The Truly Blessed Man, Part 7 – Part 8
VERSE 9. Be ye not as the horſe and mule, which have no underſtanding, whoſe mouth muſt be held in with bit and bridle, leſt they come near unto thee.
IN theſe words the Pſalmiſt cautions us to beware how we receive the teachings offered us: or we may look upon them to be the teaching it ſelf, ſo that having offered it, he now applies it by way of caution; the thing he adviſeth to, is the ready way to experimental teaching, the advice given is a dehortation, including the contrary affirmative in it. The ſin he cautions againſt is Contumacy, or Unteachableneſs under the means; and the duty inſinuated is Manſuetude, or a pliableneſs of ſpirit, rendring us ready to receive inſtruction, and correction, with humble ſubmiſſion. He illuſtrates it by a ſimilitude taken from the Horſe and Mule: as the words give a deſcription of the contumacious frame, ſo they include the moſt pungent arguments againſt it.
1. He inſinuates that it renders us more like Beaſts than men; we act more like Horſes and Mules, then rational Creatures.
2. He gives a reaſon of this unteachableneſs and indocility, it is want of underſtanding; becauſe they are bruits, and have not the uſe of reaſon: The word, Underſtanding, ſignifies, conſideration in the mind, and a right judgment made upon it.
3. He intimates what ſevere Courſes this puts God upon uſing with us, he treats us as men do unruly beaſts, with a bit and bridle, we muſt be curbed in.
4. He gives a reaſon of uſing this ſeverity, leſt they come near unto thee; So our Tranſlation: and there being an Ellipſis in the words, the ſenſe is more difficult: the ſenſe of our Tranſlation is, leſt they run upon you, and miſchief you, but that is not the proper uſe of a bit and bridle, which are to govern them, and make them do Service, and without them they will keep far enough from you. The true Engliſh of the Hebrew is, they will by no means come near thee. Bal, ſignifies, Nequaquam, ſo the Seventy render it, and the vulgar Latin: He will not come near, i. e. to do any Service, unleſs compelled with a bit and a bridle ſo our N. E. Meeter renders it. Hence,
Contumacy to be avoided if we would have true peace.
DOCTRINE I.
THey that would enjoy the peace and comfort of Bleſſedneſs, muſt beware of Contumacy under the means that God is uſing with them, and be very tractable under them. The Pſalmiſt is here adviſing how we may come by that bleſſedneſs that flows from a ſenſe of pardon, and experience of the comfort of it, in an hour of Temptation; two things may here come under conſideration.
1. What is that Contumacy under the means uſed by God, which we are carefully to avoid?
A. We may here firſt obſerve ſomething about the means themſelves, from whence we may the better judge of it. Now the means are the courſes that God takes to convince men of ſin, and bring them to Repentance, in order to their being pardoned, and having the comfort of it; and there are two ſorts of men to whom God thus applieth himſelf, viz. Unregenerate Sinners, in order to their Converſion, and the Regenerate, when fallen into ſuch ſins as make a breach between God and them; and the courſes that God takes are either in his Ordinances or Providences. In his Ordinances he ſends Meſſages to them, to ſhew them their ſins, to convince them thereof, to reprove them, to diſcover their danger, and to call them to Repentance. In his P…dences, eſpecially when the other do fail of the …red Efficacy, by ſome ſore afflictions that he brings on them, as a proper chaſtiſement of their folly. Now men do ſhew their Contumacy, when their corruptions do ſo withſtand the means, as they remain impenitent under them: and this may be the caſe, as of Sinners, ſo of fallen Saints for a ſeaſon; and is fitly expreſt by the carriage of the Horſe and Mul… to them that would break them: and is diſcovered by theſe things.
1. When they cannot bear the means that are uſed with them, but are enraged at them. If God ſends his Servants, and they rebuke them, and give them ſerious warning, they fly out upon them, as if they had offered them the greateſt affront; thus they dealt by Jeremiah, Jer. 26. 11. Thus did Aſa by the Prophet, 2 Chron. 16. 10. One that is tractable will take a reproof for a kindneſs, Pſal. 141. 5. And ſubmits to it, 2 Sam. 12. 10. 11. Again, if God lays them under affliction, they murmur at his Providence, and fly in his face; thus Iſrael did in the Wilderneſs; they behave themſelves as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, Jer. 31. 18. Whereas the other ſtoops and lies down quietly, Lam. 3. 28. 29, 30.
2. When they reſolutely reject counſel. They will not receive inſtruction, as God complains of them, Zaph. 3. 7. Their pride makes them think themſelves too good to be adviſed, and they ſcornfully caſt it off, ſometimes in expreſs terms, as they, Jer. 44. 16, 17. And oftner by contemptuous carriages they ſtopt their ears, and wilfully reſuſe to return, Jer. 8. 5. Pſal. 58. …. Mat. 23. 37. Whereas a tractable ſpirit readily receives advice, and is thankful for it, 1 Sam. 25. 32, 33.
3. When they mock at the rebukes and counſels given them. Inſtead of being afraid of Gods Judgments, as he was, Pſal. 119. 120. They laugh at the Meſſage ſent them, and the Meſſenger that brings it; this is one Article againſt them, 2 Chron. 36. 16. Yea, thus Chriſt himſelf was treated by the Phariſees, Luk. 16. 14. And we are warned that there ſhall be many ſuch in the latter days, 2 Pet. 3. 3.
4. When they juſtly themſelves againſt all the convictions offered them. They will not ſee, …or acknowledge that they have done amiſs: they plead their innocence, and righteouſneſs. Thus when the Prophet bore witneſs againſt their Idolatry, they vindicate themſelves, Jer. 44. 17, 18. They think that their ways are equal, & Gods ways unequal, Ezek. 18. 25. Whereas a ſubdued heart readily confeſſeth its Guilt, and gives God his due acknowledgment, Pſal. 51. 3, 4. 2 Chron. 12. 5, 6.
5. When they remain inſenſible under all the means. A ſtupid frame abides: it is called a ſpiritual ſlumber, Rom. 11. 3. They can ſit under the moſt awakening means, hear their ſins declaimed againſt, and their danger laid open, and are no more concerned with it than the ſeats they ſit on, Iſa. 44. 20. Yea, though God bring fearful calamities upon them, they do not ſo much as think what is the voice thereof to them, Iſa. 42. ult. This is from the hardneſs of their hearts: a tender heart is like that of Joſiah's, 1 Kings 21. 11.
6. When they grow … under all the means. A tractable ſpirit is mended by all, Pſ. 119. 67. But th… means uſed with theſe becomes to them a ſav… of death: Such was the judicial efficacy of then on thoſe, Iſa. 28. 13. and 2 Chron. 28. 22. An… the reaſon is becauſe the heart is unſubdued an… rebellious.
7. When they keep on their courſe. It may be is very ſilently: they are reproved, and are not enraged, nor mock, but hear all quietly, but ſtill do as they did before, nothing is reformed: and ſo they do not obey the voice of God, which ſaith that they are contumacious, Jer. 8. 6. Whereas the tractable will ſet upon reforming, as Joſiah, 1 Kings 22.
2. How this Contumacy tends to obſtruct the peace and comfort of this bleſſedneſs?
A. This will appear in the following Concluſions.
1. That all ſinful courſes are provoking to God. Sin is the abominable thing that he hates; and though he pittieth it in his. Children, yet when they give place to temptation, and defile themſelves, he is angry at it. When David though a man after Gods own heart, had thus contaminated himſelf, God was diſpleaſed, 2 Sam. 11. ult. Hezekiah's pride procured wrath, 2 Chron. 32. 25. How is it then with thoſe that ly under the dominion of ſin? Pſal. 7. 11.
2. Hence God cannot hold Communion with men, while under this defilement. As to Ungodly men, it is fully expreſt, Pſal. 5. 4, 5. And as to the Children of God, who are received into Communion with him, ſuch falls interrupt their fellowſhip and provoke God to withdraw, & get out of their ſight; and that becauſe of his Holineſs, 2 Cor. 6. 14.
3. There is no other way for Sinners to enjoy, or Saints to recover this Communion. but by Repentance. Whiles the cauſe abides, the effect is not like to ceaſe; it was ſin which brake the peace between God and man, and while that reigns, there is … repairing it; it is ſin that makes God ſtand of from his Children; and whiles they hold that faſt they muſt expect that he will do ſo ſtill, Joſh. 7 12. Now the only way to break off from ſin, is by Repentance: this therefore Gods calls for, and is the deſign of all the means, Lam. 3. 40.
4. Hence if ever God bring them to enjoy this favour, he will give them Repentance. Herein Go… diſcovers his eternal purpoſe concerning men; means are no further profitable to any, than a… they help forward the end for which they are uſed: if God have thoughts of mercy for men, and reſolves to make them partake in pardon, peace and ſalvation, he will give them Repentance; & when he ſo doth, his purpoſe now breaks out and diſcovers it ſelf: Chriſt was Exalted for this very end, Acts 5. 31. If then he leave men under impenitency, after all means, it ſpeaks awfully.
5. This Repentance will never be, ſo long as th… contumacy abides. There belong theſe things to Repentance which are inconſiſtent with it. There … a ſight and ſenſe of ſin, a confeſſing and bewailin… of it, a ſelf abhorrence for it, a returning to Go… with the whole heart: to all of which is require a willing mind, an heart laid at the foot of God. A ſtiff neck, and a rebellious heart go together God, in bringing men to Repentance, takes away t… heart of ſtone, makes the ſtout ſpirit ſtoop; and ti… this be done, the diſtance abides, and no hope o… recovering either pardon, or comfort.
6. But when once they are made tractable, the controverſy is at an end. The great controverſy between God, and ſinful man, under the means, is who ſhall ſtoop he or they: he will not, his ho…our is concerned in it, and ſo they muſt, if ever they obtain his favour. Now therefore they give him his glory, and he will lift up the light of his countenance upon them: God himſelf declares this good iſſue, Levit. 26. 40, 41, 42. Here then lies the great obſtacle: it is not their ſins, but their obſtinacy under them, that keeps up the wall of ſepara…, and if that be removed the way is open, and he will ſhew them his Salvations.
USE. I. For Information in two particulars.
1. See here where the blame lies that men live with… this peace and comfort. As God did not break with men, but they with him, Iſa. 59. 2. So not he, but they are in the fault that the breach is not made up. He declares his readineſs to be reconci…ed, by all the means he uſeth with them; he tells them of their ſins, of the unreaſonableneſs of them, invites them to repent, waits for it, promiſeth that …f they do, he will pardon them, give them his …rit, beſtow on them his love, and compaſs them …ith ſongs of deliverance. The culpable cauſe then muſt be, they are wilful, obſtinate, ſtupid, refracto…, receive not inſtruction, will not be reformed. …od therefore ſo expoſtulates, Jer. 13. 27. Iſa. 48 18. …d is there any unrighteouſneſs in God that he … not be at peace with ſuch? is it not juſt that …hey do ſmart for their obſtinacy? And if they live …d dy under Gods wrath, muſt they not for ever charge it on their own perverſeneſs? Let ſinners now think of this; and if Godly men ly long under darkneſs and ſorrow, let them enquire whether this be not the reaſon of it, and ſee their own folly.
2. We have a Rule to judge of them that live in contumacy, and yet cry peace to themſelves. He that ſhall obſerve the frame and carriage of many that live under the Goſpel, will have reaſon to reflect. Some cannot endure to be told of their ſins, and fret under Gods afflicting hand: and more, who are from time to time told of their evil ways, and do hold on in their courſe: beſides the ſcoffs that are ſometimes thrown at ſuch as rebuke them. And how little reformation have all Gods Judgements wrought among us? and yet how ſecure are ſuch? They can ſin, and wipe their mouths: theſe impoſe on their own Souls; they have not deceived God but themſelves: beware of this deluſion.
USE. II. For Exhortation, to all that live under the means of Repentance to beware to themſelves. Take heed that you be not like the horſe and mule do not carry it contumaciouſly toward God; an… let me urge this Exhortation; and that,
1. To Unregenerate Sinners; do you Conſider
1. It is rich mercy that God will uſe any means wi… you, though never ſo ſevere, to bring you to Repentanc… Without this there is no eſcaping his wrath; it … the one way for your deliverance; and whateve… it coſt you, it will be your happineſs ſo to eſcap… If God lay you under …oreſt terrours, and make h… ſharpeſt arrows ſtick in you, yet if he give you Repentance, and Remiſſion, you are happy for ever, and he offers you by theſe means; and this is unſpeakable kindneſs.
2. It is joy and happineſs which this Repentance leads to. There is bitterneſs in it, ſhame, ſorrow, mourning, ſeverity, cutting off right hands, &c. But all this is to bring you into the favour of God, ſettle your peace with him, and promove your bleſſedneſs: and who would not undergo this for ſuch an advantage? Pſal. 126. 5.
3. If you remain obſtinate, you will certainly periſh. You are upon probation for eternal ſtate, and as you carry your ſelves, ſo it will be determined: if you yield not to God, and come over, there is nothing but deſtruction abides you, Iſa. 1. 19, 20.
2. To the Children of God, who are under any falls, and God is uſing means to recover you, take this advice; Conſider,
1. God is ſpecially diſhonoured by your falls. The Sins of his Children give greateſt occaſion of the blaſ…heming of his Name: if you fall, and wound your profeſſion, you open the mouths of the ungodly: and you ſin againſt more of Gods goodneſs and ſingular kindneſs than others.
2. You can in no other way glorify God in this caſe… …f you do not ſtoop, and take ſhame to your ſelves, …ou cannot recover the diſhonour you have done …im by your fall: there is no other way to riſe, …nd therefore till it come to this, you do but wal…w in your filth.
3. It is Gods ſingular love to you, that he uſeth theſe means with you, for your recovery. It is the fruit of his everlaſting love, and in it he purſues that promiſe, Pſal. 89. 30. &c.
4. And he will bring you to this at last. You ſhall ſtoop before he hath done with you; and for unregenerate Sinners, if they be contumacious, he may leave them; but as to his Children, he will reſtore them, and he will do it in this way; and if theſe means will not do, he will find thoſe that ſhall. For direction in general,
1. Be ſenſible of your natural hardneſs and obſtinacy. See and feel that there is this curſed nature in you, which reſolutely withſtands all good, & oppoſeth all the means of Grace. Rom. 7. 15. &c.
2. Take heed of hearkning to carnal reaſonings. Theſe will ſtir up our pride, tell us it will be a reproach to us, or very irkſome and troubleſome, obſtruct our preſent delights, and a thouſand pleas it will make.
3. Interpret all the means that God uſeth, to be his kindneſs. Though they ſeem never ſo harſh, yet take no prejudice at them, but believe that it is good for you, that he ſo deals with you: that if he had let you alone, and ſuffered you to go on, you had periſhed: ſee his good will in reproofs, warnings, ſtroaks of Providence: if we could but be reconciled to Gods dealings, it would meeken… our ſpirits into a gentle and pliable frame.
4 Beg of God to ſubdue your contumacy. See th… it is beyond your power to get the conqueſt o… it; and carry it to him who is able to cure yo… it, to mortify it, to ſurprize and demoliſh ſtrong holds of ſin, and bring down your towring imaginations, and make you to ly at his foot, as he did Saul, when in the madneſs of his fury againſt Chriſt and his cauſe, Act. 9. begin.
5. Now accept of all his rebukes and chaſtizements. Lay your ſelves down under them; ſay, here am I, lit him do his pleaſure; murmure not, but be dumb, and keep your mouths ſhut, as he, Pſal. 39. 9. Thus wait upon him, and without doubt you ſhall experience the happy fruit of it, when he ſhall Seal up his love to you, in pardoning your ſins, and restoring to you the joys of his Salvation.
Untractableneſs under means a note of drutiſhneſs.
DOCTRINE. II.
UNtractableneſs under the means, is a note of great brutiſhneſs, and want of underſtanding. Such are here compared with the horſe and mule, which in order to their breaking muſt be treated after a ſenſible manner: and the reaſon of it is rendered, becauſe they have no underſtanding. q. d. if they had, they would not need to be thus treated. What this untractableneſs is, hath been handled under the former Doctrine; the brutiſhneſs and unreaſonableneſs of it now comes under conſideration. That the reaſon why men refuſe Gods inſtructions, is becauſe they are unreaſonable, and act like bruits, is aſſerted in the word of God; on this account it is that wicked men are there branded with the title of Fools; for ſin is the worſt folly: they then that will not part with it, are egregious fools. God chargeth his people, becauſe reſractory, for being ſottiſh and void of underſtanding, Jer. 4. 22. Compares them to a mad horſe in a fight, Chap. 8. 6 The wiſe man puts the Horſe, and A…s, and Fool together, Prov 26. 3. Yea they are repreſented as worſe then meer ſenſitive Creatures, Iſa. 1. 3. Jer. 8. 7. That which lieth before us, is to enquire after the ground or evidence of this. Ungodly men think themſelves moſt rational, to be more prudent for themſelves, than the Children of God. Here then theſe things may be offered for Demonſtration.
1. That mans obedience to, and ſervice of God, is a reaſonable ſervice, Rom. 12. 1. Not only is there nothing in it unreaſonable, but that which hath the higheſt reaſon in it; for,
1. It is according to right reaſon that God hath authority to command, and that man owes him ſubjection. On the ſuppoſition of God and a Creature, this concluſion will neceſſ…ily follow. If we ſuppoſe a God, we muſt confeſs him to be the Creatures maker; that it owes, its being, and preſervation to him, whatſoever it is or hath derives from him: And then he muſt have authority over it. If he be the firſt cauſe, he muſt be the laſt end. And from this authority of God, neceſſarily follows the ſubjection of the Creature: if he may command, that ought to obey. Man therefore being one of God… Creatures, cannot exempt himſelf from thi… homage, Pſal. 100. 2. Rev. 4 11. The light of nature taught meer Heathen this principle, and they made it the firſt Rule of Morality.
2. The Duties required in the moral Law are all of them rational. The Moral Duties required are either Natural, or Poſitive. The former are called Natural, becauſe the light of nature teacheth them, and reaſon will convince Conſcience that they are right, ſo as either to commend or accuſe them, according as they entertain them, Rom. 2. 14, 15. The Poſitive are ſuch as do add a particular reſtriction to the law of nature, or are arbitrary commands built upon it: and theſe are accommodated to the benefit of man, and carry their reaſon in them; ſuch as Gods limiting the Sabbath to a Seventh day, &c. Meer Ethnicks have made excellent diſcourſes on many moral Duties, from the reaſon they ſaw in them.
3. And there is the higheſt reaſon for Duties purely Evangelical. God hath manifeſted his Sovereign Grace in the Goſpel, in that he will treat fallen man in a New Covenant, but the great commands of Faith and Repentance therein required, are moſt rational. That God will accept of man in this way, is wonderful condeſcention: but that in order to peace and ſalvation, they turn from their ſins to God; and place their whole truſt and reliance on Chriſt, is ſo fair and convictive, that ſinners who have refufed it, ſhall have nothing to plead for themſelves in the day of accounts, Matth. 22. 11. Joh. 15. 22.
4. The promiſes and threatnings are ſuited to move on a Reaſonable Creature. Affections in men are the inſtruments of the will, by which it either embraceth or refuſeth a thing; and they are ſubordinated to his Underſtanding. Now mans reaſon directs him to chuſe good, and refuſe evil: it is a note of a perſon come to the uſe of his reaſon, Iſa. 7. 16. Now the Promiſes engage that which is really good, as a reward of Obedience, yea the beſt good, everlaſting felicity; and the Threatnings denounce evil in caſe of diſobedience, and that the moſt amazing, ſeparation from God, which is the ſumm of all miſeries: and both theſe from God, who is true, and can give being to his word: how convincing is this of the rationality of Duty, ſince mans congenerate principle is, to ſeek happineſs, and avoid miſery?
2. Hence it follows that all ſin is unreaſonable. For the reaſons of contraries are contrary: but ſin is contrary to obedience, 1 Joh. 3. 4. And further to ſhew how unreaſonable ſin is, obſerve,
1. It is against God, Pſal. 51. 4. It oppoſeth it ſelf againſt all his revealed perfections: more particularly;
1. It is against his Sovereignty. God, muſt needs be the Creatures Sovereign, for it is entirely his; he is whole owner of it; and then he may command it; he thinks it reaſon enough to ratify any of his precepts by ſaying, I am the Lord. Now the ſinner, by every ſin, practically rejecteth this Sovereignty: hence ſin is called Rebellion, Iſa. 1. 2. and 63. 10.
2. It is against his Holineſs. All Gods commands are the reſults of his Holineſs, the Command i… …oly, and juſt, and good, Rom. 7. 12. He ſhews himſelf an holy God, in that he hath eſtabliſhed his Government on ſuch Laws, Sin therefore is a ſetting one ſelf againſt his holineſs.
3. It is againſt his Righteouſneſs. The command was the Rule of Righteouſneſs which God gave man, and on which he grounded his Relative Juſtice, in that ſpecial Government which he exerciſeth over man, called therefore his righteous judgements, Pſal. 119. 7. 62. 76. Sin therefore, in violating them, withſtands his Juſtice.
4. It is against his Goodneſs. All that the man hath, flows to him from this fountain; his being, his preſervation, all the comforts of this life, all the protections and deliverances he hath, all the means of Salvation, and hopes of eternal life, are the fruits of Gods free benignity to him: & his ſervice is but the acknowledgement which he requires of him, in reſpect of all this, which the Sinner denieth him, and ſo is a deſpiſer of his goodneſs, Rom. 2. 4. Deut. 32 5.
2. It is againſt himſelf: hence ſaid to wrong his own ſoul, Prov. 8. 36. And how unreaſonable is that?
1. It defiles the man: it poyſons him, it leaves him under that filthineſs which is indeed his bane: it leaves a blot upon him, which expoſeth him to reproach: Sin is therefore in Scripture compared to all thoſe filthy things that can be thought of, and all too little to ſet forth its odiouſneſs.
2. It robs the man of his peace. There is great peace in Obedience, Pſal. 119. 165. But ſin lays a foundation for all diſturbance, Iſa. 57. 20, 21. It makes deep wounds in the Conſcience, which will put him to horrible pain, and if he doth not feel it, yet it is his portion, and to be looked for every moment, Job 15. 20. &c.
3. It deprives him of his happineſs: and that both naturally, and upon the Covenant terms. Sin, if it gets into a man, is it ſelf a miſery, and lays him open to the wrath of God, Rom. 6. 2….
4. Hence it ſubjects him to all miſery. It brings all the curſes written, on his head. The threatning runs in theſe terms, Ezek. 18. 4. And all that is unhappy is contained in that word. It ſeparates from God, Iſa. 57. 2. And what but miſery awaits thats ſeparation?
3. It is againſt Mankind. He hurts not himſelf only, but his neighbour too, and that unreaſonably.
For,
1. It Scandalizeth men: it often becomes a tempta…ion to others to ſin, and this is the greateſt miſchief that we can do to another, to draw him into Sin: it is to give him a ſtab at the heart; to deſtroy him, Rom. 14. 15.
2. It occaſions others trouble and affliction. One ſinner ſometimes, and that by one ſin, may trouble a whole nation, Joſh. 7. A Parent may by his ſin bring miſchief on his family, and procure judgments to his deareſt relations. 2 Sam. 12 10.
3. Hence untractableneſs under the means muſt needs be unreaſonable: this follows from the former; for▪
1. The deſign of the means is to reclaim men from ſin. The Goſpel is a Goſpel of Salvation, and it is an eſſential part of this Salvation, to ſave men from their ſins, Joh. 1. 29. And this is done, not only by …doning them, but alſo by turning them from their …quities; hence put together, Act. 5. 31. And to this the means are accommodated, Act. 26. 18.
2. Mens untractableneſs wholly fruſtrates this deſign: it is the very nature of it to do ſo, Jer. 8. 5. God ſaith to Sinners, turn, why will you dy? but they ſay, …here is no hope, for we have loved ſtrangers, and after them we will go: this is that ſtiff neck, that iron ſin…w that will not bow, this is the reaſon why ſinners are not gathered to Chriſt, Matth. 23. 37.
3. Men hereby prevent their own good. Whiles this obſtinacy remains, men keep out of the way of peace; how doth God expoſtulate with them on this account? Iſa. 48. 18. O that they had hearkned, &c. God backs his calls and counſels with gracious promiſes, to allure ſinners after him, but they deſpiſe their own mercies.
4. Hereby they expoſe themſelves to the more miſeries. Not only doth Gods wrath abide on them, but they encreaſe their ſorrows by it; this is the reaſon of the utter ruine of ſinners under the Goſpel, Matt. 23. 38. It lays them open to more intolerable puniſhments, and makes their damnation unavoidable, and more aſtoniſhing, Deut. 28. 59.
4. The pretended reaſons of mens untractableneſs are brutiſh, and argue them void of underſtanding. They think they are rational, but they act like meer beaſts; for,
1. They judge of evil and good by their ſenſes. They know no other happineſs but what conſiſts in grati…ying of their carnal appetite, which is become ſenſual. What pleaſeth their carnal eye; ear, and palate, that they call good, and what is diſpleaſing to them, they call evil: and herein they do no… advance one ſtep beyond the horſe and mule, fo… beaſts do juſt ſo; and if they acted according to Rules of underſtanding they would aſcend highet… They ſubmit to the vileſt ſervitude of ſin, becauſe by it they give content to their ſenſes; thus it … ſaid of Iſſachar; Gen. 49. 14, 15.
2. Hence they have only regard to the body or outward man, in their judgment of things. If that be provided for, and have eaſe and content, they think all is well: they conſider not that they have an immortal Soul, on the welfare whereof their happineſs doth depend. If then they can have wealth, health, peace, plenty, they are as happy as can be: and the readleſt way to obtain that, is the greateſt wiſdom in their eſteem, and what obſtructs it they note it folly for them to engage in it. This was his opinion, Luk. 12. 19. And he is called a Fool for it, Verſe 20. And this is to act juſt like a bruit, who hath only a bodily life to preſerve.
3. They look no farther than the preſent time. Never think of an after ſtate: the life that now is, … all the life they are concerned about; they conſider not of the Eternity to which they are going … all their projects are for now; that which doth them a preſent pleaſure is the thing, and they wil… not be beat off from it, nor are they moved with the warnings of an after change, but mock at them of ſuch, 1 Cor. 15. 32. Theſe are beaſts indeed; for as they have but a preſent life, ſo they can loo… no farther.
4. They only conſider the pleaſure there is in ſin, but …ver think what it will coſt them. They make …hemſelves merry with ſinful delights, and put away thoughts of a reckoning: Sin is ſweet in the cup; it is a pleaſant poyſon, and the delectableneſs of it allures them, and they think not of the bitterneſs of its operation; Prov. 7. 22, 23. 9. ult. which is to do as bruits do, who if they can break into a good paſture, think not of being pounded, and ſet a ſtarving.
5. Hence they ſet their carnal ſenſes againſt all the warnings given them. With theſe they refute all arguments offered to convince them of their folly: with theſe they mock at counſels, and trample on inſtructions. They confute the word of God with their own experience, which finds the contrary: Jer. 44. 16, 17.
USE. I. For Information in a few particulars.
1. Learn hence the different verdict that God and the world paſs upon men. 1 Cor. 3. 19. Men think themſelves wiſe if they can baffle the counſels of God, and ſilence their own Conſciences, and ſin in deſpite of counſels and warnings, under a pretence of carnal reaſon: but God counts them no better than beaſts, and writes this wiſdom of theirs the moſt ſtupid folly: and let us take Gods cenſure of it, rather than mens vain opinion about it, for his word ſhall ſtand.
2. Hence ſee the miſerable change which the fall hath brought upon man. When God made him at firſt, he was perfect in underſtanding, he knew how to put difference between good and bad, and chuſe that which would promove the Glory o… God & his own eternal felicity: and all his ſenſe… were in a due ſubordination, and offered him no… deluſion: but ſince his Apoſtaſy he hath crazed… his underſtanding, and fallen in a ſpiritual account a ſpecies below himſelf. God therefore would have all men in their natural ſtate to know that they ar… beaſts, Eccl. 3. 18. And how ſhould this though… help to abaſe us, and make us bewail our infelicity …
3. Learn hence the reaſon of the groſs ſecurity of Sinners, under the awakning means of Grace. Though… the word be diſpenſed never ſo plainly and ſolemnly, yet how few are moved at it, or concerne… for themſelves after all? And we might wonder that men who have reaſon in them ſhould be ſo ſtupidly ſenceleſs, but that the truth in hand may ſatisfy us: men in their natural ſtate are a company of fools, and bruits, and madmen, that are out of their wits, that do not know, and therefore do not conſider; God puts them together, Iſa. 1. 3. And he that knows no danger, fears none.
4. This tells us what a great change is wrought … Converſion. Among other compariſons uſed in the word of God to ſet this forth, one is, the recover… ing of men to their underſtanding again. Th… mad Prodigal, when God was about to Conve… him, comes to himſelf, Luk. 15. 17. He had bee… diſtracted before, but now he returns to his righ… mind: In Converſion a new Creature is produced… all new, 2 Cor. 5. 17. And what a Metamorphoſis i… this to ſee a bruit turned into a rational being …nd it is not leſs to ſee an obſtinate ſinner made …gracious Saint.
5. We have here a reaſon why inſtruments can of …hemſelves do nothing. It is Gods pleaſure to ſend …hen to treat with men, as to ſuch who have an Humane underſtanding in them; but to convince …nd perſwade ſinners is a work too big for them: …heir encouragement to uſe the means, and ſinners …ncouragement to attend them, is becauſe it is Gods way, but we muſt ſubordinate the whole …ucceſs to him; ſo that if we perſwade not obſtinate ſinners, wonder not, for who are we? and if we do perſwade them, arrogate not; it was not …e, but his Grace working with us.
USE. II. For Exhortation, both to Sinners, and the Children of God.
1. Here is matter of counſel for Sinners;
1. Beware of confiding in your carnal reaſon: Vain man would be wiſe, &c. Job 10. 12. They who have the leaſt wiſdom, are moſt conceited of themſelves and think they have the greateſt reaſon for what they do. Well, you are wiſe then, but let me tell you, the worlds wiſe men go wiſely to hell. All their …eaſonings for ſin are brutiſh, and are counted …iſdom only by the fleſhly part. When therefore you find that you encline to hearken to theſe, ask, …ut are not theſe the diſputings of the fleſh, and if …o, they will be found folly in the end.
2. Be then convinced of the folly that cleaves to you. God himſelf hath declared every unregenerate man …o be a born fool, and gives this for the reaſon why they will not be perſwaded, Pſal. 58. 3, 4. If eve… you become truly wiſe, you muſt be convinced o… this, 1 Cor. 3. 17. The firſt leſſon that ſinful man … to learn in wiſdoms School, is that he himſelf is … fool; which, if any thing, will put him on enquiring after wiſdom. Many might have arrived a… true wiſdom, but for a conceit they had that they were already wiſe. And if you will compare th… ſentiments of carnal reaſon, with the dictates o… the word of God, you muſt either charge them with fooliſhneſs, or confeſs your wiſdom to be ſo.
3. Let this conviction drive you to God, to beg of him to reſtore you to your understanding again. The direction is, if any lack wiſdom, let him ask it of God, Jam. 1. 5. And who is there that doth not lack it but the exhortation is nextly to ſuch whom the Spirit of God hath made to feel their want, and this made him ſo earneſt on this account, Prov. 30. 2. 3.
4. Now refer your ſelves wholly to the Divine Oracle. Look upon the Spirit of God to be the author, and the word of God to be the ſtore-houſe, and the Ordinances to be the Medium of communication, by which you may obtain that Wiſdom that is from above, which only will make you wiſe to Salvation. Remember what that hath told you Job 28. 28. Come then to this School, and humbly wait for his teaching, and ſo may you arrive at that wiſdom which will make you happy; when the worlds wiſe man, and his wiſdom ſhall periſh together.
2. To the Children of God, in whom, God hat… planted the ſeeds of true wiſdom.
1. Be ſenſible that you have a great deal of this bru…neſs remaining in you. We ſhould always look on …s to humble us, and make us fearful of our ſelves. …o much as there is of the old man in us, ſo much …olly: David confeſſed it of himſelf, 2 Sam. 24. 18. And this cenſure the Pſalmist paſſeth on himſelf, and his carnal reaſonings, Pſal. 73. 22. So fooliſh … I, and ignorant, &c. And if we do but obſerve all … exorbitant actions, we ſhall find too much of this every day.
2. Let this teach you to beware that you do not lean …o your own underſtanding. It is the caution, Prov. 3. 5. And the reaſon is given, Chap. 28. 26. The law in our members will be very forward to give in its fooliſh arguings, and if we be not careful, we ſhall be enſnared by them: they will tell us a fair ſtory, and ſo cheat us. Was not David ſo trapan'd, when he would needs number the people, againſt all advice to the contrary? Did not Aſa, …o ſo, when he hearkned to his own heart, and perſecuted the prophet?
3. Let this move us to pity, and bear, and take …ns with Sinners. Let us not be enraged, though we find them ſtout, and obſtinate, and to deſpiſe ou… counſels. He that would tame a beaſt, muſt expect that he will carry himſelf like one. It is for want of underſtanding; and ſuch were you …ill God enlightned you. Be not then beat out, but follow them with patience and perſeverance, waiting on God for his bleſſing on your en…eavours: and though they be now enraged, yet …f ever God make them to come to themſelves, they will be thankful, and count you their beſt friends ſo may you become inſtruments of their Salv… tion, and that will be to your everlaſting com… fort. Dan. 12. 3.
To go no further in Gods Service than forced is an ill ſign.
DOCTRINE. III.
IT is an ill ſign, when men will go no farther in Gods Service, than they are forced by ſeverity. Here lies the force of the argument in the Text. The horſe and mule, will not come at you, except you put a bridle on him; let him have his liberty, and he will be gone: and if we act thus, we ſhall ſhew that we remain under the power of our brutiſhneſs which we contracted by the fall. Here take theſe Concluſions.
1. That there is an outward Service which God requireth of his people, conſiſting in a well ordered Converſation. This is not all, nor will this alone anſwer his expection. However, this God doth expect of all that profeſs themſelves to be his people. For, th…ugh men may make a ſpecious ſhew when their hearts are not right, yet if there be not a viſible conformity to the Commands of God; it is an open Teſtimony againſt ſuch, that they d… not ſerve him: And it is vain for men to ſay, they have a good heart, when they lead a diſordere… … Man conſiſts of Soul and Body, and both are …ng to Gods Service, 1 Cor. 6. 20. There is all … Strength, as well as all the Heart, to be here laid …, Matth 22. 37. Now this is to be expreſt in a well ordered, converſation, Pſal. 50. ult. And when Chriſtians univerſally conform to Gods precepts, then is the… Converſation rightly ordered, Pſal 119. …. And this is, when they obſerve to do whatſoe… belongs to them in all the relations they bear, and in every ſtation wherein God ſets them: And this God calls for, both of a people in general, and of every perſon in particular: and according to this, Religion doth either flouriſh or decay among a people; and God is either honoured or …iſhonoured by them in the eyes of the world.
2. That there is ſome inward principle or motive ex…g men to this Service, when they do attend it. All that pretend to Religion do not thus order their Converſation. Many that call themſelves Chriſti… live like Heathen, or worſe, and ſo bring re…roach on their Profeſſion. And there is a cor…pt principle in the hearts of all men, which ali… pates them from Gods Service, and fills them with prejudices againſt it. Now, in all humane actions; there is ſomething that inſtigates men to do them: …ll external actions of men are Imperate actions, and …ppoſe the Elicit acts of the Will, which hath …de an Election of them, which denominates …em Voluntary; and that ſuppoſeth the foregoing …dgment of the Underſtanding, and the confequent …itation of the Affections. There is ſome reaſon …t prevails with the man in his deliberations, that engageth him; for herein men differ from bruit… Bruits are moved by their Affections, but theſe … moved by meer ſenſe and inſtinct; but, thou… man be acted by his Affections, yet theſe are in… gated by reaſon and election. How-often therefore are men called upon to Conſider? Pſal. 119 59. 39. 3. Iſa. 1. 3.
3. That which renders this Service pleaſing to G… is when it is done with cordial love to him, and … wayes. Though God requireth an outward ſervice, and the neglect of it diſcovers our diſobedience to him; for, if our heart were right, it would prompt us to our duty; yet this alone will not ſatisfy him▪ as he knows the heart, ſo he requires it, Prov. …. 26. Outward ſervices that proceed not from … principle, are Hypocritical; hence that complaint Pſal. 78. 37. Ezek. 33. 31. Now obedience is therefore called love, Gal. 5. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hence loving God, and keeping of his Commandments … an infeparable connexion, Exod. 20. 6. And indee… love is the cloſing Affection which carrieth us … our object, and uniteth us with it, it ſaith that … conceive an infinite amiableneſs and deſirable… in him and his ſervice, and therefore we ſerve … with delight.
4. That men may be driven to this external ſer… by a principle of fear. There is a two fold … mentioned in the word of God, one proceeds … the Spirit of Adoption, the other from a ſpirit of … dage: the former of theſe is a filial fear, and … perly belongs to the Children of God; and is eſſential to new obedience, that all Religion frequently called by it; and it is proper to that … we owe to God, in as much as he is infinitely love us, and the genuine love of an inferiour to ſuperiour, involves a fear in it, viz. a reverential reſpect, which makes us keep our diſtance, and to be very cautious of doing ought that may diſpleaſe, thus Jacob called God the fear of his father … Gen. 31. 53. The other fear ariſeth from a …vile Spirit, under which all men, in their natural … are in bondage: and though the Children of men do generally ſuppreſs it; yet God, when he …aſeth, toucheth the Conſcience, and awakens it, and then terrours ſieze it, and the man is horribly … of the wrath of God. And becauſe, in this …viction, he is made to know that his ſins have …ſed him to this wrath, and aſſured him that … live in them, they will bring him to deſtructi… it rouſeth him up, and ſets him on doing duty, and abſtaining from ſin: but he doth not do this, becauſe he loveth obedience, and hateth ſin, but …uſe his Conſcience terrifieth him, & he dareth … no otherwiſe, and how many ſuch inſtances are … Scripture? Hence that remark, Pſal. 78. 34.
5. That Unregenerate and carnal Profeſſors have … of this love in them, and are therefore acted by … fear. To love God, and to make a free choiſe … his ſervice, is a fruit of ſpecial ſaving Grace, … found in none but the Regenerate. There is a … love which men are ſometimes, for a fit, ſti…ated by, viz. When God hath remarkably devered them from ſome great trouble, they are for while affected with it, and very zealous: but it is ſoon over, and they grow cold: or they Idoli… the mercy, and forget the author: but this fear … the root of the carnal mans Obedience, Iſa. 33 … Moſt Hypocrites have an …wakened Conſcience and a legal ſpirit attending it, which drives the… to duty as a drudgery, and keeps them to it as … ſevere maſter. Conſcience tells the man, there … hell and damnation, or there are terrible Ju… ments, &c. and thus, like a dog, he dares not … upon the thing that he would …ain be at, leſt … ſhould be beaten for it. And indeed, by this … God holds the command of mens Conſciences, and by it, he in a great meaſure governeth the world, and reſtrains the unruly luſts of men from bre… ing forth into that height of exorbitancy, which otherwiſe they would ſoon ruſh into, i… left with… any bridle upon them, whoſe heart is ſet in them to … evil; and would carry them to the height that the greateſt monſters of men ever arrived at.
6. That there is a mixture of theſe in Gods … Children; and their love is not always ſo powerful, … ſo they are ſometimes expoſed to this fear. What … remarked in, 1 Joh. 4 18. is not accompliſhed … this life; perfect love caſteth out fear. The … have ſinful corruption remaining in them, & th… ſometimes ſo prevalent, that it ſuppreſſeth the … gorous exerciſe of Grace, and they are led captive … the law in their members: and, as God makes uſe … the Spirit of bondage in the Converſion of his … lect, ſo ſometimes he awakens it in believers, wh… they grow remiſs in their obedience: for, thoug… they do not receive it again, yet▪ it not being who… taken away, it is ſometimes rouſed in them. They …ve a rooted love of God, but the exerciſe is …ped by ſinful temptations, and God terrifies …em, and makes his judgments to amaze them, Pſal. 119 120. Job 31 23. How often doth David …lain of terrours that affright him, of arro… … ſtick in him, and drink up his ſpirits? But there …erence between that in the Children of God, … in unregenerate men; in theſe they proceed … further, riſe no higher; whereas in thoſe, they … to awaken their love again, and revive their …: theſe fears help forward their Repentance. … This fear hath a force in it, and will carry men … forther than it drives them. There is a vaſt diſ…nce between the motives that ariſe from this … and thoſe that proceed from love. There is …eet attractive in love, becauſe it naturally cra… union with its object, which carrieth it forth … great ſpontaneity. Love would always be … and pleaſe its beloved. Whereas there is more of compulſion in fear; though it alſo works … the man, and puts him on a choiſe, yet it is not …olute, but hypothetical. In a word, love ſeeth an …ableneſs, a deſirableneſs in the Service of God, … it is in it ſelf good and pleaſant, and prefera…, Pſal 19. 10. Whereas fear alone, doth not take …ay that natural averſneſs that is in us to obe…nce: it alters not our falſe principles, but we ſtill … good evil; only it makes us apprehend the dan… ariſing from the threatning, which we count …reaſonable, but becauſe we cannot otherwiſe avoid the threatned miſery, we chuſe rather to abſtain from ſuch ſins, and practice ſuch duties, tha… ſuffer what is denounced. Hence it is an un… ling willingneſs that is produced: our obedienc… … like the ſervice of a ſlave, who muſt do what he … bidden, but it is a burden to him, Mal. 1. 13.
8. That ſevere providences are uſed by God to quic… this fear in men. As the promiſes are of uſe to … cite love, ſo the threatnings to ſtir up fear; … the hardneſs of mens hearts maketh them to … piſe threatnings; God therefore executeth th… … ſo to make men afraid. Now to theſe belong … awful judgments which men in this life are ex… ed to. Hence, when Gods people have declined in their obedience, and would not receive coun… God hath brought ſome fearful calamity … them, and this was to let them ſee that the th… nings were not meer ſcare crows, but realities … that ſo the terrours of the Lord might frighten … into better manners, and put them upon refor… tion: and this God expected, and threatned … purſue that courſe, till it came to this, Levit. 26. ….
9. That when God recalls ſuch providences, and … eth them proſperity again, they ſoon fall from their … dience. Proſperity hath ever been dangerous to … ſound profeſſors, See Deut. 32. 15. Hence, … Apoſtaſy under Gods favours, hath procured … their trouble, and now in their diſtreſs they … think themſelves of a reformation. Judg. 10. …. Now God pities them, and ſends them deliveran…. But here is their unhappineſs, it was only fear … drave them to reform, and now this fear wears way, and they forget their promiſes, and turn agai… … their former vain courſes, in which they delight…, and their fear did not break them off cordially …om: hence that remark, Judg. 2. 18, 19. … 10. And by this God is put upon it to afflict them afreſh, and lay a yoke of trouble upon them. How often … ſuch changes in providence befall the Children … Iſrael, becauſe when God enlarged them; they …rned to their vomit and mire, and then God …ovided new troubles to exerciſe them withal. …ſal. 78. 40. &c. 106. 43. Now when it is thus … a profeſſing people, we may gather two in…rences from it.
1. It ſaith at leaſt that there is a great power of in…lling ſin in them. This is the beſt interpretation … can be put on it. Gods own Children, are …ldren here, and very fooliſh, and too ready to … drawn into ſin, and neglect, and for that reaſon … often ſtand in need of being treated as Child. … and want a rod to awe them. We are there… told that there is need of it, 1 Pet. 1. 6. But it …eth them this conviction to humble them, viz. … their worſer part greatly prevails in them; … whenever we are afflicted by God, it ſhould … us in mind of this.
2. There are too often in this dangerous ſymptoms of … being Unregenerate. There is great reaſon for …m to call their ſtate into queſtion; Eſpecially, … 1. If it be ſo alwayes; that they never keep to …ir work, but when they are under the rod: if …ey be not always held in with bit and bridle, they will revolt, and as ſoon as ever they feel the reigns … their neck, they run away. There are the obligations of mercy, and kindneſs, which will leave impreſſions on gracious Souls, and be influential to animate them to Obedience, as, Pſal. 116. 12. And if nothing will do but affliction, it is a ſign of a ſlawiſh heart.
2. If it be to a courſe of preſumptuous ſins. The beſt have their infirmities; but if they be ſcandalous breaches of the Command, that we had before lived in, and been by affliction for a while reſtrained from, but now return to with as much eagerneſs as ever, it beſpeaks us altogether fleſh. Suppoſe a man hath lived in the neglect of Gods Worſhip, or been addicted to Drunkenneſs; but affliction hath convinced him, and he hath began to reform theſe things; if upon deliverance he returns to theſe things again, and grows as bad as ever, it awfully beſpeaks ſuch an one to be in the gall of bitterneſs.
USE I. For INFORMATION in two particulars.
1. Learn hence a reaſon why a Profeſſing People meet with ſo many Judicial Providences. We … apt to wonder how it comes; but let us obſerve;
1. Very often the bigger part of ſuch a people are …rnal. It is our Saviours remark, Mat. 20. 16. Many are called, but few choſen. And ſee Rom. 2. 28 9. 5. The Viſible Church are a mixt Company; and as there are always ſome, ſo often, more tares than wheat growing in that field; they take on them the name, but have not the heart o… Gods people. Sin hath dominion in them, and … them ſeem never ſo zealous▪ yet it will be ever inclining them to Apoſtaſy.
2. The beſt among them are too much carnal. Though not altogether fleſh, yet they carry too much fleſh about them; the Children of God have a rebellious party in them, Paul complains of it, Rom. 7. 23, 24. And this corruption in them is unruly, and too hard for them, which occaſion…th their growing into ſpiritual indiſpoſitions, which are attended with neglect of duty, and ſometimes woful …arications.
3 Hence they cannot be long without affliction. A long continued ſtate of proſperity would do them …; the corruption in them will take advantage … draw them into carnal ſecurity, and ſinful de…res from God. Let ungodly men have their … deſire, and they will abuſe it; and Gods Children cannot bear too much dandling in the lap of Providence: if Davids mountain stand ſtrong, … grows careleſs, Pſal. 30. 5. Such a people therefore would gather abundance of filth to themſelves, as the Sea doth in a calm.
4. Hence God is righteous when he afflicteth ſuch a people. There is no injuſtice at all in it; ſee how …he promiſe runs, Pſal. 103. 17, 18. And no wonder if a fool often feels a rod upon his back; if men will return to their fooliſhneſs as ſoon as they come from under correction, it is their own fault, …d they may blame themſelves for it, that they …re brought to it again preſently. God herein vindicates his Holineſs, and makes it appear how ill he can endure ſin. Let it not then be thought ſtrange, if they who are ſo ready to turn aſide… are laid under ſtraitneſs again.
5. And he is alſo kind in it to his Children. No… only is he juſt, but merciful too, a father is a… kind. in giving his Child ſeaſonable correction, a… in giving him his daily food: It belongs to hi… Covenant, Heb. 12. 6. And his faithfulneſs is t… be celebrated in it, Pſal. 119. 75. It is the way i… which he ſhews them their folly, and teache… them wiſdom: and Godly men have abund…nt… reaſon to ſay that it was in love to their So…; that he would not ſuffer them to ruine themſelves 1. Cor. 11. 32.
2. Hence then to what a degree of brutiſhneſs… they grown, who will not be reclaimed by ſevirity? The horſe & the mule, though b…uits, may be bo… and brought to, with pains uſed upon them; … to be governed with a bit and a bridle; nee… then muſt they be under a character of greater brutiſhneſs, whom neither mercies will melt, … judgments break, but they go on in their evi… ways after all; and are there not many, that are grown Judgment proof, and beyond the effica… of continued ſmitings? as they, Iſa. 1. 5. Hoſ… 4… 17. Jer. 2. 30. And herein carry in them the very character of fools? according to, Prov. 27. 22
USE II. Let this then put us upon trying … ſelves. God hath been viſiting this people wit… repeated Judgments; and many in particular hav… been afflicted again and again: Let us then exa… mine our ſelves by the truth in hand; and her… obſerve.
1. The beſt of Gods Children may be under affliction, when they walk most in their integrity. What an account doth that Holy man. Heman give of himſelf? Pſal. 88. It is not a certain argument of a mans being apoſtatized, meerly becauſe he is …cted: God … Soveraign, and they muſt conſels him to be ſo, Joh 42. 2. He hath many ways wherein he will be glorified in his people, in the …yal of their graces; and if when they walk in their integrity, they are brought into many ſorrows, …or the exerciſe of their faith, patience, &c. and he affords them his Spirit to help them in it, he thereby honours them, and they have cauſe to re… in tribulation.
2. But ſuch times do call Gods people to ſearch and …ry themſelves. We ſhould acquaint our ſelves with the reaſon why God afflicts us, how elſe …all we obtain the end and benefit of it? Now uſually this is the occaſion, viz. We grow remiſs, and wanton, and negligent of our ſelves, and God in diſpleaſure brings us into trouble: and it … he this, it calls us to Repentance; and if we would be able rightly to judge of this, we muſt obſerve our frame, and carriage; and that;
1. Under the afflictions that we ſuffer. It may be God afflicts us, and we are proud, and diſcon…ent, fret and pine; and do not ſo much as make ſearch for the provocations given him; and yet …e in pitty gives us ſome reſpite; but then he ſoon brings another cloud over us; here is enough to tell us how it is. Our folly remains, our droſs abides, and calls for another furnace.
2. After the affliction, or under deliverances. It may be we confeſſed our ſins, promiſed amendment… and began to attempt it; prayed for pity, and God hath tried us; but now another troubl… is on us: Well did we not do as Pharaoh, when … ſaw there was reſpite? Exod. 8. 15. Let this then inſtruct us, and humble us, and make us to Juſtifie God.
USE III. Let it be to exhort us that we do no… put God upon this courſe. Force him not to proceed againſt us in ſeverity. Conſider,
1. There is a way which is more ſuited to ma… I mean, which mans frame points him to. Ma… is made a reaſonable Creature, and ought to hearken to reaſon; why ſhould he forſake that, an… carry himſelf like an Horſe? God pleads, Iſa. … 8. And God ſhews us the way in his Word an… Ordinances.
2. This is the way to eſcape rods. God calls th… ſevere courſe, his strange work, Iſa. 28. 21. N… me…rly becauſe he is a God of mercy, and de… lighteth not to grieve us; but becauſe it is … ſtrange thing that we ſhould put him upon it: ſo that if we would comply with his counſels, we might prevent blows.
3. It is the way alſo to be more clear in the knowledge of our good estate. The free Obedience o… Gods people, ſaith that they are his indeed, Pſal 110. 3. Whereas our being obedient no longe… than we are driven to it, muſt needs give us aw… ful grounds to call our ſelves in queſtion. An… for help,
1. Labour to get the love of God eſtabliſhed in our …arts. The Apoſtle could ſay, The love of Chriſt …inſtrains us, 2 Cor. 5. 14. And were this active, … it would do more on us than all the beatings that we feel: this would make us never well but when we are engaging in his work.
2. Study the amiableneſs of his Service. It is always ſome prejudice entertained at the wayes of God, that makes us inconſtant in our Obedience, and this is the ſuggeſtion of the fleſh: would we be able experimentally to ſay with him, Pſal. 19. 7, 8, 9, 10. It would knit our hearts to it. Did we believe that Wiſdoms ways are ways of pleaſancy, and all her paths peace, Prov. 3. 16. It would hind us to them of choice, and we ſhould never be, well, but when exerciſed in them.
3. Labour to taste the ſweetneſs of Obedience, and the peace there is in it; Pſal. 119. 165. Every ſin leaves a ſting behind it on the Conſcience, but the fear of God gives inward peace, and a Child of God is never ſo comfortable of it, as when his heart bears witneſs to his integrity, 2 Cor. 1. 12. Get a freedom in our hearts to this: forced Service is always ungrateful, but that which is on free choice muſt needs be delectable.