The Saints Sure and Perpetual Guide, Text (1 of 3)

The Saints Sure and Perpetual Guide · Text (1 of 3)

p. 1THE SAINTS SVRE AND PERPETVALL GVIDE.

PSAL. 119. VER. 105.

Thy Word is a Lampe unto my feet, and a Light unto my paths.

OF all other parts of the holy Bible, this Booke of the Pſalmes, (penned for the moſt part by David, the ſweet Singer of Iſrael, and a man after Gods owne heart) is ſtuft and fill'd with greateſt plentie and varietie of precious Leſſons and inſtructions unto eternall life.The Contents and the benefit of the Pſalmes in generall. The choice and flower of all things profitable and comfortable for the right courſe of a Chriſtian p. 2life, is therein briefely contained, and very movingly and feelingly expreſt. In them we may be acquainted with the Majeſtie and Myſteries of God, with the Sufferings of Chriſt, with unfained Repentance, unwearied Patience, ſpirituall Wiſedome, and wonderfull Courage of the godly man, and true Chriſtian. In them we may behold the terrors of Wrath, and the anguiſhes of an afflicted Conſcience, the comforts of Grace, and great Deliverances, the wonderfull workes of Providence over this World, and the promiſed Ioyes of that World which is to come. In a word, all good neceſſarily to be either knowne or done, or had, is plentifully, as out of a rich Treaſurie, reveal'd and offer'd unto us in theſe heavenly Songs of David.

Amongſt which,Of the 119. in particular. this 119. Pſalme (a part of which I have now read unto you) is, as it were, a precious Iewell, or cleare Cryſtall; wherein wee may ſee the right temper and ſtate of true godlineſſe, and ſinceritie, the markes and properties of all true worſhippers of God, the zeale and affections of all faithfull Chriſtians, the very lively Anatomie and laying open of a good and gracious Soule.

This whole Pſalme doth conſiſt of 22.The Diviſion of it. Parts or Portions of Staves, or Octaves, even juſt ſo many as there be Letters in the Hebrew Alphabet; and every Portion containeth in it eight Verſes; and every Verſe of every Portion, or Staffe, begins with the ſame Hebrew Letter. The which ſpeciall and extraordinarie penning and diſpoſing of p. 3the Pſalme,Three Leſſons to be learned thence. doth declare and ſet out unto us theſe three things:

1 The diligent intention of mind, and carefull meditation of the Author, in the framing and compoſing of it.

2 The preciouſneſſe and worth of the matter contain'd in it; in that it pleaſed the Spirit of God to deliver it in choice and ſpeciall order.

3 A deſire and purpoſe, that it might more eaſily be learn'd by heart, and committed to memorie, and often and earneſtly meditated and thought upon, being ſet downe unto us in ſo faire and eaſie order of the Hebrew Letters.

This Part, or Portion, which wee have now in hand, is the foureteenth; and doth containe in it many worthy and gracious Leſſons for our inſtruction and devotion in heavenly things, propoſed unto us out of the practice and Chriſtian carriage of this holy Prophet, and Man of God, David, a perfect patterne of all true zeale and pietie.

In the thirteenth Portion,Two things obſervable in the 13. Part. immediately going before, David had delivered ſpecially two things.

Firſt, How by his love, reading, ſtudy, and meditation in Gods Word,1 How David became wiſer than his enemies. he had attained moſt excellent knowledge, wiſedome, and underſtanding; ſo that thereby he was become farre more wiſe than his enemies; that is, than Saul and all his politike Courtiers and Counſellors of State. Hee had more underſtanding than his Teachers, than the great Doctors, and Rabbins; for all their deepe Learning being not ſanctified unto them. He underſtood more than the grave and ancient men, for all p. 4the worldly wiſedome and great experience they had gathered in many yeeres, and through length of dayes. Where, by the way, take this Leſſon.

There is no wit or policie,Doct. not all the Learning in the World,True wiſdome to be had only from and in the Word. or worldly wiſedome, can make a man truly wiſe, (that is, wiſe unto ſalvation) but onelyonly a powerfull and working knowledge out of the holy Word of God.

The Reaſon is:The Reaſon. Becauſe all other wiſedome doth onelyonly provide for the Body,Becauſe other wiſdome provides only for the body, but this for the ſoul…. for a temporall happineſſe in this life, for a few and evill dayes, and leaves the Soule in a ſinfull and wretched eſtate; ſhortly, in the day of Viſitation, to be overtaken and fearefully confounded with ſtrange aſtoniſhments, horrors, and deſpaire; and hereafter, wofully to be tormented amongſt wicked Devils in the Lake that burnes with fire and Brimſtone for evermore. But wiſedome out of the Word of God doth ſo furniſh a mans Soule with Grace, and all holy Vertues, that in deſpight of all creatures, hee may live comfortably in this Vale of teares, and in endleſſe joyes in the World to come.

Now (I pray you) tell me, whether is truly the wiſer man; hee, that for an inch of time makes much of his wretched Body, that muſt ſhortly rot in the grave, and be devoured of Wormes, and turned into duſt; but in the meane time lets his immortall Soule, that can never die, ſinke into the Dungeon of everlaſting woe and miſerie: or hee, which by taking ſound and ſaving counſell and direction out of the Word of God, and howſoever p. 5he be hated and neglected of this vaine World, yet yeelding chearefull and conſtant obedience thereunto, provides unſpeakable comfort, reſt, and bleſſedneſſe both for Body and Soule, through all eternitie?

Secondly, In the ſecond part and foure laſt Verſes of the former Portion,2 He ſets downe the fruits of his knowledge David ſets downe the fruit, uſe, and benefit which ſprung from his divine knowledge. It ſweetned his heart with much comfort, and ſound contentment, and cheared him with joy unſpeakable, 1 Pet. 1. 8.1 Pet 1:8and glorious, amidſt all croſſes and diſcomforts; it bridled and reſtrained him from every evill way; it kept and preſerved him in the paths of righteouſneſſe; it bred in him a hatred and loathing of the wayes of error, falſehood, and hypocriſie. Where, by the way, I would give you this other Leſſon.

We muſt labour and be ſure that we draw our knowledge in Gods Word into practice,Doct. action, and exerciſe;All our knowledge muſt be practicall. otherwiſe, it will not onelyonly be unprofitable and unfruitfull unto us, but indeed bring upon us a greater and more fearefull condemnation. For,Luke 12. 47.Luke 12:47 For, He that knowes his Maſters will, and doth it not, ſhall be beaten with many ſtripes, Luke 12. 47. All our knowledge is in vaine, except by the power of it our inward affections be ſanctified, our words ſeaſoned with grace, our actions and converſations guided with ſpirituall wiſedome and unfained ſinceritie.

After David had thus, in the former Portion, layd downe unto us, and confeſſed what excellent knowledge he had got out of the Word of God, p. 6and the precious fruit and benefit he had reaped and enjoyed by it: Now,

In the firſt Verſe of this preſent Portion,The foureteenth Part explaned. hee makes, as it were, a proteſtation and profe…ion, that he is wholly and onelyonly enlightened and led in all his wayes by this holy Word of God, as by a Light or Lanterne: The brightneſſe thereof doth not onelyonly bring him into the wayes of righteouſneſſe, and bleſſed eſtate of Chriſtianitie, but doth alſo conduct and guide him in all the paths and particulars of his life and actions, in all the parts and paſſages of his ſpeciall calling: For he ſaith, Thy Word is a Lampe unto my feet] that is, whereby I ſee and diſcerne the way to Heaven, and the narrow path through the Kingdome of Grace; and a Light unto my paths] that is, a guide to direct me in every particular ſtep, at every turning, that ſo I may keepe a ſtraight courſe, and the readie way to the Kingdome of Glory.

That David had thus wholly yeelded and reſigned up himſelfe to be guided and governed by the glorious Light of Gods holy Word, appeares in the Verſes following.

Firſt,1 Verſ. 106. in Verſ. 106. by a ſolemne Oath and ſacred reſolution to keepe Gods righteous judgements, and an unfained and conſtant purpoſe to performe the ſame; I have ſworne, and will performe it, that I will keepe thy righteous judgements.

Secondly,2 Verſ. 107. in Verſ. 107. by his patiencie and ſufferance of wrongs, diſgraces, and afflictions, which the wicked and prophane World heaped upon him, for his profeſſion of holineſſe and ſinceritie. p. 7For, except he had loved and followed the Light of divine Truth, whenſoever the fire of perſecution and tribulation, becauſe of the Word, had beene kindled againſt him, hee had ſhrunke backe and fallen away; I am afflicted very much, quicken me, O Lord, according to thy Word.

Thirdly, in Verſ. 108. by the offerings of his mouth, and calves of his lips;3 Verſ. 108. that is, the ſpirituall ſacrifices of prayers, thankſgiving, and gracious Vowes for Gods ſervice, which with a free and fervent ſpirit, and earneſt deſire of acceptation, he continually offered unto the Lord; O Lord I beſeech thee, accept the free-will offerings of my mouth, and teach me thy judgements.

Fourthly, in Verſ. 109, 110. by his ſtedfaſtneſſe and ſticking to the Law and Word of God,4 Verſ. 109, 110. though hee was beſet and ſtrongly incompaſſed with ſnares, with dangers, and with death it ſelfe: His ſoule was continually in his hand; that is, hee was ready and reſolved every houre rather to part with his life, than with a good Conſcience; to ſhed his bloud, rather than to forſake the Truth and Commandements of God: My ſoule is continually in my hand, yet doe I not forget thy Law: The wicked have laid a ſnare for me, yet I erred not from thy Precepts.

In the two laſt Verſes, upon the former reaſons hee concludes the Point;5 Verſ. 111, 112. That his heart and inward affections do dearely embrace Gods bleſſed Word, as a moſt rich and laſting Inheritance, as his ſweeteſt and greateſt joy; and, that hee bends all the powers of his ſoule, and beſt endevours, to be led with, and to follow the Light thereof even p. 8unto the end, untill it bring him to immortalitie and Light, 1 Tim. 6. 16.1 Tim 6:16that no man can attaine unto: Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever, for they are the rejoycing of my heart: I have inclined my heart to performe thy Statutes alway, even to the end.

Thus you ſee in generall the meaning of this Portion.

Before now I deſcend unto particulars,Sixe markes to diſtinguiſh a godly man and an hypocrite. and come to gather Notes ſeverally from the Verſes in order, let vsus take notice, I beſeech you, (for our inſtruction and examination of our owne ſoules) of ſixe notable markes, and ſignes, by which a true Chriſtian may be diſcerned from a Temporizer; a ſincere ſerver of God, from a carnall Goſpeller.

The firſt I gather out of the firſt Verſe:1 Verſ. 105. Every ſonne and ſervant of God doth with humilitie,A godly man is guided by the Word in all his wayes. chearefulneſſe, and obedience, yeeld and ſubmit himſelfe to be wholly and onelyonly directed and guided by the Light of Gods Word, in all his wayes, both generally, of Chriſtianitie, and particularly, of his ſpeciall calling; as David here did. But the naturall man,A naturall man not at all. that is not yet entred into, or acquainted with the ſtate of Grace, is led and guided in his courſes onelyonly by the Light of Reaſon, and worldly Wiſedome; by good Meanings, without ground and warrant out of the Word; by a blind and ignorant Devotion; by the Multitude, Examples, Cuſtome of the Times, and ſuch like blind Guides: But if he take any advice and direction out of the Word of God, it is but in part,Or in par…. by halfes, and for a time.

p. 9A ſecond ariſeth out of the ſecond Verſe:2 Verſ. 106. Every Child of God doth not onelyonly promiſe, vow,He performes all his Vowes. and purpoſe to forſake and abandon all his knowne ſinnes, to watch carefully and conſcionably over all his wayes, to delight in and to ſort himſelfe with godly and gracious companie, to have a reſpect to all his Commandements, and to keepe his righteous Iudgements; but hee doth alſo truly and throughly performe it: hee goes through-ſtitch with his ſpirituall affaires, and with conſtancie and courage walkes in a ſetled courſe of Chriſtianitie.An unregenerate man doth not pay them. But the unregenerate man, not yet ſoundly ſeaſoned with the power of Grace; howſoever he hath ſometimes good motions and purpoſes ariſe in his heart, to forſake his former evill wayes, and to fall to godlineſſe; howſoever in the time of Sickneſſe, of ſome great Iudgement, or when his Conſcience is terrified by the Miniſterie of the Word, when he ſeriouſly thinkes upon the day of his death, and of that great and laſt Iudgement, or the like; hee makes Vowes with himſelfe, perhaps, that hee will be a new man, and change his courſes: But when he is once out of danger againe, when he comes to the point, and practice, he is not ſo good as his word, he doth not pay and performe his former Vowes and purpoſes; hee is preſently choaked againe with worldly Cares, and drowned in earthly Pleaſures: And ſo all his goodneſse is as a morning Cloud, Hoſ. 6▪ 4.Hos 6:4and as the morning Deaw it goeth away.

The third marke lyeth in the third Verſe: Every Child of God doth with contented patience▪ p. 103 Verſ. 107.with ſtrong dependance upon Gods providence,He patiently ſuffers perſecution for the Word. with rejoycing in his ſufferings, beare and endure many miſeries and preſſures layd upon him▪ for his profeſſion and practice of ſinceritie. He well knowes out of the Word of God, and feeles by his owne experience,2 Tim. 3. 12.2 Tim 3:12 That all which will live godly in Christ Ieſus, ſhall ſuffer perſecution, 2 Tim. 3. 12. And therefore he makes up his account with the World, and is at a point with all that is under the Sunne; hee is perſwaded, that all the afflictions of this life are not neere worthy the glory which ſhall be revealed, Rom. 8. 18.

But the carnall Goſpeller he thinkes it is good ſleeping in a whole skin;The carnall Goſpeller ſpare… himſelfe. he lookes for a Goſpel of eaſe, for a ſoft and ſilken ſervice of God; for a Church (as one ſpeakes) all of Velvet. And therefore, rather than he will ſuffer any loſſe, or worſing, any diminution or diſparagement in his outward eſtate, in his reputation, wealth, and worldly happineſſe, he will make ſhipwracke of a good Conſcience; he will yeeld to the corruptions of the Times, and with the greater part, reſt and repoſe himſelfe peaceably and pleaſantly upon his Bed of eaſe, and carnall ſecuritie: never conſidering, that the Croſſe is the Chriſtians triumph; that Chriſt himſelfe was crowned with Thornes; and, that wee must through many afflictions enter into the Kingdome of Heaven, Act. 14. 22.Acts 14:22Act. 14. 22.

A fourth marke may be gathered out of the fourth Verſe:4 Verſ. 108. The prayers and prayſings of God, in the mouth of Gods Child,He is frequent in praying and prayſing. The other not. are frequent, free, and fervent; but with the carnall Goſpeller, they p. 11are very rare, cold, and formall. The Reaſon is; Gods Child is very ſenſible of his corruptions,The Reaſon. and wants, hee ſtill longs and gaſpes for more grace, with a ſpirituall taſte he ſweetly reliſheth Gods great merciemercy and goodneſſe unto him; he hath the love of God and the ſpirit of prayer ſhed into his heart by the Spirit of Adoption; and therefore his heart is as full as the Moone, of godly motions and meditations, which like a continuall Spring ſends out groanes and ſighes unutterable, many zealous and faithfull prayers and thankſgivings unto his gracious God with a free and feeling affection. But the carnall Goſpeller, becauſe his underſtanding was never enlightened, his heart never truly humbled, his affections never ſanctified; becauſe he hath no ſence of his wretched eſtate, nor preſent feeling of grace, nor ſound hope and aſſurance of happineſſe in Heaven; why, therefore he hath no great mind, or heart, or liſt to prayer; hee hath no great delight, or exerciſe, in this holy buſineſſe: and if he doe pray (which is but ſeldome, and coldly) it is but lip-labour, and loſt labour, becauſe it is without faith, and feeling; for faſhion, cuſtome, or company, becauſe he was ſo taught in his youth; or that he ſuperſtitiouſly thinkes, the very worke wrought, and a number of prayers ſolemnely ſaid over, will ſanctifie him.

A fifth marke may be gathered out of the ſixt and ſeventh Verſes:5 Verſ. 109, 110. The Child of God doth not onelyonly paſſe through with patience,He will loſe his life for God. for the profeſſion of Gods truth and ſinceritie, leſſe and inferiour p. 12miſeries; as loſſe of goods, loſſe of friends and reputation with the World, ſlanders, diſgraces, and wrongs: but hee alſo holds his ſoule (as it were) continually in his hand, as David here ſayes of himſelfe; readie (if need be, and the times ſo require) even to ſhed his bloud vnderunder the Sword of Perſecution, or to lay downe his life in the flames, rather than to diſhonour ſo mercifull a God, to betray his holy Truth; or, by his backſliding and falling away, to hazard that Crowne of Glory, which by the eye of faith he hath alreadie in ſight.A temporarie is offended. But the carnall Goſpeller, in time of peace and plentie, while he lives quietly, and at eaſe, without croſſe or trouble, in faire and Sunſhine dayes, may perhaps be a ſtout and peremptorie Profeſſor, but hee ever ſhrinkes in the wetting; he pulls in the head in the fierie triall: ever, when trouble or perſecution commeth, Mat. 13. 21.Matt 13:21becauſe of the word, by and by he is offended.

The ſixt marke is gathered out of the two laſt Verſes:6 Verſ. 111, 112. The Child of God holds his Word farre more deare than any precious Treaſure,A Child of God counts the Word his greateſt Treaſure. than the richeſt Inheritance, than**Verſ. 162. great Spoyles, than **Verſ. 72.thouſands of Gold and Silver: It is the joy of his heart; and therefore it inclines and inflames his affections with love and zeale to doe Gods will, and fulfill all his Commandements. And no marvell though the true Chriſtian find moſt ſound and unconceivable delight in the Word of God,The Reaſon. the Doctrine of Heaven: For by it, he is borne anew, and made heire of Heaven: by the Light of it, he ſees his Name written in the Booke of Life, p. 13never to be raced out by man,A Chriſtian man hath ſuch aſſurance in the good things of the world to come, that he can eaſily moderate his affections as touching earthly and tranſitorie things. It is otherwiſe with an Hypocrite. or Devill; all the ſweet and gracious promiſes of ſalvation and comfort revealed in it, are ſure his owne: So that thence he knowes, and is perſwaded undoubtedly, that after a few and evill dayes ſpent in this miſerable life, he ſhall remaine and reigne eternally in the glory of God, of Chriſt Ieſus, the bleſſed Spirit, and the holy Angels. But it is otherwiſe with the carnall Goſpeller; for whatſoever ſhew or proteſtation he makes to the contrary, yet indeed in his heart, affections, and practice, hee preferres his pleaſures, riches, and profit, before hearing of Gods Word, ſanctifying his Sabbaths, and obedience to his Commandements.And why? And no marvell: for becauſe hee yet never lived the life of faith, but is a meere ſtranger to the myſterie of godlineſſe, hee hath no true intereſt nor ſound aſſurance in the joyes of another World; and therefore feeds onelyonly and fills himſelfe with tranſitorie and earthly contentments.

Now I beſeech you (beloved in Chriſt Ieſus) let every one with ſingleneſſe of heart and ſinceritie examine his owne Soule, and the ſpirituall ſtate of his Conſcience, by theſe ſignes and marks which I have now delivered to you, out of the example and precedencie of the Chriſtian affections and holy diſpoſition of David, a ſanctified man, and a principall patterne of pietie and zeale for all faithfull ones.2 Cor. 13. 5.2 Cor 13:5 Know you not (ſaith the Apoſtle) that Ieſus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates? So undoubtedly, if Ieſus Chriſt be in you, if you be of Davids ſtampe and temper, that p. 14is, alreadie poſſeſſed of the ſtate of grace, and marked out by the Spirit of ſanctification, for the glory that ſhall be revealed; you doe find in ſome good meaſure theſe markes and ſignes of an holy man in your ſelves.

1 That you are enlightened and guided by the Word of God in all your wayes.

2 That you have not onelyonly good motions and purpoſes for a zealous and conſtant ſervice of God; but doe faithfully, with ſinceritie and integritie of heart performe the ſame.

3 That you ſuffer joyfully and patiently afflictions and diſgrace in the World, for the teſtimonie of Gods Truth, and profeſſion of ſinceritie.

4 That you freely and faithfully, with much feeling and fervencie of ſpirit, offer dayly prayers and prayſes unto the Lord.

5 That you had rather part with the deareſt and moſt precious things in this life, nay, life it ſelfe, than leave the ſervice of God, and the teſtimonie of a good Conſcience.

6 That you have more comfort and delight in hearing, reading, meditating, conferring of, and applying unto your owne ſoules the holy Word of God, than in the treaſures and glory of the whole Earth.

Such markes as theſe you muſt finde in your ſelves, if you ever meane or hope to finde true contentment in this life, or the comforts of Heaven in the life to come.

Now I come to a more ſpeciall and particular p. 15conſideration of every Verſe in order; and thence togather ſuch Notes and Doctrines, as may beſt inſtruct us in the way to Heaven.

Firſt,Verſ. 105. explained. David tells us in the firſt Verſe; That Gods Word is a Lanterne to his feet, and a Light unto his paths: The Word is taken three wayes.Which, that you may better underſtand, I will tell you the meaning of the words, and explaine unto you the ſeverall tearmes.

Firſt, the Word may be taken three wayes.

1 For the ſubſtantiall Word of God,1 For the ſubſtantial Word. the ſecond Perſon in the Trinitie, Ioh. 1. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.

2 It may be taken for the written and ſounding Word;The written and ſounding Word. as it onelyonly ſtrikes the eare, and informes the underſtanding; but it is not conveyed, neither ſinkes it into the heart by the powerfull aſſiſtance and ſanctified concurrence of Gods Spirit, it being not prayed for to the converſion and ſanctification of the whole man. And ſo the Word is heard and underſtood of many, that ſhall never be ſaved, but returnes unfruitfull.

3 It may be taken for the working and effectuall Word,The effectuall Word. as it is the power of God unto ſalvation; as it is rightly underſtood,Rom. 1. 16.Rom 1:16 applyed unto the heart and Conſcience, poſſeſt of the thoughts and affections, and practiſed in the life and converſation. This Word thus underſtood, inlived, managed, and powerfully applyed by the Spirit of God, was a Light unto Davids ſteps; and ſo is a guide unto the paths of all true Chriſtians, to the worlds end.

That you may underſtand how the Word is a Light,2 What is m…ant by Light? you muſt conſider,

p. 161 That Chriſt is called Light, Ioh. 1. 4. The Miniſters are called the Light of the World,John 1. 4.John 1:4 Mat. 5. 14.Mat. 5. 14.Matt 5:14 The faithfull are Lights, Phil. 2. 15, 16. The way of the righteous (ſaith Salomon, Phil. 2. 15, 16.Phil 2:15Phil 2:16Prov. 4. 18.) ſhineth as the Light, Prov. 4. 18.Prov 4:18that ſhineth more and more vntounto the perfect day. The Word of God is alſo called a Light; as in this place. But firſt,

Chriſt is Light of himſelfe,1 Chriſt originally. and originally; he is the Fountaine and everlaſting Spring of all the Light of Grace and Glory, both in Heaven and Earth;Mal. 4. 2.Mal 4:2 Hee is called, The Sunne of Righteouſneſse. The Sunne, you know, hath his Light rooted in his owne faire Body, and receives that from none other; and with that, hee enlightens the Moone, the Starres, the Aire, the Earth, & all the World: Even ſo the bleſſed Sonne of God, the Sunne of Righteouſneſse, hath in himſelfe, and from himſelfe, the Light of all Wiſdome and Knowledge, MercieMercy and Comfort; and from him floweth and ſpringeth whatſoever Light of Glory is revealed unto his bleſſed Saints and Angels in Heaven, or whatſoever Light of Grace is ſhed into the hearts of his ſonnes and ſervants here upon Earth.

2 The Preachers of the Word are Miniſters and Meſſengers of this Light;2 Miniſters, miniſterially. and therefore are but Light miniſterially. They are as the Starres, and ſo they are called, Rev. 1. 20. They receive all their Light from the Sunne of Righteouſneſſe, R…vel. 1. 20.CHRIST IESVS, and either doe or ſhould convey and caſt their borrowed beames upon the earthly, cold, and darkſome hearts of the people of God,Act. 16. 18.Acts 16:18 that they might turne from Darkeneſse p. 17to Light, from the power of Sathan unto God, Act. 26. 18.

3 The Word is Light inſtrumentally;The Word inſtrumentally. which being powerfully ſanctified unto us for our ſalvation, and being holden out unto us by a conſcionable Miniſterie, is as a Candle or Torch, to guide us through the darkneſſe of this World, unto our eternall Reſt.

4 Laſtly,The faithfull are the ſubjects of this Light. the faithfull are Lights Subjectivè; becauſe they receive this Light into their Vnderſtandings, (whereby they ſee the Wonders of Gods Law, the Secrets of his Kingdome, and the great Myſterie of Godlineſſe, and the way to Heaven;) into their Conſciences, (whereby they have their ſinfull miſerable eſtate by nature diſcovered unto them, and the way to Chriſt for remedie and ſalvation;) into their affections, (whereby they are enkindled with zeale for Gods truth, honour, and ſervice,) into their actions, and converſation, whereby they ſhine as Lights in the World, Phil. 2. 15.Phil 2:15amid a naughtie and crooked generation, Phil. 2. 15. And after the Sunne of Righteouſneſſe once ariſe in their hearts, like the Sunne in the Firmament, they ſhine more and more in all holy Vertues, unto the perfect day, untill they reach the height of Heaven, and the full glory of the Saints of God.

In the third place, [by Feet] is meant his minde and underſtanding,3 What is meant by Feet. his affections, thoughts, actions, his whole life, all his wayes. All theſe in David, were guided by the Light of Gods Word.

p. 18Laſtly,4 What, by Paths. by Paths, are meant every particular ſtep, every turning and narrow paſſage in his ſpeciall calling. For this Light, the Word of God, doth not onelyonly guide a mans feet into the way of peace, and put him in the right way to Heaven; but alſo goes along with him, inlightens and directs every ſtep, that his feet doe not ſlide. It ſo informes him with ſpirituall wiſedome, that hee layes hold on every occaſion for the glorifying of God, deſcries every little ſinne, and appearance of evill, diſpoſeth every circumſtance in his actions, with a good conſcience, and warrant out of Gods Word.

This then is the meaning of this Verſe.The meaning of the Verſe. David, the man of God, had the Word of God working powerfully upon his ſoule, as a Light: that is; As a Lampe is to the life and ſafetie of the body, in darke and dangerous places; ſo was this Light to the life and ſalvation of Davids ſoule, in the darkeneſſe of this World, and ſhadow of death: To guide his feet and paths; that is, his mind, affections, thoughts, actions, his whole life, all his wayes, and every particular ſtep and paſſage thereof.

This Verſe being thus underſtood, let us now come to gather ſome Leſſons and Doctrines for our inſtruction.

The firſt ſhall be this:

There is no man can hit the way to Heaven,Doct. 1. or walke in the paths of Righteouſneſſe, through the Kingdome of Grace in this World, unto the Kingdome of Glory in the World to come, except he be inlightened, informed, and inſtructed in the holy Word of God.

p. 19The ſecond Note wee gather out of this Verſe, ſhall be this:

The Word of God is a Light,Doct. 2. not onelyonly to guide us into the way to Heaven, and inſtruct us in our generall calling of Chriſtianitie; but alſo to leade us along in a courſe of godlineſſe, and to direct us particularly in our ſpeciall calling.

I will firſt follow the former Doctrine; which in few words, and plainely, I thus propoſe unto you.

No man can at firſt finde the entrance,Doct. 1. or after hit the way to Heaven, except he be enlightened and led along by the holy Word of God. For David, as here wee ſee, a man of great worth, and underſtanding, otherwiſe excellently and extraordinarily qualified; could not find out, or follow any other Guide, or direction to Heaven, but onelyonly the Light of Gods Word.

The Reaſons of this Doctrine, may be theſe which follow.

The firſt may be taken from the inſufficiencie and inabilitie of all other meanes,Reaſon 1. to bring us to Heaven:No other meanes can bring us to Heaven. as,

1 All the greateſt Learning and deepeſt knowledge in the World,Not humane Learning. will ſtand us in little ſtead in this buſineſſe: Otherwiſe it had gone well with many ancient Heathens and Philoſophers of old, who fadomed as deepe, and reached as high in the depths and myſteries of all humane Learning and knowledge, as the light of Reaſon and ſtrength of Nature could poſſibly bring them: And yet they were utterly ſtrangers to the life of p. 20grace,Eph. 2. 12.Eph 2:12 and without God in the World. When they profeſsed themſelves to be wiſe, they became fooles, ſaith Paul, Rom. 1. 22.Rom 1:22Rom. 1. 22. They were puffed up with a little vaine-glorious knowledge here upon Earth, and got them a Name amongſt men: But, alas, what was this? When as for the want of the Light of Divine Truth, they loſt their Soules in another World, and their Names never came in the Booke of Life. Where is the wiſe? (ſaith Paul in another place) Where is the Scribe? 1 Cor. 1. 20.1 Cor 1:20Where is the Diſputer of this World? As if hee ſhould have ſaid: All the knowledge of the greateſt Doctors and learnedeſt Rabbins in the World, without Grace, vaniſheth into nothing, into vaine-glory, emptineſſe, and aire; nay, caſts them with greater horror, and confuſion, into the Pit of Hell. Every man (ſaith Ieremie) is a Beast by his owne knowledge, foreign Iere. 10. 14.Iere. 10. 14.Jer 10:14 Except, beſides all other knowledge, he be enlightened from above, and have that Divine knowledge ſanctified unto him, hee can come no neerer the happineſſe of Heaven, than a very Beaſt.

2 Worldly wiſedome and policie is ſo farre from making men wiſe unto ſalvation,Not worldly wiſedome. The wiſedome of Gods Book, & mans brain, ſtand at oddes, with an everlaſting oppoſition, Rom. 8. 7.Rom 8:7 that it is not onelyonly ſtarke fooliſhneſſe with God and good men, but it doth ſtrongly ſet it ſelfe and is at enmitie againſt God. Therefore, ſaith God; I will destroy the wiſedome of the wiſe, and will cast away the underſtanding of the prudent, **1 Cor. 1. 19.1 Cor 1:191 Cor. 1. 19. Ahitophel was ſo wiſe even in the affaires of Kingdomes, and buſineſſe of State,2 Sam. 16. 23.2 Sam 16:23 that the counſell which he counſelled p. 21in thoſe dayes, was like as one had asked counſell at the Oracle of God; and yet all this great wiſedome in the end ended in extreme folly: for upon a little diſcontent and diſgrace in the World,2 Sam. 17. 23.2 Sam 17:23 he ſadled his Aſse, and went home unto his Citie, and put his houſehold in order, and hanged himſelfe, 2 Sam. 16. 23. & 17. 23. Although the end of all worldly wiſedome be not ſo ſhamefull in the eye of the World, yet undoubtedly it is moſt miſerable and wofull in the World to come, except their wiſedome be ſanctified and over-ruled by the Light of Gods Word. Carnall wiſedome can neither preſerve a man from death, nor prepare him to die bleſſedly: it cannot ſtay his Life from going, neither can it ſtop the Curſe from comming; it cannot deliver him from damnation in the World to come, but rather encreaſeth the grievouſneſſe of his puniſhment: for in this life it hath kept poſſeſſion againſt heavenly wiſedome, it made him uncapable of all good inſtructions, it made him impatient of any rebuke, and held him in ignorance and diſobedience all his life.

3 No good meanings or intentions,Not good meanings. without knowledge and warrant in the Word of God, will ever ſerve our turne for ſalvation; nay, indeed they are abominable and hatefull in Gods ſight. Howſoever, thouſands deceive themſelves in this point.2 Sam. 6. 6.2 Sam 6:6 Vzzah had a good meaning, in 2 Sam. 6. 6. when hee put his hand to the Arke of God, and held it; for the Oxen did ſhake it: but notwithſtanding, the Lord was very wroth with Vzzah, and God ſmote him in the ſame place, and there hee p. 22died. Iames and Iohn had good meanings, when they called for fire from Heaven to conſume the Samaritan, that would not entertaine Chriſt; but Ieſus rebuked them,Luk. 9. 54, 55. 1 Sam. 15.Luke 9:54Luke 9:551 Sam 15 and told them, they knew not of what ſpirit they were. Saul, in 1 Sam. 15. had a good meaning, when he ſpared Agag, and the beſt of the Sheepe, and of the Oxen, to ſacrifice them unto the Lord; but notwithſtanding Samuel tells him, that he had done wickedly in the ſight of the Lord, and that the Lord had rent the Kingdome of Iſrael from him that day. Peter had a good meaning, when in Ioh. 13. 8.Ioh. 13. 8.John 13:8 he would not ſuffer Chriſt to waſh his feet; but Ieſus anſwered him, and told him, If I waſh thee not, thou ſhalt have no part with me. Good meanings then are wicked miſſings of the true ſervice of God, except they be guided by knowledge, warrant, and ground out of the Booke of God. Let no man then tell of his good meaning, if he be ignorant in the Will and Word of God, for certainely it will never ſerve the turne, it will never hold out in the Day of Chriſt Ieſus.

4 No will-worſhip,Not will-worſhip. or will-ſervice, or voluntarie Religion,Col. 2. 23.Col 2:23 as the Apoſtle calls it, Col. 2. 23. which is forged and framed out of a mans owne braine, humour, and conceit, without ground or warrant in the Booke of God; though it be performed with never ſo glorious a ſhew of zeale and paines, yet it is not any way availeable for our ſpirituall good, and eternall happineſſe: nay indeed, it is moſt odious in the eyes of God, and ever lyable to a very high degree of his wrath and vengeance.

p. 23Baals Prophets,1 King. 18. 28.1 Kgs 18:28 1 Kings 18. 28. were ſo hot and haſtie in their will-worſhip, that they cut themſelves with knives, and launcers, till the bloud guſhed out upon them. The Papiſts they whip themſelves, they vow Continencie, perpetuall Povertie, and Regular Obedience, and yet is the profeſſion and practice of both, bloudie and idolatrous. When the Iewes worſhipped God after the deviſed faſhions of the Gentiles, though their meaning was to worſhip nothing but God, yet the Text ſaith, they worſhipped nothing but Devils, Deut. 32. 17.Deut 32:17Deut. 32. 17. And God there proteſts, that therefore a fire was kindled in his wrath, that ſhould burne unto the bottome of Hell, and ſet on fire the foundations of the mountaines. So hated of Almightie God is all ſervice and worſhip deviſed by the wit and will of man, without warrant in the Word of God.

5 Laſtly,Not the Word it ſelfe in the Letter, without the meaning. not the Word of God it ſelfe in the Letter, without the ſpirituall meaning, and the finger of Gods Spirit to apply it powerfully to our ſoules and conſciences, is any ſufficient rule of life, or able to bring us into the Light of Grace. This appeares in Nicodemus, who was a great Doctor in the Law,Ioh. 3. 10.John 3:10 and the Prophets, a chiefe Maſter and Teacher in Iſrael; yet was a very Infant and Ideot in the power of Grace, and myſterie of godlineſſe. For all his learning in the Letter of the Law, he had not yet made one ſtep towards Heaven; for hee was not onelyonly ignorant of, but had a very abſurd and groſſe conceit of the new birth; which is the very firſt entrance into the Kingdome of Grace. For when Chriſt told him, hee could p. 24not be ſaved, except hee were new borne, hee ſtrangely and fooliſhly replyes;Verſ. 4. How can a man be borne, which is old? How can he enter into his mothers Wombe againe, and be borne? Thus you ſee, there can no other meanes be named, or thought upon; not all humane Knowledge, nor worldly Wiſedome, nor good Meanings, nor Willworſhip, nor the Word it ſelfe in the Letter, which can leade us into the wayes of Righteouſneſſe, or bring us unto Heaven; but onelyonly the Light of Gods holy Word, holden out unto us by a profitable Miniſterie, and the power of the Spirit.

A ſecond Reaſon of my Doctrine may be this:Reaſon 2. No man can ever ſee the Kingdome of God,The Word workes regeneration; without which, no ſalvation. except he be borne againe, except he be a new creature, a new man, as is plaine in Chriſts words unto Nicodemus. For our new birth, or regeneration, is the neceſſarie paſſage from Nature to Grace;What regeneration is? from prophaneneſſe, to ſinceritie: It is that whereby wee are wholly ſanctified and ſet apart unto God, from the ſinfnll corruption of our naturall birth, and the evill fruits thereof, to ſerve God in our whole man, both body, ſoule, and ſpirit. Now you muſt conceive, that this new birth muſt neceſſarily ſpring from the immortall Seed of the word of God; 1 Pet. 1. 23.1 Pet 1:23for ſo it is called, 1 Pet. 1. 23. It is the Seed of our new birth, ſalvation, and immortalitie. And you may as well looke for Come to grow up in your fields without ſowing, without caſting any Seed into the furrowes, as to looke for Grace to grow up p. 25in your hearts, or to reape the fruit of holineſſe, everlaſting life; except this immortall Seed, the Word of God, be firſt caſt into the furrowes and fallow ground of your hearts, and be there received with reverence and attention, nouriſhed with prayer and meditation, and fructifie in your lives and converſations. Hence it is, that Gods Word is called,Act. 13. 26.Acts 13:26 The Word of Salvation, Act. 13. 26.Act. 14. 3.Acts 14:3 The Word of Grace, Act. 14. 3. The Word of Life, Phil. 2. 16.Phil 2:16Phil. 2. 16. The Power of God unto Salvation, Rom. 1. 16.Rom. 1. 16.Rom 1:16 For there is no power of Grace, or ſpirituall life, to bee had ordinarily upon Earth, or ſalvation and eternall life to be hoped for in Heaven; except a man be enlightened with the knowledge, and enlived with the power of the holy Word of God. There is no entring into the Kingdome of God, except a man bee new borne, except hee bee firſt renewed in his ſpirit, ſoule, and body: And there is no new birth, without the**See Dearing, pag. 325. 1 Cor▪ 4. 15. Iam. 1. 18.1 Cor 4:15Jas 1:18 immortall Seed, the Word of God. And therefore, without knowledge and direction in the Word of God, no ſalvation.

The third Reaſon of my Doctrine,Reaſon 3. is this: The Word of God hath only the power and propertie to ſearch into and to ſanctifie the whole man,The Word is able to ſanctifie the whole man. even to the inmoſt thoughts and the ſecret cogitations of the heart. All the devices and imaginations of mans heart lye without the walke of humane juſtice, and cenſure: no word or writing of man is able to bridle them, or bring them within compaſſe; no Law of Nature, or Nations, can affright p. 26or reſtraine the freedome and wanderings of thoughts: onelyonly the Word of God can amaze, ſearch, and ſanctifie them. The weapons of our warfare (ſaith Paul) are not carnall, 2 Cor. 10. 4.2 Cor 10:4but mightie through God to cast downe Holds; caſting downe the imaginations, and every thing that is exalted againſt the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivitie every thought into the obedience of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. The Word of God (ſaith the Apoſtle to the Hebrewes) is lively and mightie in operation, Heb. 4. 12. opened.Heb 4:12and ſharper than any two-edged ſword; and entreth through, even to the dividing aſunder of the ſoule and the ſpirit, and of the joints and the marrow, and is a diſcerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart, Heb. 4. 12.

The Word of God may be ſaid to be living or lively in three reſpects.The Word is ſaid to be lively in three regards.

1 Becauſe, whereas we naturally live under the ſhadow of death, and in the darkeneſſe of ſinne, it quickens us with a new and ſpirituall life,It quickens. it cheares and comforts us with heavenly Light.

2 The Word may be called Living, becauſe it ſelfe is immortall,It laſts for ever. and laſteth forever; as doth the living and eternall God,Pſal. 119. 89.Ps 119:89 the Author of it.

3 But moſt eſpecially, and agreeably to the place in the Hebrewes,It diſperſeth it ſelfe, and ſearcheth into every part of the ſoule. it is called lively, becauſe it enters with great power and ſecret inſinuation into every part and power both of ſoule and body: So that as our life is ſcattered and diſperſed into every little part, and leaſt veine in us, and we feele it both in paine and pleaſure; even ſo the vertue of the Word of God pierceth into every member, into the moſt ſecret and hidden Cloſet of the p. 27heart, either to breake and bruiſe with terror and aſtoniſhment the very bones, & cruſh the ſinewes of the ſinfull ſoule; or to fill them with marrow and fatneſſe, and to refreſh the affections of the truly penitent with joy unſpeakable, and glorious. God tells us in Ieremy, Jer. 23. 29.Jer 23:29that his Word is like fire; and therefore it can eaſily inſinuate into all the creekes and corners of our corruptions; it can fully and clearely enlighten our Conſciences, and diſcover unto us the ſinfulneſſe of the moſt lurking and ſecret thoughts.

Thus you have this firſt Doctrine plainely proved and confirmed unto you.

No man can at firſt finde the entrance, or after hit the way to Heaven, except he be enlightened and led along by the ſaving knowledge of the holy Word of God.

No other meanes, which the power of Nature, Wiſedome, Learning, or the whole World can afford, will ſerve the turne in this buſineſſe of Salvation. It is the Seed of our new birth (as I told you;) there can be no growing of grace, or reaping of glory, without it: It hath onelyonly power to ſhake, ranſacke, and ſearch into the inmoſt ſecrets of the heart: It onelyonly can ſanctifie us both inwardly and outwardly, both in ſoule and body, both in thoughts and actions; without which, both inward and outward holineſſe, no man ſhall ever ſee the face of God.Vſe 1.

Now I come unto the Vſes of this Doctrine.Confutation… of Papiſts, who keepe the Word in an unknowne Tongue. And in the firſt place, it may ſerve for confutation of the Papiſts, thoſe great employſoners and murtherers p. 28of infinite ſoules of men. Is the Word of God as a Lampe, and a Light, without which wee cannot ſee the firſt ſtep, or ſet one foot aright towards Heaven? Why then, ſinfull and peſtilent is their practice, who hide this bleſſed Light from the people of God, in an unknowne Tongue; and by their bloudie Inquiſition, damme up the holy Fountaines of heavenly Truth, which ſhould ſpring up in every mans heart unto eternall life: Whoſe cruell and craftie Religion (for, bloud of Princes, and curſed Policie, are the principall ſupporters of Poperie) teacheth them to blindfold and hood-winke the poore Laitie in forced ignorance, leſt they ſhould know Gods will, or any way to Heaven, but theirs; which indeed is the right, direct, and deſperate downe-fall into the Pit of Hell: So that millions of ſoules live no leſſe without Scriptures, than if there were none; and wofully walke in this World, through darkeneſſe of ſinne, ſhadow of death, and ignorance both of God and his Word, unto endleſſe and utter darkeneſſe in the World to come. The Prophet David tells us,Pſal. 19. 7, 8.Ps 19:7Ps 19:8 in Pſal. 19. That the Law of the Lord is perfect, and giveth wiſedome unto the ſimple: The Commandements of the Lord is pure, and giveth light to the eyes. In this place hee tells us, That the Word was a Lampe unto his feet, and a Light unto his paths.Joh. 5. 39.John 5:39 Chriſt himſelfe, Iohn 5. 39. bids us, Search the Scriptures: even all, without exception; ſo many as looke for eternall life. Not lightly, and at leiſure to reade them, but with diligence to dive into them; for ſo the word ſignifies p. 29in the Originall: To ſeeke for the right knowledge, and true ſenſe of them,Prov. …. 4. as for Silver, and to ſearch for it as for Treaſures. The Noblemen of Berea,Act. 17. 11.Acts 17:11 Act. 17. 11. ſearched the Scriptures dayly, whether thoſe things were ſo, that were preached unto them. … Pet. 1. 19.Saint Peter, 2 Pet. 1. 19. calls the Word of the Prophets, a Light, which ſhineth in a darke place, to which wee ſhould take heed. But the Pope, and his Factors, teach other Leſſons. The Catholike Church (ſaith one of their chiefe **Be…. de Verb. Dei, 2. cap. 15. At Catholica Eccleſia, &c.Champions, out of the Councell of**Seſſ. 22. ca. 8. Can. 9. Trent) forbids the reading of Scriptures by all, without choiſe, or the publike reading, or ſinging of them in vulgar Tongues. The wiſe will not here regard (ſay the Rhemiſts in their Preface to their Teſtament) what ſome wilfull people doe mutter, that the Scriptures are made for all men. And ſoone after, they reſemble the Scriptures to Fire, Water, Candles, Knives, and Swords; which are indeed needfull, &c. but would marre all, if they were at the guiding of other than wiſe men: And this is indeed one of their principall reaſons.

Many abuſe the Scriptures by ignorance,Obiect. infirmitie, or malice,The Scriptures are ready to be abuſed by the ignorant, to error, hereſie, &c. to Errors, Hereſies, Schiſmes, and their owne deſtruction: therefore they are not to be read of all, without choiſe.

I anſwer; they might as well reaſon thus: Many men abuſe Meat and Drinke,Anſw. by ſurfetting and exceſſe,So may Meat be abuſed, and the Aire infected: yet they are not to be taken away. to the deſtruction both of their ſoules and bodies: therefore men are to be deprived of Meat and Drinke. Some men are infected with the Peſtilence, by drawing in corrupted and empoyſoned p. 30aire: therefore the aire is to be taken away, and removed. But as thoſe men which are deprived of Meat and Drinke, preſently languiſh and pine away, and die a temporall death; and thoſe that enjoy not the benefit of the aire, are preſently ſtifled, for want of breath: even ſo, all thoſe that want the ſpirituall Food of their ſoules out of the Word of God, and the holy inſpirations of his good Spirit builded thereupon; howſoever they be fat and flouriſhing in their outward eſtates, yet they are full leane and lanke in their ſoules; and if they ſo continue, muſt needes die an eternall death, and periſh everlaſtingly. Let us then learne to deteſt and hate the bloudie Policie of the Synagogue of Rome, which cruelly keepes from many thouſand Soules that bleſſed Light of Gods Word, which ſhould lead them to eternall life. They indeed pretend other Reaſons: But the truth is, if the Word of Truth ſhould be permitted and publiſhed to all, there would be old running out of Babylon; all their Pompe and Policie would downe; their ſhamefull Iuglings and Couſenages, their ſtrong Deluſions and Impoſtures would be laid open, in the ſight of the Sunne. The Princes of the Earth, that have ſo long beene drunken with the wrath of her empoyſoned Wine, would no longer commit Fornication with her.Rev. 18.Rev 18 The Merchants would buy no more her Wares; but would ſtand afarre off from her, for feare of her torment, weeping, and wailing. No marvell then, though the Papiſts labour might and maine, and to this end p. 31maintaine a bloudie Inquiſition, to ſuppreſſe this Light of Gods Word, leſt it ſhould diſcover their darkneſſe, and haſten their deſtruction.

A ſecond Vſe,Vſe 2. is for terror, feare, and amazement to all them that doe not live and delight in the Light of Gods holy Word,Of terror to them that delight not in Gods Word. but yet are walking in the darkeneſſe of ignorance, and in the ſhadow of death. The whole World, I Iob. 5. 19.Job 5:19and every man in particular, lyes in darkeneſſe; that is, in ignorance, under ſinne; and ſo ſubject and lyable to damnation and eternall death. There is no way to come out of this ſtate of Darkneſſe, Damnation, and Death, but by the Knowledge, Light, and Miniſterie of the Word.Act. 26. 18.Acts 26:18 Hence it is, that Act. 26. 18. it is Pauls charge, and hee is ſent to this purpoſe, to open the eyes of men, that they might turne from Darkneſse to Light. Eph. 5. 8.Eph 5:8And Paul himſelfe, Eph. 5. 8. ſpeakes thus unto the Epheſians; Yee were once Darkeneſſe, but now yee are Light in the Lord; walke as Children of the Light. 1 Pet. 2. 9.1 Pet 2:9Out of 1 Pet. 2. 9. it appeares, that all Gods Children are called out of Darkeneſse into marvellous Light. Why then, fearefull and moſt wretched is the ſtate of all thoſe,The ſtate of thoſe that are in Darkeneſſe. who by the Light and knowledge of Gods Word are not tranſlated and guided out of this Darkeneſſe. For, as in Darkeneſſe,

1 There is much feare,He is in feare. **Gen. 15. 12.Gen 15:12horror, and diſcomfort; a man cannot enjoy the lightſomeneſſe of Heaven, the comfort of the creatures, the companie of men: Even ſo ignorant men, not enlightened with ſaving knowledge, are utterly without all hope of Heaven; they have no ſight p. 32or taſte of the endleſſe joyes thereof; they have no companie or conference in heavenly matters with true Chriſtians; they have no comfort or intereſt in the Covenant of Grace, or Promiſes of Salvation: But Feare, Horror, and Deſpaire are moſt juſtly treaſured up for them against the Day of Wrath, Rom. 2. 5.Rom 2:5and of the declaration of the just Iudgement of God.

2 He that walketh in the Darkeneſſe (ſaith Iohn) knoweth not whither he goeth: He knowes not whither he goes. Ioh. 12. 35.John 12:35He cannot diſcerne his way; he ſeeth not what is behind, or before him; he cannot deſcry or diſcover the dangers which are round about him: But eſpecially, if the wayes through which he paſſeth, be ſlipperie, ſteepe, and rockie, full of pits and holes, he is in danger at every ſtep, by ſome grievous fall, to cruſh his body, bruiſe his bones, or breake his necke.The ſtate of ignorant men. It is juſt ſo with every one that lives in ignorance of Gods Word, and Truth; he cannot poſſibly diſcerne the way to Heaven, amongſt the many by-paths of iniquitie; he cannot judge in ſpirituall matters betwixt right and wrong, good and evill▪ Light and Darkeneſſe, Chriſt and Belial, prophaneneſſe and ſinceritie; though there be behind him, a Life ſpent in much wickedneſſe, lewdneſſe, and ignorance; before him, Deſpaire, Hell, and eternall Damnation; about him, the World, with a thouſand baites and pleaſures, to intice and intangle him in ſinne; Sathan, like a roaring Lyon, readie every houre to ſeize upon his Soule, and to teare it in pieces, while there is none to helpe; all the creatures armed, and in a p. 33readineſſe, with whole Armies of Plagues, and Vengeance, to be revenged upon him, for dishonouring God, by ignorance in his Word: Yet hee ſees none of all this. Hee neither knowes, feeles, or ſuſpects theſe many dangers, with which he is incompaſſed; but goes on plodding, with ungrounded confidence, and wicked ſecuritie, in the way of wickedneſſe and deſtruction: hee paſſeth, with much deſperate boldneſſe, through many dangerous and fearefull wayes; wherein, at every ſtep, he wounds his Conſcience with one ſinne or other in the meane time, and at length falls headlong, and ſuddenly, body and ſoule, into the Pit of Hell. This is certainely the miſerable and wofull ſtate of all thoſe that live in ſpirituall Darkeneſſe, and are ignorant in Gods Word, and the wayes of godlineſſe. It may be they may flatter, pleaſe, and perſwade themſelves, that their caſe is good enough; that, when they heare of Heaven, and thoſe everlaſting pleaſures at Gods right hand, they thinke notwithſtanding that they ſhall come thither at length; though they know never a foot of the way, take no direction by the Light of Gods Word, nor ſet one ſtep, by new obedience, towards that place of bleſſedneſſe. But indeed and truth they doe very fearefully deceive and over-ſhoot themſelves:Simile. And their caſe is juſt, as if a man ſhould fall aſleepe upon the edge of ſome high and ſteepe Rocke; and there dreame, that he is made a King, attended with a glorious Traine of Nobilitie, furniſhed with ſumptuous Pallaces, and ſtately Buildings, enriched p. 34with the Revenues, Soveraignetie, and Pleaſures of a whole Kingdome: But upon the ſudden, ſtarting up, and leaping for joy, falls irrecoverably into the mercileſſe and devouring Sea; and ſo loſeth that little comfort, which he had in this miſerable life. Many wretched men lye and …leepe and ſnort in ignorance and ſpirituall blindneſſe; thinking, that skill in the Booke of God, and points of Religion, belongs onelyonly to thoſe that are Booke-learned; entertaining much vaine hope of ſalvation, without all truth or ground: But when upon their Death-bed, their Conſciences are awakened by the finger of Gods juſtice, out of the ſlumber of ſinne, they then too late find and ſee, that all was but a Dreame; for they ſuddenly fall and ſinke into deſpaire, horror, and endleſſe deſolation. The ſtate then of ignorant men, though perhaps they little thinke upon it, or take it to heart, is moſt fearefull in this life, and will be moſt horrible hereafter. In this World; becauſe they are unacquainted, and untaught in Gods Truth, points of Religion, and way to Heaven; they neither know their owne miſerie, the great myſterie of godlineſſe, or meanes to ſalvation; and therefore live as aliens from the Common-wealth of Iſrael, Eph. 2. 12.Eph 2:12ſtrangers from the Covenant of Promiſe, without hope, and without God in the World: Which is a miſerie of all miſeries; They are condemned alreadie: Joh. 3. 18.John 3:18For as it is, Iohn 3. 18. He that beleeveth not in him, is alreadie condemned. And Saint Paul ſaith,Rom. 10. 14.Rom 10:14 Rom. 10. 14. How ſhall they beleeve in him, of whom they have not heard; and how ſhall they p. 35heare, without a Preacher? So, that without knowledge in Gods Word, there can be no faith; and without faith, there is no ſalvation. You may further ſee a notorious Linke of many wretched miſchiefes,Eph. 4. 17, 18, 19.Eph 4:17Eph 4:18Eph 4:19 which ariſe from ignorance, Eph. 4. 17, 18, 19. Vanitie of mind, and darkeneſſe of underſtanding are naturally in all men; for wee are all ſtarke blinde, and utterly dead, in reſpect of matters of Heaven, and ſpirituall affaires. From thence comes,The fruits of ignorance. groſſe Ignorance of God, and all godlineſſe; and this Ignorance, if it be not removed and diſpelled by the Light of Gods Word, is the root and cauſe of ſtrangeneſſe from the Life of God: Hardneſſe of Heart; Searedneſſe of Conſcience, and want of Feeling; an itching, wantonneſſe, and eagerneſſe to ſinne; a committing of any ſinne, without remorſe, occaſion being offered; an unſatisfiedneſſe and greedineſſe in the purſuit of ſinfull pleaſures,1 Ioh. 2. 16.1 John 2:16 and in fulfilling the lust of the fleſh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life. Theſe are the bitter and poyſoned fruits of Ignorance, and want of knowledge in the Word of God, and way to Heaven. And what is to be expected hereafter,2 Theſs. 1. 7, 8, 9.2 Thess 1:72 Thess 1:82 Thess 1:9 appeares 2 Theſſ. 1. 7, 8, 9. The Lord Ieſus will ſhew himſelfe from Heaven, with his mightie Angels, in flaming fire, rendring vengeance unto them that doe not know God, and which obey not the Goſpel of our Lord Ieſus Christ; who ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting perdition from the preſence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Seeing then the comming of the Lord will be ſo terrible and fearefull to the ignorant, ſo that they ſhall p. 36deſire the Mountaines to fall upon them, that they might hide themſelves from the fierce wrath of the Lord, and not behold his fearefull countenance; and that they ſhall wiſh full many times, they had never beene borne; how ought every man, which lives without the Light and knowledge of Gods holy Word, feare and tremble? And yet, God knoweth, hee cannot conceive the thouſand part of thoſe horrible torments which the ignorant and wicked perſons endure for ever. For as the heart of man cannot comprehend thoſe bleſſed and glorious joyes,1 Cor. 2. 9.1 Cor 2:9 which God hath prepared for thoſe that love him; ſo the woe, torments, and endleſſe vexations, which ſhall be poured with wrath and vengeance upon the head of the wicked, infinitely paſſe the underſtanding of man: None can conceive how horrible they are, but onelyonly he that feeles them. It very deepely then concernes you (Beloved in Chriſt Ieſus) as you tender the everlaſting good and happineſſe of your owne ſoules, to labour by all meanes to be inſtructed and inlightened by the holy Word of God, which is holden out unto you, as a Lampe and Torch, to leade you through this Vale of Teares, and World of Darkeneſſe, to the bleſſed fruition of the moſt glorious and everlaſting Kingdome of Heaven. Otherwiſe, if you will needes continue in ignorance ſtill, marke what is your wofull ſtate and condition: howſoever you may ſeeme to ſhine outwardly, to the eye of the World, or in your owne conceits, in pleaſures, in plentie, in civill honeſtie, in outward mirth, and p. 37other worldly contentments; yet, in deed and truth,2 Cor. 4. 3, 4.2 Cor 4:32 Cor 4:4 your life is a life of darkeneſſe. The god of this World, the Prince of Darkeneſse, hath blinded the eyes of your mindes, Epheſ. 4. 18.Eph 4:18that your Vnderstandings are not onelyonly darkened, Epheſ. 5. 8.Eph 5:8but you are Darkeneſſe it ſelfe, Eph. 5. 8. Your workes are the workes of Darkeneſſe, your way is the way of Darkeneſse; Prov. 4. 19.Prov 4:19you are fettered and enchained in the power of Darkeneſſe, Coloſſ. 1. 13.Col 1:13Coloſs. 1. 13. In the darkeneſſe of croſſes and afflictions of this life, you ſhall be without any glimpſe of true comfort and refreſhing from the Lord: upon your Death-beds, you ſhall meete with nothing but darkeneſſe of deſpaire and horror: in the Grave, Sathan will guard you with the Barres of the Earth, as in a Bed of hopeleſſe Darkeneſſe, untill the Iudgement of the great Day.Zeph. 1. 15.Zeph 1:15 And that Day will be unto you, a Day of wrath, a Day of trouble and heavineſſe, a Day of deſtruction and deſolation, a Day of Clouds and blackneſſe: as it is, Zeph. 1. 15. And at the laſt, you are to be caſt, body and ſoule, from the preſence of God, and joyes of Heaven, into utter Darkeneſſe, there to be tormented amongſt wicked Devils, for ever and ever. This is certainely the ſtate of all ignorant men, and thoſe that will not be enlightened with ſaving knowledge out of his Word: There is nothing to be expected of them, but Darkeneſſe, Sorrow, Deſpaire, and Horror.

A third Vſe of this Doctrine,Vſe 3. may ſerve for admonition to all thoſe,Admonition to take the Word for our guide. who by the Light of Gods Word have alreadie found and are entred p. 38into the way to Heaven; that they would ſuffer themſelves with humilitie, obedience, and conſtancie, to be led along in a courſe of ſanctification, by the holy guidance and direction thereof; that they would ſhine dayly more and more in all Chriſtian vertues, exerciſes, and duties. For it is the propertie of all thoſe which are become new creatures, who are waſhed from their ſinnes, ſanctified, and new-borne by the immortall Seed of the Word, and the Spirit of Grace; to long after, and earneſtly deſire the ſincere Milke of the Word, that they may grow thereby in knowledge, comfort, and new obedience. A new-borne Babe will be pleaſed and ſatisfied with nothing but the Pap; not Gold, Pearles, or any thing elſe will content it: even ſo a new-renewed Soule doth ever hunger and thirſt after the ſacred and ſincere Milke of Gods holy Word, 1 Pet. 2. 2.1 Pet 2:2as Saint Peter calls it, that it may dayly gather ſtrength in grace; otherwiſe, as the Child, ſo it would languiſh, pine away, and die. He that growes not, and goes not forward in grace, had never true grace. He that faithfully labours not to feed his ſoule with ſpirituall food, never paſſed the new birth. The way of the righteous (ſaith Salomon) ſhineth as the Light, Prov. 4. 18.Prov 4:18that ſhineth more and more unto the perfect Day, Prov. 4. 18. For if the Day-ſtarre of ſaving knowledge once appeare unto a man,Mal. 4. 2.Mal 4:2 and the Sunne of Righteouſneſſe ariſe in his heart; they never ſet, untill they bring him unto that glorious Light above, that no man can attaine unto. He proceeds and profits in the great myſterie of godlineſſe, in faith, p. 39repentance, and ſinceritie; he growes from vertue to vertue, from knowledge to knowledge, from grace to grace,Eph. 4. 13.Eph 4:13 untill hee become a perfect man in Christ Ieſus. It may be, as the faireſt Sunne may ſometimes be over-caſt, and darkened with Clouds, and Miſts; ſo the holineſſe of a godly man may be over-clouded and diſgraced ſometimes, by falls into a ſinne, upon infirmitie, ignorance, heedleſneſſe, or the like: But, if he be ſo overtaken; after his paſſing through ſorrow and griefe of heart for the ſame, and his riſing againe by repentance; hee ſhines farre more brightly and pleaſantly both to God and man, in ſinceritie and all holy graces; he afterwards runnes a more ſwift and ſetled courſe in the race of ſanctification. So that ordinarily all Gods children ſhine as Lights in the World, Phil. 2. 15.Phil 2:15in the midst of a naughtie and crooked generation, being once inlightened with ſaving knowledge; and they ſtill waxe brighter and brighter, untill at laſt they come to ſhine as the brightneſſe of the Firmament, Dan. 12. 3.Dan 12:3and the Starres in Heaven, for ever and ever. Looke to it then, I beſeech you: whoſoever hath alreadie given his Name unto Chriſt, taſted of the good Word of God, and received into his ſoule ſome glimpſes of heavenly Light; let him be ſure to follow hard towards the Marke, for the Prize of the high calling of God, in Chriſt Ieſus: Let him ſet his beſt deſires, affections, and endeavours, to grow and proceed in all holy knowledge, in the Light of Gods Word, and chearefull obedience unto the ſame. For it is a ſpeciall note p. 40and marke of a man that is truly religious, to goe forward, and encreaſe in grace and underſtanding: Hee muſt be like the Sunne, which, riſing in the Eaſt, enlargeth his glorious light and heat, untill he reach the height of Heaven. But, as one well notes; the true Chriſtian muſt not be like Hezekiahs Sunne,Iſai. 38. 8.Isa 38:8 which went backward: If a man back-ſlide, waxe worſe, and fall away from good beginnings, he addes weight unto the wrath of God, and doubles his damnation: Hee muſt not be like Ioſhuahs Sunne,Ioſh. 10. 12.Josh 10:12 that ſtood ſtill. It is ſo farre to Heaven, and the way ſo narrow, ſo rough, and full of dangers and difficulties, that he which ſtands at a ſtay, will light ſhort: The Bridegroome will be entred in,Math. 25. 10.Matt 25:10 and the Gate ſhut, before he come. Hee that hath ſo much grace, that hee deſires no more, did never truly deſire any: And he that endeavours not to be better, will by little and little grow worſe, and at length become ſtarke naught. He therefore muſt be like Davids Sunne, that great and glorious Gyant of the Heavens, that like a Bridegroome comes out of his Chamber, Pſal. 19. 4, 5.Ps 19:4Ps 19:5and as a Champion rejoyceth to runne his Race. One grace in Gods child, begets another; and one holy action, performed with ſinceritie of heart, doth inflame his affections with love and zeale, with courage and reſolution, to undertake moe, and to goe through-ſtitch with all the affaires of God, and good cauſes. For he alone knowes the invaluable worth, and ineſtimable price of heavenly Iewels; and therefore he is raviſhed with their beautie, and growes unſatiable in his deſires p. 41and longings after them. He is ſtill toyling and labouring in the Trade of Chriſtianitie, for more gaine of grace, encreaſe of comfort, and further aſſurance and ſecuritie of the joyes of Heaven. Sith hee hath alreadie taſted and fed upon celeſtiall and ſpirituall food, he findes in that ſuch unutterable ſweetneſſe, and pleaſant relliſh, that hee for ever after hungers and thirſts after it. If then you would be aſſured, that you are in the way to happineſſe, be ſure to be led on by the Light of the Word in all heavenly knowledge, ſpirituall wiſedome, and holy obedience.

A fourth and laſt Vſe of my Doctrine,Vſe 4. is for inſtruction to all;Inſtruction. See Chryſoft. in Math. pag. 76. whether they be naturall, or ſpirituall; ignorant, or inſtructed in the Word of God: That they make it their chiefe and principall Chriſtian care, zealouſly, and conſcionably, and conſtantly to heare, attend, and underſtand the holy Word of God; and to be guided and conducted by the Light thereof in all the paſſages of their life, and wayes of their converſation.

1 And in this point, I will, firſt, lay downe unto you certaine Motives, that may induce and ſtirre you thereunto.

2 Cautions, or Caveats, to fore-arme and fore-warne you of Lets, and Temptations, that may with-draw you there-from.

3 Laſtly, ſome needfull inſtructions for your right carriage therein.

One Motive,Motives. … to ſtirre us up to a reverend regard and attention, in hearing the Word of God, to a love and liking of the heavenly knowledge therein p. 42contained,The Word is a Love-Letter from God. and to a ſound and ſincere practice of it, in our lives and converſations, may be this: The Word of God is, as it were, an Epistle or Letter (as one of the Fathers calls it) written from God Almightie unto us miſerable men,Quid eſt autem Scriptura ſacra, niſi quaedam Epiſtola Omnipotentis Dei ad creaturam ſuam? Greg. Epiſt. lib. 4. Epiſt. 48. publiſhed by his owne Sonne, ſealed by his Spirit, witneſſed by his Angels, conveyed unto us by his Church, the Pillar and ground of Truth, confirmed with the bloud of millions of Martyrs,1 Tim. 3. 15.1 Tim 3:15 which hath alreadie brought thouſands of ſoules to Heaven, and fills every heart that underſtands it, and is wholly guided by it, with Light and Life, with Grace and Salvation.Simile. Now let us imagine a man to have a Letter ſent unto him but by an Earthly King, or ſome great Prince in the World; wherein hee ſhould have a Pardon granted him for ſome capitall Crime, and high Offence, whereby hee were lyable to a terrible kind of death; or wherein hee ſhould be fore-warned of ſome great and imminent danger hanging over his head, and readie every houre to fall upon him; or, wherein hee ſhould have aſſured and confirmed unto him, under the Kings Seale, ſome rich Donation, or great Lordſhip. Now I ſay, if a man ſhould receive but a Letter from ſome high and mightie Potentate upon Earth, wherein any of theſe favours ſhould be conveyed unto him; how reverently would he receive it? how thankfully would he accept of it? how often would he reade it? how warily would he keepe it? how highly would he eſteeme of it? Why, in this royall and ſacred Letter ſent from the King and great Commander both of Heaven p. 43and Earth, all theſe favours, and a thouſand more joyes and comforts, are conveyed unto every beleever and practiſer thereof. In that, we are fore-warned, leſt by our ignorance, impietie, and impenitencie, wee fall into the Pit of Hell, and everlaſting horror: In that, we have promiſed and performed unto us the pardon and remiſſion of all our ſinnes, whereby wee juſtly ſtand guiltie of the ſecond death, and the endleſſe torments of the damned. By the vertue of it, we are not onelyonly comforted with grace in this World; but ſhall undoubtedly be crowned with peace, glory, and immortalitie in the World to come. Such a Letter as this, hath the mightie and terrible God, moſt glorious in all Power and Majeſtie, who is even a conſuming and devouring fire; ſent unto us miſerable men, by nature wretched and forlorne creatures, Duſt and Aſhes: why then, with what reverence, chearefulneſſe, and zeale, ought wee to receive, reade, heare, marke, learne, underſtand, and obey it?

A ſecond Motive,2 The matter contained in it, is excellent and precious. may be the precious, golden, and divine matter which is contained in the Booke of God, and that true and ever-during happineſſe, to which it onelyonly can bring us. There is nothing propoſed and handled in the Word of God, but things of greateſt weight, and higheſt excellency: As, the infinite majeſty, power, and mercy of God; the unſpeakable love and ſtrange ſufferings of the Sonne of God, for our ſakes; the mighty and miraculous working of the holy Spirit upon the ſoules of men. There is nothing in this Treaſury, but Orient Pearles, and rich Iewels; as, promiſes of p. 44grace, ſpirituall comfort, confuſion of ſinne, the triumph of godlines, refreſhing of wearied ſoules, the beautie of Angels, the holineſſe of Saints, the ſtate of Heaven, ſalvation of ſinners, & everlaſting life. What Swine are they, that neglecting theſe precious Pearles, root only in the Earth, wallow in worldly pleaſures, feede upon vanities, tranſitorie traſh, and vaniſhing riches, which in their greateſt need will take them to their wings, like an Eagle, and flie into the Heavens? Beſides, the Word of God is only able to prepare us for true happineſſe in this world, and to poſſeſſe us of it, in the world to come. It only begets in us a true, intire, and univerſall holineſſe; without which, Heb. 2. 14.Heb 2:14none ſhall ever ſee the face of God, or the glory of Heaven: for it is impoſſible, hereafter to live the life of glory & bleſſednes in Heaven, if we live not here the life of grace and ſincerity, in all our waies.1 Pet. 1. 23.1 Pet 1:23 It is called the immortall Seed, becauſe it regenerates and renewes us both in our Spirits, Soules, and Bodies: in our Spirits; that is, in judgement, memory, & conſcience: in our Soules; that is, in our will and affections: in our Bodies; that is, in every member. If the Prince of this world hath not blinded the eyes of our minds, and that we be not reprobats, as concerning ſalvation, it only is able to inlighten our underſtandings, to rectifie our wills, to ſanctifie our hearts, to mortifie our affections; to ſet Davids Doore before our lips, Pſal. 141. 3. Iob 31. 1.Ps 141:3Job 31:1that are offend not with our tongues; to ſet Iobs Doore before our eyes, that they behold not vanity; to manacle our hands & feet with the cords and bands of Gods Law, that they do not walke or worke wickedly: nay, and it is able to p. 45furniſh and ſupply us with ſufficiencie of ſpirituall ſtrength, to continue in all theſe good things, and in a godly courſe vntounto the end. And if we be once thus qualified, we are rightly fitted and prepared for the glory that is to be revealed. As before, this holy Word did tranſlate us from the darkneſſe of ſinne, into the light of grace; it can now much more eaſily, with joy and triumph, bring us, from the light of grace, to the light of immortalitie, and everlaſting pleaſures at Gods right hand.

A third Motive may be this:3 We muſt be judged by the Word. Wee muſt be judged by the Word of God at the laſt Day. If any man (ſaith Chriſt, Ioh. 12. 47, 48.) heare my words, Ioh. 12. 47, 48.John 12:47John 12:48and beleeve not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the World, but to ſave the World: He that refuſeth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have ſpoken, it ſhall judge him in the last Day. Whenſoever wee ſhall come to judgement, and appeare before Gods Tribunall, (and wee little know how neere it is) two Bookes ſhall be layd open unto us; the one, of Gods Law; another, of our owne Conſcience: The former, will tell us what wee ſhould have done; for the Lord hath revealed it to the World, to be the rule of our faith, and of all our actions: The other, will tell us what wee have done; for Conſcience is a Regiſter,Conſcience; what it is. Light, and Power in our Vnderſtanding, which treaſures up all our particular actions againſt the Day of Triall; diſcovers unto us the equitie, or iniquitie of them; and determines of them, either with us, or againſt us. p. 46Now we muſt not take any exception againſt the firſt; that is, the Law of God: For the Law of God (ſaith David, Pſal. 19. 7.Ps 19:7Pſal. 19. 7.) is perfect, converting the ſoule: The teſtimonie of the Lord is ſure, and giveth wiſedome unto the ſimple. Wee cannot againſt the ſecond; that is, the Booke of our Conſcience: for it was ever in our cuſtodie and keeping; no man could corrupt it; there is nothing writ in it, but with our owne hands. Now, in what a terrible fearefull caſe will a man be at that Day, when he ſhall ſee the Booke of God layd open before him; in the Light whereof hee ſhould have led all his life, and by which he is now to be judged; and yet know himſelfe to have had no knowledge, but to have beene a meere ſtranger in it? Though the great things of the Law were many times publiſhed and preached unto him,Hoſ. 12. 8.Hos 12:8 yet hee counted them but as a ſtrange thing. Every mans Conſcience is naturally corrupt, defiled, and uncomfortable; and can endure and digeſt reaſonable quietly the rage of diſordered affections, many vile corruptions, and ſinfull actions: and therefore, at the laſt Day, when it ſhall be awakened, opened, examined, it will bring forth nothing, but the Worme that never dyes, ſtrange confuſion, and condemnation; except it hath beene formerly in this World enlightened, purged, and ſanctified by the Word of Grace, and the Bloud of the Lambe. Moſt accurſed then, and forlorne, will be the ſtate of every ignorant man, when he ſhall appeare before the Iudge of all the World: When he lookes upon his Conſcience, he ſhall finde nothing p. 47but guilt, and horror: when upon the Law, and upon the Word of God, after which he ſhould have lived, and by which he muſt now be judged; it will be to him but as a ſealed Booke; hee will ſee nothing but his owne ignorance, blindneſſe, and ſtrangeneſſe in it: And therefore, all the Plagues and Curſes denounced in it againſt ignorant, wicked, and unrepentant ſinners, ſhall be his portion, in the Lake that burnes with fire and Brimſtone for evermore. This ought then to ſtirre up every man, with all care and Conſcience, to ſtore himſelfe, while he hath time, with ſaving knowledge and holy obedience unto that Word, which muſt be his Iudge in the laſt Day: Nay, and let him take heed unto his feet,Eccleſ. 5. 1.Eccl 5:1 and looke unto his behaviour, when hee enters into the Houſe of God: For in that Day he muſt anſwer and be countable for every Sermon that he hath heard, and for every Leſſon he hath beene taught out of the Booke of God: If they have not enlightened his underſtanding, they have hardened his heart; if they doe not now reforme him, they will hereafter confound him; if he doe not profit by them, he ſhall be ſure to be plagued for the neglect of them: For Gods Word is unto every man that heares it, either the ſavour of life unto life, 2 Cor. 2. 16.2 Cor 2:16or the ſavour of death unto death: Heb. 4. 12.Heb 4:12It is a two-edged Sword; it either kills the ſinne, or the ſoule, it muſt and ſhall proſper in the worke for which it is ſent. Iſa. 55. 11.Isa 55:11God will rayſe glory, hee will winne honour unto himſelfe, from every man. If hee cannot be glorified, by his converſion, and ſalvation; hee will glorifie his p. 48owne Name, in his deſerved overthrow, and juſt confuſion.

A fourth Motive may be;4 A fearefull judgement ſhall befall the not hearers and practiſers of the Word. That horrible and fearefull puniſhment and deſtruction, which at length will certainely befall all negligent and contemptuous hearers, and thoſe that practiſe not the power thereof in their lives and converſations. Whoſoever (ſaith our bleſſed Saviour) ſhall not receive you, Math. 10. 14, 15.Matt 10:14Matt 10:15or heare your words; when yee depart out of that houſe, or that Citie, ſhake off the duſt of your feet: Truly I ſay unto you, it ſhall be eaſier for them of the Land of Sodome and Gomorrah, in the Day of Iudgement, than for that Citie. The infamous abominations, the damnable and crying ſinnes of the Sodomites are knowne unto all: Who hath not heard of thoſe flouds of fire and Brimſtone, which ſwept them away, as the hatefulleſt creatures that ever lived upon the Earth? How rufull then, and how lamentable will be their condition, who are lyable and ſubject to more horrible plagues than theſe? Wee ſhould therefore conſider, that the negligent, irreverent, and unprofitable hearing of the Word of God, is a ſinne of a farre greater weight, and more fearefull conſequence, than we ordinarily imagine. When wee heare the Miniſters, and Embaſſadours of God, delivering his mind, and revealing his Will unto us, out of ſuch places as theſe, we are to conceive, that in a neerer and more ſpeciall manner, wee ſtand in the preſence of the great God of Heaven and Earth, who is clothed with infinite terrour, power, and majeſtie; and thereafter, we ought to p. 49proportion our behaviour and carriage, with reverence, humility, and obedience to ſo great a preſence. Earthly Princes will not endure contempt and diſgrace at their ſubjects hands:Simile. They cannot abide to have their Majeſtie and authority lightly ſet by, their lawes and commands to bee neglected and troden under foot: Why then ſhould the Lord of glory, of juſtice and power, beare ſuch indignities at the hands of ſinfull men, which are his moſt abject vaſſals, and contemptible creatures? Certaine it is, if wee weight aright the greatneſſe of that God, before whom wee ſtand, and our owne vileneſſe, wee ſhould hold it moſt juſt, if he ſhould preſently in the place where we ſtand, puniſh and plague our ſleepineſſe, talking, wandring thoughts, and irreverent carriage at hearing his Word, with ſome ſudden and markable vengeance, to be a ſpectacle & example unto others, for neglecting ſo great ſalvation. It is Gods great mercy that ſuch plagues and judgements are reſpited, ſuſpended, and deferred; for even all the curſes in the booke of God doe naturally, deſervedly, and in the courſe of Gods juſtice, belong unto the negligent hearer, and diſobedient unto the Word of God. All theſe curſes (ſaith Moſes Deut. 28. 49.)Deut 28. 49.Deut 28:49 ſhall come upon thee and purſue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be deſtroyed, becauſe thou obeyeſt not the voice of the Lord thy God.

I come now in the ſecond place to the temptations and lets whereby a man may bee hindered from hearing the Word of God,Hinderances from profiting by the Word. profiting by it, and a conſcionable practiſing of the ſame.

p. 50The higheſt in impiety,Let 1. and moſt horrible, is a ſpice of Atheiſme,Atheiſme. which Satan ſuggeſts into worldly men, whereby they wickedly, and very blaſphemouſly thinke,Some thinke the Word to be but a humane policie. that the ſacred Word of God, is but a politike invention and deviſe to keepe men in awe and order, in Cities and ſocieties, and to preſerve them from wildneſſe and outrages. But I would gladly know whoſe worke and invention it is, if it be not Gods Almighty?

It is not mans: A removing of this.For it directly and ſtrongly oppoſeth againſt the ſtreame of his ſenſuall delights, and earthly pleaſures: It curbs his moſt deſired contentments, and croſſeth the naturall bent of his affections.

It is not Satans: For he in all ages hath fiercely and furiouſly ſet himſelfe againſt it; and it is the engine that batters and beats downe his kingdome of darkneſſe.

It is not any Angels, or other creatures: For the **It may bee diſcerned by a proper, naturall, and inherent Majeſtie from all humane writings and imitatory deluſions and impoſtures of Satan; ſuch as is the AlcaronMajeſtie, excellencie, miraculous efficacie, and wonderfull power of Gods Word, is farre above the reach and capacity of any creature; tranſcendent to all created underſtandings, and finite comprehenſion. Beſides, the famous miracles, the many viſions, the true fore-telling of things to come▪ the inward, lively and effectuall workings upon the ſoules of the elect, and many other ſingular and ſacred markes & characters of divinity ſtamped upon it, doth plainly ſhew, that it is the alone holy invention of Gods divine, pure and infinite underſtanding, and revealed to the world for the inlarging of Gods glory, and the ſalvation p. 51of many a thouſand ſoules; for the confuſion of the kingdome of Satan, and juſt condemnation of the children of hell. Take heed then in the name of God, that you give not entrance or entertainment to any ſuch fearefull blaſphemous temptation, whereby the love and zeale to Gods Word may be cooled, or you grow leſſe carefull in purchaſing and practiſing the knowledge and power of it. This let layes hold onelyonly upon men of a reprobate ſenſe, and thoſe that are already marked out for certaine damnation.

A ſecond let and hinderance from hearing the Word of God,Let 2. is recuſancie, the cozenage and impoſture of Popery.Recuſancie. For ſuch is the wickedneſſe and cruelty of that ſuperſtition and myſtery of iniquity, that it labours might and maine to keepe all the world cloſe priſoners in the dungeon of darkneſſe and ignorance, and for ever to deprive them of the light of the Goſpell. The prophane profeſſors of this bloudy Religion, hold ignorance to be the mother of devotion, and a very dangerous thing for ſimple people to pry into the Booke of God. And ſo they doe more ſafely and ſecurely feed their followers with their owne damnable principles of treaſon, rebellion, diſloyalty and diſobedience to lawfull Kings. So they lead ignorant people which way, and as farre as they will in the kingdome of darkneſſe, even to beleeve that blowing up of whole ſtates, and killing of Kings, are very glorious acts, and merit the brighteſt crowne of immortality, and the higheſt ſeat in heaven. I hope in the Lord p. 52there is none of you, but with all his heart hates and deteſts this bloudy, murtherous, and Idolatrous generation; and will by no meanes ſuffer his right eye of knowledge in Gods Word to be put out by theſe curſed Ammonites.

Adde here another let, which is Separatiſme, See Ta. pag. 79.

A third let and hinderance,Let 3. is the height of hardneſſe of heart,Hardneſſe of heart, and deſperateneſſe in ſinning. and moſt damned deſperateneſſe in ſinning, when men are become ſo greedy of fulfilling their ſinfull pleaſures, that they drinke up ſenſuall delights like water, draw on iniquity like cords of vanitie, and ſinne as with cart-ropes: For then they beginne to ſay with themſelves, even to God himſelfe, with them in …ob 21. 14,Iob 21. 14, 15.Job 21:14Job 21:15 15. Depart from us, for we deſire not the knowledge of thy wayes. Who is the Almighty, that we ſhould ſerve him? and what profit ſhould we have if we ſhould pray unto him? And with thoſe to whom Iſaiah in his fifth Chapter denounceth a fearefull woe; Let him make ſpeed, Iſa. 5. 19.Isa 5:19let him haſten his worke, that we may ſee it, and let the counſell of the Holy one of Iſrael draw neare and come, that wee may know it. Men that are poſſeſſed with ſuch a rebellious and ſcornfull ſpirit as this, neither much care for God or his Wor… threats or promiſes, judgements or mercies, heaven or hell. No marvell then though they ſet light by Gods miniſters, and ſeeke not for inſtruction in holy knowledge, and heavenly wiſdome.A preſervative againſt this. That wee may be preſerved from this horrible and deſperate caſe, and ſo fearefully hardning our hearts againſt the Word of life and p. 53ſalvation, we muſt be very carefull and watchfull, that wee give not way, paſſage, and entertainment to wicked thoughts, and the firſt ſinfull motions: for in this manner, a man proceedes to the height of ſinne,The degrees in ſinne. and a reprobate ſenſe. There firſt ariſeth in his Heart an idle and wandering thought of ſome unlawfull thing;1 A motion to ſinne. as of Luſt, Covetouſneſſe, Pride, Malice, prophaning the Sabbath, Cozening,2 The Will inticed. and circumventing his Brother; and ſuch like. Secondly, it begins to allure, entice, and conferre with the Will.3 Delight. Thirdly, the Will doth, as it were, take it by the hand, and is tickled, pleaſed,4 Conſent. and delighted with it. Then followes Conſent:5 Practice. Conſent ſets the affections on foot, and plots the accompliſhment and practice of it;6 Pleaſure. and ſinne practiſed with pleaſure, brings Cuſtome. Cuſtome ſharpens a mans wit, and makes him looke about,7 Cuſtome. how to excuſe it: From excuſing ſinne,8 Excuſing. hee growes to defend it: Defence of ſinne, makes him obſtinate, and reſolved to continue in it:9 Defending. Obſtinateneſſe begets boaſting, and glorying in it. And if a man once become impudent, and take a pride in ſinning,10 Continuance. there preſently follows a brazen Brow,11 Boaſting. and whoriſh fore-head, an yron ſinew in the necke, a heart as hard as the nether Milſtone, a ſeared Conſcience,12 A reprobate ſenſe. and a reprobate ſenſe. Theſe are the ſteps, by which a man riſeth into the Seat of the ſcornefull: And upon the top of theſe ſtayres, Sinne ſits in the greateſt triumph and ſoveraigntie; and baniſheth out of a mans heart, all feare of God, love to his Miniſters, and zeale unto his Word.

p. 54A fourth Let and hinderance from hearing Gods Word,Let 4. and yeelding entire obedience unto it,A conceit, that Gods Law, like mens Lawes, takes hold of, and will condemne onelyonly notorious ſinners. is a very peſtilent and politike conceit, which poſſeſſeth the hearts of very many; whereby they are perſwaded, That Lawes divine are but like humane or mens conſtitutions: As theſe execute none, but chiefe Malefactors; ſo theſe Decrees of God will at laſt condemne none, but infamous and notorious ſinners. And therefore, if they be but pettie Offendors, or onelyonly maintaine but one ſweet ſinne in themſelves; if they be not of the worſt ſort, though they be not ſo forward hearers of Sermons, ſo Scripture-wiſe, or hold ſuch a ſtrict courſe of holineſſe in their converſation: yet they thinke with themſelves, their caſe is good enough, and that it will goe well enough with them at laſt. Hence it is, that they are cold, and careleſſe, in eſteeming of hearing, and conforming themſelves to the Miniſterie of the Word. But let no man deceive himſelfe: The deſtruction of the negligent hearer of the Word of God, and the diſobedient to the Goſpel of Chriſt Ieſus,This Let is removed, Mat. 11. 23, 24.Matt 11:23Matt 11:24 ſhall be as the deſtruction of * Sodome, and farre more grievous. He that lyes and delights in any one knowne ſinne, of which his Conſcience is convicted, is in a fearefull caſe.Heb. 11. 6.Heb 11:6 Without faith, it is impoſſible to pleaſe God: Heb. 12. 14.Heb 12:14and, Without holineſse, no man ſhall ſee the face of the Lord. And none hath either faith, or holineſſe, without ſaving knowledge out of Gods Booke. Without the New-birth, and continuance in grace unto the end, no man ſhall be ſaved: And, ſincere obedience to a conſtant p. 55and conſcionable Miniſterie of the Word, is a meanes both to beget, nouriſh, and continue ſaving grace. And, let mens conceits be what they will; as ſure it is, as God is in Heaven, not one jot or tittle of all the Plagues and Curſes regiſtred in Gods Law, but ſhall be ſeverely executed upon all ignorant and unrepentant ſinners,Pſal. 88. 21.Ps 88:21 and poured upon the hairie ſcalpe of all ſuch as goe on ſtill in their wickedneſſe.

A fifth Let and hinderance of hearing the Word of God,Let 5. is an exceſſive and immoderate delight,An eager purſuit of a mans ſweet ſinne. and an eager and earneſt purſuit of the ſinfull pleaſures of a mans ſweet ſinne.**What is meant by a ſweet ſinne. Quemadmodum nemo tam perditus, aut flagitioſus invenitur: quin ab aliquo vitio magis quàm caeteris abhorreat; ſic nemo tantae ſanctitatis eſt, quin ad unum aliquod peccatum, quam ad caetera propenſtor ſit. Cart. p. 1262. By a mans ſweet ſinne, I meane that, which his corrupt nature hath ſingled out, and made ſpeciall choiſe of, to follow and feed upon, with greateſt delight and ſenſuall ſweetneſſe; which, by cuſtome and continuance, hath taken deepeſt root and ſureſt hold in his heart: upon which, all his affections and deſires are carried with ſharpeſt edge, heat, and headlongneſſe; and to which, hee makes all occaſions and circumſtances, friends and acquaintance, Religion and Conſcience, all the powers both of ſoule and body, and outward eſtate, ſerviceable and contributorie, as to that which chiefely rules and reignes in him. This ſweet ſinne, in ſome, is Worldlineſſe, Earthly-mindedneſſe, and Covetouſneſſe: In others, it is Voluptuouſneſſe, Luſt, and Vncleanneſſe; Pride, Pleaſures, Drunkenneſſe, or ſuch like. Now certaine it is, carnall, prophane, and unregenerate men, doe many times preferre the pleaſures of their ſweet p. 56and moſt delightfull ſinne, before the comforts of Gods Houſe, the Congregation of the Saints, and the preciouſneſſe of the Word preached. And therefore, howſoever they may ordinarily come to Sermons, (though it be rather for faſhion, and of cuſtome, than with heartie and true devotion) yet if ſome ſpeciall gaine and profit be to be layd hold upon at that time; if ſome extraordinarie pleaſure, feaſting, paſtime, and companie be then to be enjoyed; they make no Conſcience to turne their backes upon the Houſe of God, and the Miniſterie of the Word, even upon the Sabbath day: ſo, for a little ſinfull pleaſure, or worldly contentment, wretchedly abandoning Gods holy Ordinance, and the neceſſarie meanes of their owne ſalvation.

That many men are thus wickedly hindered from hearing the Word of God,Math. 22.Matt 22 appeares in Math. Luke 14.Luke 1422. and Luke 14. The glorious magnificence, and rich comforts of heavenly Cheare in the Houſe of God,The Parable of the great Supper let out by 3. circumſtances. are notably ſet out unto us there, by divers circumſtances, in the Parable of the great Feaſt.1 Firſt, it was a Wedding Feaſt; which uſually is full of joy, comfort, and great ſolemnitie.2 Secondly, it was made by a King; and therefore, like unto himſelfe, Royall, and Princely, in plentie and varietie, anſwerable to his State and Greatneſſe.3 Thirdly, it was made at the Marriage of a Kings ſonne; which would make it yet farre more ſumptuous, full of pompe, and noble entertainment, than if it had beene for a ſervant, friend, or ordinarie perſon.

p. 57By all this,What is meant by it. is meant the Miniſtery of the Word, and Goſpel of Chriſt Ieſus; wherewith every faithfull man is feaſted, made Gods ſonne, and married to Chriſt himſelfe for ever,Hoſ. 2. 19.Hos 2:19 in righteouſneſſe and in judgement, in merciemercy and in compaſſion. This Feaſt being in full readineſſe, Servants are ſent out, to invite Gueſts: But for all the glory, comfort, and magnificence prepared for them, in this Wedding, and Royall Feaſt; many refuſe to come,Luke 14. 18.Luke 14:18 and make excuſe: One ſaith; he hath bought a Farme, and muſt needes goe to ſee it: another hath bought five Yoke of Oxen, 19.and goes to prove them: another hath married a Wife, 20.and therefore he cannot come: Math. 22. 5.Matt 22:5another is buſied about his Merchandiſe, buying and ſelling, and can hardly ſpare ſo much time.

Thus one ſinfull delight or other, profit, pleaſure, companie, or the like, doe many times ſtay and hinder prophane and worldly men from hearing the Word of God, and from this ſpirituall and heavenly Feaſt in his Houſe; whereby their ſoules might be ſatisfied,Pſal. 63. 5.Ps 63:5 as it were with marrow and fatneſſe, with the comforts of grace, and a taſte of the joyes of Heaven. It is very ſtrange, that any man ſhould be ſo bloudie and cruell to his owne ſoule; that, whereas by the breaking of the Word of Life unto him in ſuch places as this, he might have it furniſhed with ſpirituall ſtrength, towards everlaſting life: yet for ſome earthly pelfe, and temporall pleaſure, abſenting himſelfe, he ſuffers it to ſtarve in ignorance and prophaneneſſe; the immediate and certaine paſſages to eternal death.

p. 58Let a man imagine with himſelfe,A counter-poyſon againſt this. when he purpoſes and reſolves to abſent himſelfe from a Sermon, that hee layes, as it were, in the one Scale of the Weights, the glorious Majeſtie, preſence, and honour of God; the comfort, happineſſe, and ſalvation of his owne Soule: and in the other, a little wretched pleaſure, or profit; and ſo ſuffers this miſerable Vanitie to weigh downe ſo infinite a Majeſtie.

For,1 Gods Houſe is the Preſence. Chamber of the King of Glory. firſt, Gods Houſe, where his Word is faithfully preached, is, as it were, the Preſence-Chamber of the everlaſting King of Glory. Here he ſits in a Chaire of State, with more ſpeciall and eminent Power and Majeſtie, as anciently he ſate betweene the Cherubins.

Secondly,2 Chriſt is there. Math. 18. 20.Matt 18:20 Chriſt himſelfe is here preſent: For, Whereſoever two or three are gathered together in his Name, he is in the midst of them. And ſo he is ſaid, to walke in the midst of the ſeven golden Candleſticks; Rev. 1. 12.Rev 1:12and with ſpeciall power and providence to direct and guide theſe holy Exerciſes.

Thirdly,3 The Spirit is there. the holy Spirit of God is preſent, in our Aſſemblies; plentifully ſhedding into the hearts of the faithfull, the rich Treaſures of Wiſdome and Grace.

Fourthly,4 The Angels are there. 1 Cor. 11. 10.1 Cor 11:10 the bleſſed Angels of God are here; as appeareth, 1 Cor. 11. 10. not onelyonly to doe ſervice unto the Lord, unto the Elect, and unto his Miniſterie; but alſo, after a ſort, to ſolace and rejoyce themſelves in the beautie of Gods Houſe,1 Pet. 1. 12.1 Pet 1:12 and in the Myſteries publiſhed in the Goſpel: as appeares, 1 Pet. 1. 12.

p. 59Fifthly,5 The Saints are there. Pſal. 16. 3.Ps 16:3 Gods holy Saints here preſent themſelves; in whom, all our delight and comfort ought to be: for they onelyonly are truly excellent, allyed unto Chriſt, and heires of Heaven.

Laſtly,6 The effect of the Word to the unconverted. here alone ordinarily are to be had Bleſſings, Life, and Salvation: for the Word preached is the ordinarie meanes to beget the unconverted unto God; by inlightening their eyes, opening their eares, ſoftening their hearts, planting faith in their ſoules, and holineſſe in their converſations: ſo that, of the children of wrath, they become the ſonnes of God.2 Cor. 5. 18. Eph. 6. 15. Act. 14. 3. & 20. 32.2 Cor 5:18Eph 6:15Acts 14:3Acts 20:32 Hence it is, that it is called, a Miniſterie of Reconciliation, of Peace; a Word of Grace; of Salvation, and of Life.

If a man be alreadie converted,The benefit of it to Converts. and in the ſtate of grace, he may receive theſe Bleſſings by it: It is a powerfull meanes of the Spirit,

To encreaſe his knowledge in heavenly things,1 It encreaſeth their knowledge. and the affaires of the Soule; by dayly clearing his judgement from ignorance and error, by informing it with ſpirituall wiſedome, and all neceſſarie truths, and needfull knowledge.

To adde ſtrength,2 Their faith. and vigour, and encreaſe unto his faith; that hee may grow and proceed, from the infancie and weakeneſſe in Chriſtianitie, to tallneſſe and perfection in Chriſt.

To preſerve him from luke-warmeneſſe,3 It preſerves them from luke-warmeneſſe. worldlineſſe, and ſecuritie; to recall him from his wandrings and ſtrayings out of the way of ſincerity; to ſettle, comfort, and confirme him in a godly courſe.

To prevent his falls,4 It prevents relapſes. and relapſes; becauſe by it hee is furniſhed with Chriſtian armour, againſt p. 60temptations? he is reſolved in all doubts, and caſes of Conſcience; he is admoniſhed of all crooked wayes, occaſions, and down-falls to iniquity.

To reclaime him from back-ſlidings;5 It recovers them, being fallen. to rayſe and recover him out of falls, and to reſtore him to his firſt love; by diſcovering unto him the fouleneſſe and danger of ſinne, the power of his owne infirmities, the bitter root of Originall ſinne, the peſtilent and impoyſoned fruits thereof; and by dayly urging the bleſſings of true repentance, and the practice of a good Conſcience.

Moſt abſolutely to guide and conduct him in the way of righteouſneſſe,6 It will …uide them aright in all their wayes. and whole courſe of Chriſtianitie; to furniſh him with zeale and uprightneſſe in all holy duties and ſervices of God; with faithfulneſſe and conſcience, in the diſcharge and executions of his calling; with holy meditations, when he is alone; with harmleſſe behavior, and Light of good example in company, and amongſt others; with wiſdome and care, ever intirely to ſanctifie the Sabbath, and to teach and pray with his family. Marke now, I beſeech you; ſith the Miniſtery of the Word is ever graced with ſo glorious preſence, and ſuch incomparable bleſſings as I have now reckoned up unto you; he that turnes his back upon a Sermon, for the injoying of profit, pleaſures, paſtime, companie, feaſting, or any other worldly and by-reſpect; he wilfully forſakes the ſalvation of his owne ſoule, he caſts behind him all theſe happy bleſſings and comforts, tendered unto him by the Miniſtery of the Word; he throws himſelfe deſperately out of the preſence of God Almighty, p. 61Chriſt Ieſus, the Holy Spirit, his bleſſed Angels, the congregation of Saints, into the power and clutches of Satan, into the company of wicked and prophane men, upon the juſt indignation and revenge of all the creatures, upon the wrath and curſe of God, and the ſhipwracke of a good conſcience. Take heed then I beſeech you, how you bee drawne by any worldly affaires from the hearing of the Word, eſpecially on the Sabbath day, leſt thereby you make it plaine, that you preferre your owne particular, before the glory of God; earthly gaine, before a Crowne of immortality; a little vaniſhing pleaſure, before the endleſſe joyes of heaven; and that yee yet lie and delight in one ſweet ſinne or other, which keepes all ſaving grace out of your ſoules.

A ſixth let and hinderance from hearing the Word of God,Let 6. are certaine prophane and unwarrantable perſwaſions and conceits,Carnall conceits and objections. which are entertained and harboured in the hearts of ignorant and wilfull people.

Some of them thinke with themſelves that there is no ſuch great need of following Sermons,Object. and frequenting holy aſſemblies,May we not be ſaved without hearing the Word preached? eſpecially if at the ſame time they be not ungodly bufied and exerciſed at home; and therefore they aske; What can we not ſave our ſoules, and come to heaven, unleſſe we trudge and trot ſo often to Church? Have we not the Bible, and other good bookes at home to reade upon? Can we not pray and praiſe God at home?

They might as well aske;Anſw. Can wee not have a p. 62harveſt unleſſe we have a ſeed time,No more than wee can reape without ſowing, or live without food. and raine, yea, both the former and the latter raine? Or can we not live except we have meat? Certainly no. No more can any man be truly ſanctified and ſaved, nor live either the life of grace here, or expect the life of glory hereafter, unleſſe he follow the ordinary meanes appointed and ſanctified by God for his ſalvation: Except he ſubmit himſelfe to that policy and order which God with great wiſdome hath eſtabliſhed in his Church.Simile. Would a man be taken for a good ſubject, who ſhould peeviſhly oppoſe himſelfe againſt a law agreed upon and commanded by the King and State, for the great good of the Common-wealth? God himſelfe hath appointed a publike Miniſtery in the Church;Eph 4. 11, 12.Eph 4:11Eph 4:12 Paſtors and teachers for the gathering of the Saints, and all that belong to life; and is it fit that any private exerciſe ſhould croſſe Gods publike ordinances? No; It is both inconvenient and wicked, and Gods bleſſing is never to be looked for, upon any action and exerciſe, though never ſo good in it ſelfe, if his will be not obeyed.

I,Obiect. 2. but ſome will ſay; It is good indeed ſometimes now and then to heare a Sermon;Frequent preaching is not ſo neceſſary. but what needs ſo much preaching, and Sermon upon Sermon; Would they have us Saints and Angels upon earth?

Wretched is that man which is weary of the Word of life.Anſw. And hee hath no true taſte of holy things,It is a ſigne of a graceleſſè heart to loath the heavenly Manna. which loaths this ſpirituall Manna, though never ſo often reigned from heaven. There p. 63is no ſaving and true knowledge of God in that man, who deſires not to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Ieſus Chriſt.Simile. Would we not thinke him mad and diſtracted that ſhould thus reaſon againſt his owne life? I hope I have eaten meat enough heretofore, and furniſhed my ſelfe with ſufficient ſtrength, ſo that I now need no more, and therefore I will neither eat nor drink more while I live. Even juſt ſo doth he reaſon and plead againſt the life of his ſoule, who complaines of too much preaching, and too many Sermons. David, that bleſſed King, and holy Prophet, who was advanced both in knowledge and holineſſe, above the ordinary reach and perfection of men, and lived as an Angell upon earth; yet he acknowledgeth himſelfe greatly to ſtand in need of ſtirring up, by meanes ordained of God for that end.Pſal. 84.Ps 84 As we may gather out of Pſal. 84. and in many other places. In that Pſalme he makes a moſt grievous and mournfull complaint, that he is debarred and baniſhed from all acceſſe unto the publike worſhip and ſervice of God; holding himſelfe in this reſpect more miſerable than ſome of the bruit creatures, which had liberty to build their neſts, and lay their young neare the Altars of the Lord; which benefit he could not now enjoy. Now if this man of God ſo longed and laboured after the meanes of grace and comfort, what ought thoſe to doe, who are of little or no faith; who are but Novices and petties in the Schoole of Chriſt; who are but babes in Chriſtianity, or utterly without grace?