon anothers Heart as may do him Good all his Life. One single coal is apt to dye, but many coals put together keep in the heat. Christians by their Heavenly talk do foreign, blow up one anothers Grace into a flame. Monica Austins Mother, hearing others discourse of Heaven, was greatly affected and cryed out, What do I do here? Why is my Soul held any longer with this Earthen fetter of my Flesh? When the Daughters of Ierusalem had conversed a while with the Spouse, and had heard her describe Christs admirable beauty, their Affections began to be enflamed, and they would seek him with her, Cant. 6.1. Whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among women, that we may seek him with thee? A Christian by divine discourse may enlighten another when he is ignorant, warm him when he is Frozen, comfort him when he is sad, confirm him when he is wavering. Latimer was much strengthened by discourse with Mr Bilny in Prison, and hearing his confession of Faith *Acts and Mon.. A good life adorns Religion, a good Tongue Propagates it. When the Apostle would have us edifie one another, what better way could he prescribe than this, to have such Holy speeches proceed out of our Mouths as might Minister Grace unto the hearers? Eph. 4.29.
7. We must be accountable to God for our speeches. Words are judged light, but theyweigh heavy in Gods Balance; by our words we shall be either saved or damned, Mat. 12.37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. If our words have been seasoned with Grace, then the acquitting sentence is like to go on our side.
8. Good discourse is a Christians Honour. The Tongue is called our Glory, Psalm 30.12. Because it is the Instrument of Glorifying God. When our Tongues are out of tune in murmuring, then they are not our Glory; but when these Organs sound in Holy discourse, then our Tongues are our Glory.
9. Good discourse will be a means to bring Christ into our company. While the two Disciples were conferring about the death and Sufferings of Christ, Jesus Christ himself came among them, Luke 24.15. While they communed together, Iesus himself drew near, and went with them. When bad discourse is set on Foot, Satan draws near, and makes one of the Company; but when Good discourse is promoted, Jesus Christ draws near.
Let all that hath bin said excite good conference: certainly, there is no better way than this to encrease our Stock of Grace. Others by spending Grow Poor; but the more we spend our selves in Holy discourse, the richer we Grow in Grace, as the Widows Oyl by Pouring out encreased.
CHAP. VII. Means conducing to Holy Conference.
IF it be asked how may Good conference be arrived at? 1. If you would be discursive in Religion, get your minds well furnished with knowledge. Hereby, you will have a Treasure to fetch from, Iob 38.18. I am (saith Elihu) full of matter. Some are backward to speak of Good for want of matter: the empty Vessel cannot run. If you would have your Tongues run fluently in Religion, they must be fed with a spring of knowledge, Col. 3.16. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. In one of the Miracles that Christ wrought, he first caused the Water-pots to be filled with Water, and then saith he, Draw out now, John 2.8. So we must first have our Heads filled with Knowledge, and then we shall be able to draw out to others in Good discourse.
2. If you would discourse readily in the things of God, make Religion your delight. What men delight in, they will be speaking of: the sensualist speaks of his sports; the worldling of his rich purchase. Delight makes the Tongue as the Pen of a ready writer. The Spouse being delighted and inamoured with Christs beauty, could not conceal her self; she makes an elegant and Pathetical Oration in the commendation of Christ, Cant. 5.10. My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
3. Pray that God will both Gift and Grace you for Christian conference, Psalm 51.15. Lord open thou my Lips. Satan hath lock'd up mens Lips, pray that God will open them. Perhaps you pray that you may Believe in Christ, but do you pray that you may Confess him, and not be ashamed to speak of him before others? Psalm 119.46. I will speak of thy Testimonies before Kings, and not be ashamed. To end this, let me briefly insert two Cautions.
1. Not but that it is lawful to confer of worldly Negotiations sometimes;1 Caution. Traffick requires conference: But with this proviso, that we should shew more Delectation and Earnestness in speaking of Spiritual things, than Earthly; Remembring the Soul is far more Valuable than the World.
Second Caution.2. When persons speak of Religion let it not be for any Sinister Unworthy end, not for Ostentation, but Edification; and then having your aim right, speak of the things of God with Life and Affection, that others may perceive you feel those Truths which you speak.
CHAP. VIII. Shewing the Second Character in special of the Godly, namely, thinking of God.
2. THe Second Character of the Godly in special is,2 Special Character. they thought upon Gods name; these Saints when they were together did speak of God, when they were alone they did think of God; That Thought upon his name.
What is meant by Gods name?Quest.
1. By the Name of God is meant his Essence;Answ. Gods Name is put for God himself.
2. By the Name of God is meant his Glorious Attributes, which are the several Letters of his Name.
3. By the Name of God is meant his Worship and Ordinances where his Name is called upon, Ier. 7.12. Go ye unto my Place which was in Shiloh where I set my Name at first: That is, where I first set up my Publick worship.
Now this Name of God, the Saints in the Text did contemplate, they Thought upon his Name. Thoughts are the first-born of the Soul, the conceptions of the mind, the immediate Fruit and Issue of a rational being. Thoughts are the Images of things in the Fancy *Cogitationes sunt rerum imagines. Moller.. These devout Souls in the Text were chiefly busying their Thoughts about God and Heaven.
It is the inseparable sign of a Godly man to imploy his chief Thoughts about God, Prov. 12.5.Doct. The Thoughts of the Righteous are Right. That is they are set upon the Right Object. 'Tis natural to Think. Thoughts fly out of the Mind, as Sparks out of a Furnace. The Hebrew word▪ for a Thought, signifies the Boughs of a Tree *foreign; Because Thoughts shoot out from our Minds, as branches do from a Tree. 'Tis I say natural to Think, but it is not natural to Think of God, this is proper to a Saint: his Thoughts are Sublime and Seraphical, they fly to Heaven. The Mind is a Mint-house where Thoughts are Minted. David minted Golden Cogitations, Psalm 139.18. I am still with thee. That is (as learned Ainsworth expounds it) by Divine Contemplation. Thoughts are Travellers in the Soul. Davids Thoughts kept Heaven-road, Psalm 73.23. I am continually with thee. As the Mariners needle turns to the North-pole: so a Saints Thoughts are still pointing towards God.
Quest.Whence is it that the Saints thoughts mount up to God?
Answ.There will be this Thinking on God, 1. From those intrinsecal Perfections which are in him. The loveliness of the Object attracts the thoughts: God is the supream Good. There is nothing but God worth thinking on*Quid ultra quaerit cui omnia suus conditor sit? Prosper.. Psal. 119.57. Thou art my Portion, O Lord. Will not a mans thoughts run upon his Portion? A gracious Soul hath found Pleasure in thinking on God, Psal. 63.5, 6. He hath had those Transfigurations on the Mount, those Illapses of the Spirit, those Incomes of Gods Love, those praelibations and foretastes of glory, that he cannot keep his thoughts off from God: To hinder him from thinking on God, is to bar him of all his Pleasure.
2. There will be thinking on God from the powerful. Operations of the Holy Ghost. We cannot of our selves think a good thought, 2 Cor. 3.5. but the Spirit elevates and fixeth the heart on God. Ezek. 3.14. The Spirit lifted me up. When you see the Iron move upward, there hath been some Load-stone drawing it: so when the thoughts move upwards towards God, the Spirit hath, as a divine Load-stone, drawn them.