A Second Guide to Heaven, Chapter 11

A Second Guide to Heaven · Chapter 11

p. 192CHAP. XI.

2 Application, more particularly by way of Instruction; if possible, take this advice and follow it, that you may not be deceiv'd and wretchedly undone. A little debate the business with your Souls, that you may attend to, and follow, these Directions.

HAving premis'd these things, account upon it, that there is but one main business to mind, That Body and Soul be sav'd; and this I have least minded, or to no purpose. Conclude thus, better I had never been born, than that I should live and die and perish in my sins; as I am born into the World, I am in a perishing condition; I came into the World with my face towards Hell, and my back towards Heaven; I am by nature full of all Evil, and void of all Good: In me, that is, in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. My carnal mind is enmity against God,Rom. 7.14, 18.Rom 7:14Rom 7:18 and cannot please him. Am I chang'd and made a new Creature? are old things past away, and all things become new? I am born into this world, see and hear, and enjoy these lower things, but unless I am born again, I cannot enter into the Kingdom of God, and if I do not, I must fall into Hell, and then woe is me for ever, I mean, wretched and miserable is this Body and Soul of mine; and is there no p. 139way and means that it may be sav'd? As yet I am in the Land of the living, may I not yet turn and live? but is it likely, any hopes, while I thus trifle away my time every day about nothing? Alas! what am I doing, but destroying my self every day? shall I pity others, my Friends, my Children, my Beasts, nay, mine Enemies often, and not pity mine own Soul and Body? Am I troubl'd if my Neighbours House be burnt? if a Child fall into the Fire? if a mans arm or legg be broken? and not sensible, not bleed, not tremble at the thoughts of my Body and Soul burning in Hell-fire for ever? Shall I take no time to consider of it or lay it to Heart, till it be too late? am I not at leasure? have I any matters of such concernment, as this? who shall feel the wrath, and lose the Glory, but my self? Prov. 9.12. If I am wise to Salvation, I am wise for my self, but if I scorn and neglect all instructions, I alone shall bear it. Shall I be prudent, and forsee the dreadful evil coming, and avoid it; or be sinful, foolish,Prov. 22.3.Prov 22:3 pass on and be Eternally punished? God says, Why should'st thou destroy thy self? Eccles. 7.16. are any so mad? yea, Thousands, Millions, Hos. 12.9. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thy self, but in me is thy help. Will any but a mad-man wound himself, cut his own flesh, torment his own Bowels? May I not do this daily, and not be sensible of it? Shall I believe Gods Word, or a wicked lying World, and mine own deceitful Heart? p. 194God tells me I wrong mine own Soul, I love Death, I choose Cursing. He calls aloud on me,Ezek. 18. last.Ezek 18 and says, Why wilt thou die? and shall I not Hear and Answer, and strive to live?

1. Direction. Sit down and consider, debate the business, set an hour, a day apart; a little consider thy self, and weigh matters aright: You have Rational Souls, that may do this; things are made plain and clear, that you may know what is evil and what is good;Jam. 1.5.Jas 1:5 God will give you Wisdom, if you will ask it, that you may discern the difference between the precious and the vile. I am apt to esteem small things, and nothing, and account them great, and to slight the richest, the choicest things, as poor and mean. What loud calls, warnings and instructions in the Word, to persuade men off from Earth, as poor and mean, uncertain; and to prevail upon them to seek after, and close with, Spiritual and Heavenly things, as truly good, and what will make them happy? God tells them, this is meat that perisheth, it is not bread, 'twill not satisfie; these are Riches uncertain, deceitful; Thieves and moths rob you of them, you may die a fool in the midst of them; but that he would have you have durable Riches,Isa. 55.1, 2.Isa 55:1Isa 55:2 Bread of Life, delight your Souls in fatness, and your Souls live Eternally. Why should God flatter me? what hurt do I him, if I cleave to Death and perish? and on the other hand, is the Fountain p. 195the better because I drink of it, and that abundantly? or the Glorious Sun that I see by it, and enjoy its warm reviving beams? I see the one part daily true, that this World and all in it perish; why should I not believe the other part?Isa. 51.6.Isa 51:6 certainly conclude, I am under a delusion, I am in a fools Paradise, in a Dream; and shall I not awake, but with Hell Flames about my ears? Many others have found all this true, shall I not believe them dying? If I learn not by others death, it's too late to learn by mine own; I may be a warning to others, not to my self.

1. Why should I not set some time apart, and sit by my self, and commune with mine own heart? shall I lye in the Grave, scores, if not 100s of years? and shan't I spare an hour in a day, in a week, in a year, in my whole life, to descend into the Chambers of death by meditation, and converse with my Brethren and Sisters the Worms? Why should I be a stranger at home, at my long home?Job 17.14.Job 17:14 I know it's common to say, We must all die, and we owe a debt we must all pay; and away to other matters presently, and hope 'twill be a long time before the debt will be call'd for. Can't I think of death 'till I feel it? it's strange, that most persons are afraid, they or their friends should be told that they are dying, 'twill make them melancholy, and do them hurt: What though it doth pull p. 196down our spirits? I am sure God says, Eccles. 7.2, 3, 4. It is better to go the house of mourning, than of feasting; and the wise man gives you good reason: 1. Because it's the end of all living; whether you will go thither willingly or no before-hand in your thoughts, you shall be brought thither whether you will or no. 2. The living will lay it to heart; that is, the dead can't, or, as some, dead sinners; but the living Christian will think of it seriously. 3. The heart is made better, that's vain, wandring and wicked; this will compose and fix it. 4. It's a great part of true Wisdom. v. 4. They are fools that are pleas'd with the crackling of Thornes. v. 6. Think seriously, I keep a great a-do about this body, it will not always, not long, eat and drink, and sleep, as now it doth; it will shortly fall down a stinking, loathsome contemptible lump, it will decay and moulder; I have often wisht, were it Gods way, that I could but shew sinners dying persons in the Pulpit, or dead Corpses; they are but three or four feet under ground, and trampl'd on; the Bed-man digs them up as stones and dirt, throws the skull one way, the bones of the legs and arms another way: Who looks to find out the shape of his great Grand-father? it may be the young Boy kicks about his Grand-fathers skull on the top of the Grave, when room is made to put in his Father or Mother; and that skull hath been full of cares and fears; here lies one head p. 197that did ake, eyes that did poure out tears, tongues that made doleful complaints; one lies here that was covetous and felvish; another there, lustful and wanton; a third close by, that was serious, heavenly and good; now as to the bodies, what difference between the skull of a Lord and a poor Country man? who will say, this man was worth Ten Pounds a year, that other an Hundred; no difference, no distinction. Job 21.23, to 26. One lives in plenty and ease, another in pain and misery, the Grave is a-like to both. Who can imagine that men believe this? none deny it; but we are the persons that live under the apprehensions of this wonderful change. Job calls it the Land of Darkness, and the shadow of Death, without any order. Ch. 10.21, 22.Job 21.33. Ch 24.20.Job 21:33 The clods of the Valley are the sweetest Entertainment, and the worm shall feed sweetly on him; that is all the house appointed for all the living. If you will not look so far as the Grave, come to the Sick-bed and Death-bed;Ch. 33.19. to 22. hear them groaning, see their ghastly looks, wipe off ther cold sweats, they can't do it, moisten their scorcht lips; what shall I say or do to convince and awaken you? come and see your selves in them. But still you think it not; say, this is not I, I am alive and in health: No, sinner, if it were thou, then thou wert undone, but very shortly 'twill be you. Those that now lye gasping and screitching, and others that lye rotten and stinking, p. 198thought so of themselves very lately, when they saw others thus languishing; their inward thought was, that their houses should continue for ever, but they perish, and yet their posterity approve of their sayings, that is,Psal. 49.10 to 14.Ps 49:10–14 not as to their fore-fathers, they see it was their folly, but see it not in themselves. They inherit their Estates, their Houses, and their folly too.

2. Were this all, 'twere not so much, but you must meditate seriously on the day of Judgement, and the great account to be given at that day. All this World must be brought up again; the body must rise out of the Grave, and Soul and Body stand before God, Men and Angels, and the whole course of life be examin'd over; you must give account for every idle word, thought, and mispent hours. Affect your heart with this great and solemn day and wonderful appearance. Christ will come in the Clouds, reveal'd from Heaven with his mighty Angels, the Trumpet shall sound, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, and that Saviour which came humble, lowly, and mean at first, that came beseeching and intreating,2 Thess. 1.8, 9.2 Thess 1:82 Thess 1:9 and persuading here, will come then in flaming fire, against the wicked to take vengeance. Take some time to pause on it, till you tremble at the thoughts of it: How dreadful for me to stand trembling amongst the guilty and condemn'd at the left hand, and hear the dreadful Sentence, Depart thou cursed, and p. 199curst for ever to Everlasting Flames; what shall I do? which way shall I look? 'tis in vain to cry to mountains and hills. The greatest, the stoutest,Rev. 6.15, 16, 17.Rev 6:15Rev 6:16Rev 6:17 the proudest then shake and tremble, they that ruffle in their silks, and they that shiver in their rags, go hand in hand naked before Gods Tribunal; and what a difference then betwixt Sheep and Goats? between, come ye blessed, and go ye cursed: Then the great and mighty sinners shall cry to the Mountains to fall on them, and lye on them to all Eternity, as accounting their weight not so heavy and sinking as the wrath of the Lamb.Rev. 6.15, 16, 17.Rev 6:15Rev 6:16Rev 6:17

(1.) Think how all must be determin'd by God at that day, and therefore you had need now approve your selves to God; none can stand up in our stead or appear; for as every one must bear his own burden, bear the weight of his own sins; each man will have enough to do to answer for himself. No Father plead for the Son, nor Husband for the Wife; no fond indulgent Mother excuse, or hide, or extenuate the faults of her idle, wanton and extravagant Son. None shall be spared for their Parents goodness. God says, here, Noah, Daniel, and Job, Ezek. 14.14. Jer. 15.1.Ezek 14:14Jer 15:1deliver neither Son nor Daughter, but their own Souls. Lots Wife was turn'd into a Pillar of Salt, and God bids us remember Lots Wife; the wise Virgins had not Oyl to spare, the Righteous scarcely sav'd themselves; p. 200good Paul had much a-do to get to Heaven, what had he to spare, that had a body of death, and cries out as undone? Rom. 7.29 and fearful and watchful lest he be a cast-away.

(2.) Therefore you had need look to your selves, and approve your selves to God, who alone is the supream Judge, Judge of you and all the World; there is no appeal from him; this is a comfort on Earth if unjustly condemn'd;Isa. 33.22.Isa 33:22 as one said, I Appeal, the Judge askt, to whom? he answer'd, to God above. God alone will pass the final Sentence, and pronounce thee to misery or mercy. If he say, come thou blessed, Men nor Devils can't stop nor hinder thee, he only hath the keys, that lets in and shuts out as he pleaseth;Rev 1.18.Rev 1:18 and he knows who and what you are, he will not justifie the wicked, nor condemn the righteous, he knows his own jewels; he knows his Childrens Voice, though others knock boldly at door. Matth. 7. last. Depart, I know ye not. There is no bribing him, no false glosses, no offering Thousands of Gold and Silver; if you would give mountains of Gold, all the World cannot buy one dram of Grace or comfort, or be taken in exchange for a Soul; nor is there any escaping him, nor hiding, nor flying away; Death and Hell, and the Sea, give up their dead, all must appear,Rom. 14.10.Rom 14:10 it is not you may, but must appear, and there is no resisting his power, p. 201nor bearing up under his wrath;Isa. 33.14. Ezek. 22.14.Isa 33:14Ezek 22:14 can thy Heart endure, or thy hand be strong? You can't bear up under the Stone, the Gout, the Strangury, the Tooth-ach; alas! God doth but skirmish with Sinners now, lets fall the Vials of his wrath at last.

On the other hand, nothing can blemish nor hinder, nor lessen thy comforts and joy, and stop thy Praises and Hallelujahs, if God justifie and save thee. Think so long, till thy Heart is affected and awaken'd, till thou do'st by Faith see all this. Judge, is it not highly reasonable, that I rest no more on friends below, but approve all in sincerity to God? If he doth not commend and approve, but condemn, I am undone Eternally. 2 Cor. 10. last. Not he, who commendeth himself is approved, nor, whose praise is of men, but whom the Lord commendeth: Think on it, till you bring it to some head or trial; not barely read this and pass away to the World, to your Meals, to your Bed, but hold your Hear to it, let it not go away, till you feel the sense of it, and it makes a change in you.

Dire…. 2. Do all thy Heavenly work heartily, til… you find and feel it good.

1. In Meditation. 2. In Exercising thy Graces. 3. In performing Duties.

1. Be liv…y, warm,Psal. 104.34.Ps 104:34 and rais'd in thy holy Meditations Think of God, till you love, p. 202fear and honour him, till thoughts of him be sweet. I should urge the same counsel as to Heaven and Hell, that you would get above into Glory, in Meditation, till you hear the high sounding Cymbals of Glory, and the Saints shouting, and in Triumph, and see those Glorious Mansions: And that you Descend into Hell in your thoughts, till you hear the screitches and groans of the damn'd, and see their sweats, pangs and throws; you will not hold your Souls to it, but pass away slightly, and all makes no impression. For want of this, it is, that Sermons and Prayers do little good.

So should you think of sin, till you feel its weight, and groan under its burden, and loath, and fly from, and fight against it. Alas! we do but read and hear, and talk of sin; we do not feel it and cry out under its burden, as Psal. 38. beg. as sinking and undone.

So should you think of Christ, his Death and Sufferings, his Life and Resurrection, his Ascension into Glory, his sitting …n the Right hand of God, his second coming to Judgement in all his Glory, till your Souls are ravisht and affected with it; you are to die with him,Gal. 2.20.Gal 2:20 and to live by him. …t's quite another thing, than to read, hear and speak of him. Think of his Love and … Grace, till your Hearts be inflam'd with Love, 'till your Hearts burn within you, hi… love being shed abroad in your Souls, also his love constraining you; and you cry out sensibly, p. 203O the height and length, and depth and breadth of his love; it will be so,Eph. 3.16.17.Eph 3:16Eph 3:17 if you are rooted and grounded in love; and get such a knowledge of God and Christ, as it may be life Eternal, and you may really see all else dung and dross: Steep your hard hearts in this love and blood of Christ, till they break, bleed, and dissolve.

So study, ponder, ruminate and search the Scriptures, till the Threatnings make you tremble, and the Commands delight you and are the joy of your hearts, and the Promises comfort and encourage you, that you can say, O! how I love thy Law, and my Soul breaketh for longing, and thy word is the rejoycing of my Heart. Think once and again, till you taste the sweetness of the hony and the hony-comb; till these be your Songs in your Pilgrimage, your light in darkness; till these comforts delight your Souls in the multitude of your thoughts. O! make somewhat of Religion. What are the promises to us, if we do not believe and suck the comfort and sweetness of these breasts of consolation? Alas! the most read the Word of God, only as Children, that they may come to the end of the Chapter or Psalm; or read it only as Davids and Pauls, and others experiences; but not make it their own.

2. Exercise your Graces, till you find them lively, warm and evidencing▪ Many are p. 204doubting and troubl'd, and concern'd about what is past, whether all be right and well. Set to it now Heartily; labour to believe, till thou do'st find faith lively and working, working by love,Multi osculantur Christum, pauci vero amant. and carrying thee on in good. Many believe a God, but not fear, love and honour him; believe a Christ, but not prize, delight, glory in, and cleave to him, as to their Head, Lord and Saviour. The most live, as if they verily believ'd there was no God, no Christ, no Hell, no Heaven; as if they had no Souls to take care of. Live, loving God and delighting in him, till you find your Hearts burn within you in love to him; you can't love God a-right, unless you love him with all the Heart and Soul.Deut. 6.5.Deut 6:5 Weep and grieve for sin, till your Souls bleed and break; till you cry out as pain'd, sick at Heart,Ille dolet verè qui sine teste dolet. as one in a dark Dungeon under cruel enemies, without food and cloathing, moanes and mourns; as one under racking pain cries out and roars. Psalm 38. beg. Some judge, the Psalmist cries out more of the wounds and bruises of his Soul, than of the sickness and aches of his Body; that is a lively Repentance, not to be repented of. 2 Cor. 7.11. What clearing of your selves, yea, what zeal, yea, what indignation? O what, how great? Did you ever find the sweetness and comfort of an humble, meek, broken, patient, self-denying Soul? It's a blessed thing, when a man hath this rejoycing in himself; when he finds Tribulation working Patience, and That p. 205experience, and thence hope, and the love of God is shed abroad in the Soul.

What a support is a real, lively,Heb. 6. lastHeb 6 blessed hope, well-grounded? when say, why art thou cast down, O my Soul? hope in God.

In a word, can you cleave to God, claim your interest in him, depend upon him? Do you fear him above all, love him exceedingly? Can I say, my Soul thirsteth after God, the living God; use Davids Expressions as mine own? My God is in Heaven, the Word for my use, my faith, my support. Psal. 18. beg. I love the Lord my strength, the Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, the horn of my Salvation, and my high Tower. Whom have I in Heaven but thee? Psalm 73.25.

3. Perform all your duties so, till you find the sweetness, the real good, comfort and advantage of them. Pray, till your Hearts be warmed and enliven'd, poure out your Souls to him; alas! the most do but poure words, either written down and read them, or utter them from the strength of invention and memory; but few stir up themselves to call on God. They shall find me, says God, when they seek me with all their Heart. No wonder, a Hypocrite will not pray always, because, he is so empty, superficial and heartless in his work. Can we expect God should delight in those Prayers, we are not pleas'd with, but weary of, our selves? Most do p. 206verily believe, God doth not hear and regard them, and therefore they expect nothing. Our Voices cannot reach the Heavens, therefore it must be the cries of the Soul, God knows who prays indeed, and who does not. This Solomon could once speak, though afterward he fell off fouly himself. 2 King. 8.38, 39. What Prayer and supplication is made by any Man, or by all the people, (whether alone or together) which shall know every Man the plague of his own Heart, and spread forth his hands; then hear thou in Heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do and give to every Man according to his ways, whose Heart thou knowest, for thou, even thou only, knowest the Hearts of all the Children of Men. God knows the cries of his own Children, and he seeks such to Worship him,Joh. 4.23.John 4:23 as do it in Spirit and Truth. Can you come to God as to your God and Father, with delight and love, expecting, longing and believing? Alas! what are the most Prayers, but the howling of Dogs, that Gods Soul abhors? Pray as Moses, not to let God go without a Blessing;Luke 18. beg.Luke 18 as Jacob, wrestle with God; cry, as one undone without mercy.

Come boldly, read and hear, as to find the Word really good to your Souls, not as the word of Man, but as the Word of God, that you find it the savour of life, and it's in you a Well of Water springing up to Eternal Life.

p. 207Receive the Body and Blood of Christ, as that you may eat and drink Eternal Life.

Follow your callings and business in the World, as doing all in obedience to God, expecting your reward from him; and performing all Offices of love and watchfulness, of care and faithfulness to others, that you may have comfort in your tenderness, pity, bounty, charity and kindness, in your breasts; there is great satisfaction in that Mans Soul, that hath bowels of mercies, kindness, forbearance, forgiveness,Col. 3.12.Col 3:12 as well as refreshment to others. 'Twas the saying of one, O the lusciousness of being charitable and doing good! There is inward joy, from the exercise of Grace toward God or Man, and the testimony and rejoycing of a Mans own Conscience. As a wicked Man is rack'd and tormented from his own guilt, and horror and deceit, though none else know it.

Direct. 3. Verily believe and fix, fasten it on your Hearts, that sin and wickedness is destroying and self-undoing, and true goodness and Godliness is self-saving and true prosperity.

1. Whatever sin may seem to promise, or appear innocent and harmless, it doth wound, hurt and kill the sinner; and therefore sin must die or the Soul must die; look upon p. 208sins of commission or omission, they are all destroying.

Jer. 4.14.Jer 4:14(1.) Vain and sinful thoughts are hurtful and pernicious; wash thine Heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved; how long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee? proud thoughts, wanton thoughts, carking, caring thoughts, covetous, worldly thoughts, envious, malicious thoughts, Hypocritical, deceitful thoughts, blasphemous thoughts; unbelieving the greatness and goodness of God, are gnawing Vermine, Soul-destroying, get into the very Bowels. Christ tells the Scribes and Pharisees that kept a-do about the outside, and were concern'd about what they eat and drink, Matth. 15. beg. That whatever they eat and drink, was not so hurtful as what comes out of the filthy Heart. 17, 18, 19, 20, v. Out of the Heart proceed evil Thoughts, Murders, Adulteries, &c. these defile and hurt the Man; what a swarm of noisome Flies, what filthy Serpents and Toads creep out thence? and these hurt and kill; nay, want of good thoughts is hurtful and destroying.Psal. 10.4.Ps 10:4 It's said of the wicked, God is not in all their thoughts; his Heart says,Ps. 14 beg.Ps 14 there is no God like a fool, a sinful undone fool, as he is; far from having any secret and precious thoughts of God. Now the Soul dies for want of this good food and nourishment, as surely as with Poyson.

p. 209(2.) Sinful words are also dangerous, hurtful and destroying; many say their Tongues are their own; who is Lord over us? Matth. 12. 33 to 37. Bad Fruit shews a bad Tree, that must be hewn down and cast into the fire; the stinking corrupt Communication comes out of the filthy dunghil of the Heart, and the open Sepulcre the Throat; but every idle word must be accounted for, v. 36. That is not all, but idle words will Condemn and Cast the Man, Jam. 3. beg. 6 v. It's a fire, a world of iniquity, defiles the whole body, sets on fire the course of nature, and it's set on fire of Hell, and therefore must to Hell. Therefore ch. 1. v. 26. The Apostle says plainly, If any man seem to be Religious, and bridleth not his Tongue, he deceiveth his own Heart, and the mans Religion is vain. i. e. That man is lost, is utterly undone, all the World can't save him. How many Curse, and Swear and Blaspheme, and can't think any hurt in it? Some call to God to Damn them, &c. Curse those about them, and any that offend them; others lie, and flatter and dissemble; others speak filthily and obscenely.Psalm 12.2, 3, 4.Ps 12:2Ps 12:3Ps 12:4 What says the Apostle, Eph. 5.3. to 6. first he says, Fornication and uncleanness is not to be named, it doth not become Saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, this many think very innocent; no, says the Apostle, it is not convenient, i. e. for Saints; you have other work and use for your Tongues, to praise and give thanks, v. 6. p. 210Let no Man deceive you with vain Words, let them think or say what they please, for because of these things, the Wrath of God cometh upon the Children of Disobedience. You shoot your bitter envenom'd Arrows against others, but drawing the Sword cuts the Scabbard; the Powder that blows up others Houses or Names, must burn it self: Nor is it only hurtful to speak evil, but not to speak good; in the 19, 20. v. he tells you a better use of your Tongues. After the Apostle Col. 3.8. advised to put of Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy and filthy Communication out of their mouth, and not to lie one to another; he follows it 15, 16. That the peace of God dwell in your Hearts, and the Word of Christ dwell richly in you, that they may teach and admonish one another. How can we reasonably expect, that these tongues should praise God in the highest Heavens, that do not pray unto, and praise him here on Earth? Can we imagine, that God gave us such useful members to imploy only about this lower World, dirt and vanity?

(3.) I might instance in all sinful works; the filthy unclean person hunts for his own Life, his own Soul, Prov. 5.3. Though it seems as an Hony-comb, and as Oyl, her end v. 4. is bitter Wormwood, a cutting Sword, as Death, as Hell. v. 7. Then mourn at last, v. 11. And thy flesh and thy body consumed, v. 20.21. Why thus guilty, when p. 211God sees all? v. 22. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and holden with cords he shall die without help. ch. 6.32. He that is guilty destroyeth his own Soul, ch. 7. last. Much more is said, he is abhorr'd of the Lord, though Sinners say it's sweet. ch. 9. v. 17, 18. It's their ignorance and mistake, the dead are there, and those in the depths of Hell.

So might you observe in all other sins and sinners;1 Cor. 6.9.1 Cor 6:9 the drunkard doth but swallow down poyson, his own destruction, for living and dying so he must to Hell,Pro. 23.29, 32.Prov 23:29Prov 23:32 who hath woe, who hath sorrow, and that often at present, but at last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder; cheating, cozening and defrauding others, is but wronging a mans self most. He lyes in wait to deceive his own Soul; he cheats another of his Mony, his Goods, his Estate, but cheats himself of Truth, Honesty, Sincerity and true Peace.

Who would believe, that Men in covetousness were heaping up not wealth,Jam. 5. beg.Jas 5 but wrath against the day of wrath, and adding fewel to their own flames? That proud ambitious aspiring Men were falling and sinking by their pride and rising, and that they were getting up but to a higher pinacle to fall down the lower, and with the greater vengeance?

What shall I say to convince you? will you believe, that rejecting and slighting Gods calls and word, you cast away your own p. 212mercies, that you render your selves unworthy and uncapable of Everlasting Life?Act 13.46.Acts 13:46

So in all neglect of Heavenly duties and their own work, they lose daily and cheat themselves of much good, of their own peace, life and happiness; lose their time and blessed Seasons, they lose Jewels better than Gold and Silver. It's sad to see, how many are robbing and stealing from themselves every day precious hours and choice advantages, this loss will appear in shewing the others gain.

2. On the other hand, Godliness is your making. Men may run this and that way; nothing but sincerity and a good Conscience will stand by a Man and support him at last; doing good makes the bones fat and the Soul rejoyce. What comfort had David in praying and praysing night and day, sick and well, banisht, or in his Throne? Great peace have they which love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them; in keeping thy Commandments is great reward. A Man that is Heavenly and hearty in Prayer, is getting more than he that is Trading, and gaining Gold and Silver. Little do the foolish mad World know or believe, what a Christian is getting daily upon his knees, he is laying up Treasure in Heaven; he shall be receiving a full and glorious answer to his Prayers to all Eternity. Where are any such proffers and promises made to any the wisest Worldly p. 213work, as are to Gods blessed and Heavenly work? A Christian is adding Grace to Grace. 2 Pet. 1.5. &c. adds to his Jewels and Treasure; the trial of your faith being more precious than that of Gold. Who can tell the wealth of a sincere Christian? who knows his mansion in Heaven, the worth of his Crown and Kingdom, a Crown not of Gold, but Glory? Who can tell, how much is coucht up in one promise? they are said to be exceeding rich and precious promises: What is the greatness of Gods love, the invaluable merits of Christs Blood, the riches of free Grace? What may be said or done to convince the World, that Godliness of it self,foreign 1 Tim. 6.6. Qui habet habentem omnia, habet omnia.1 Tim 6:6 we render it with contentment, it's in the original with its self-sufficiency, is great gain? Can he be poor, mean, or low, that hath God for his Portion, Heaven for his inheritance? What can be said now? All is yours, and you are Christs, and Christ is Gods. 1 Cor. 3. last.

p. 214Direct. 4. Do not delude and deceive your selves with these common and dangerous mistakes, about your sad perishing condition.

1. As with secrecy. 2. Present security and ease. 3. With excuses, evasions and extenuations. 4. With feigned Repentance. 5. With groundless hopes of mercy and foolish presumption.

These are all dangerous Rocks, on which Thousands of Souls split themselves and perish.

1. With secrecy; it's all hidden and close, they are not discern'd and discover'd in their cunning, self-deceiving courses. All Men attempt, is, to hide their poyson from others. As Men that would murder themselves, study all secrecy. Many are not so disturb'd at being drunk twenty times,Magis pudoris timidis quam salutis. Tertull. as at being discover'd or reprov'd once. More afraid of being known to the World for their wickedness, than of being damn'd to all Eternity. God declares often, that every secret thing shall be brought to light,Eccles. 12.14.Eccl 12:14 and every hidden thought and work shall be laid open to all the World. 1 Cor. 4. beg. The Apostle values not Mens judgement, because the Lord will come, and will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the Heart, and then shall every Man have praise p. 215of God that deserves it: What though none know that I am sick, and pained or poor, and I feel the pinching pains and want? What though others know not my secret wickedness, my secret neglects of Closet-Prayer and holy Meditation; my deadness and unbelief in duty; my hypocrisie and falseness to God and Man? this will certainly destroy me. Gods eye is upon me; as one, tempted to wickedness, would not yeild till great privacy, when this or that place was offer'd, where none saw; the party answer'd, but Gods eye is here. Said Joseph, How shall I do this wickedness and sin against God? Heb. 4.13. Pro. 7.19, 20.Heb 4:13Prov 7:19Prov 7:20Though my Earthly Master be not at home, my Heavenly Master is always present.

2. Please not your selves with present ease and security.

(1.) Because you can't perceive your selves so deeply wounded and dangerously hurt by sin. You can't feel your pains and death-pangs. Were there such hurt in sin, should I not perceive it?Matth. 24.Matt 24 Were they not marrying and giving in Marriage, till the flood came? Was there any hurt in this? but they are senseless of their danger. When sinners shall cry peace,1 Thes. 5.3.1 Thess 5:3 then sudden Destruction comes as pangs on a woman, that is in ease and merry one quarter of an hour, and on a sudden come throws, pangs and groanes; are not all other sinners as secure as you?

p. 2162. Nor because you can't forsee the future mischief and danger. The things Eternal are not seen, the evils as well as the comforts. The prudent Man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself, Pro. 22.3.Prov 22:3but the simple pass on and are punisht. This is the main difference between the wise and the foolish; the wise man is wise in time, the fool when 'tis too late. The sinners eyes are never open till death, as they report of the Mole. You find in Scripture frequent advice, hear while it is to day; this is the day of Salvation; too morrow may be the day of Death and Damnation. He that speaks to day, may choose whether he will speak to morrow. Now, the gentle mild Voice of the Gospel, the next, may be the terrible and loud call to judgement; if you'l not hear God now, he will not hear you then; and therefore bids you seek him whilst he may be found, and call upon him whilst he is near; intimating, that there is a time coming when he will not be found, when he will be a-far off.Pro. 1. last.Prov 1 Whatsoever you do, do it heartily now, for there is no working in the Grave, whither you are going. Nor is the great danger and dreadful misery the less or the farther off,Excl. 9.10. because you do not discern it; for ought you know the Judge standeth at the door, and it is said he cometh like a Thief in the night, he comes in a day and hour that the sinner thinketh not of; their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, this their way is their folly.

p. 2173. Deceive not your self with excuses, evasions and extenuations.

1. You think that you have much to say for your selves. You can plead your innocency, and it was a strong temptation and you could not help it, and you are sorry for it. When I have ask'd some, why they neglect Gods Ordinances and good Duties? they have reply'd, Indisposition, care of their Families, providing necessaries; I have immediately reply'd, will God take such an answer? they have said, they fear not; why then, what advantage is it thus to answer me and deceive your selves? God will not be mocked; he knows, when 'tis our weakness and when our wickedness. They made excuses, and plausible ones too, Matth. 22. beg. One went to his Farm, another to his Merchandise, v. 5. Luke 14. v. 18. The first said, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it, I pray thee have me excused; he did not wrong and cheat another, 'twas his own Ground, bought and paid for; he did not say, he would glory and delight in it, and make it his portion, only go and prove it. v. 19. Another said, I have bought five yoke of Oxen, and I go to prove them. v. 20. Another said, I have married a Wife, and therefore cannot come; not plead for Fornication or Adultery; but I have the burdens and cares of a Married state, and it's as much as I can do to mind these affairs; but did all this satisfie? p. 218no, v. 20. The Master of the House was angry, and invites others, sends away the Gospel, and calls from these to another people. v. 24. I say unto you, none of these men that are bidden shall tast of my Supper. These lower things may be priz'd above spiritual and Heavenly things, and this is neglecting so great Salvation. Martha had much to say for her self;Luke 10. last.Luke 10 What! the Son of God, the Saviour of the World come to her house with his company, and want Provision and necessaries? I doubt not but she did it out of great respect to Christ; this appears,

1. She was cumbred with much serving; she was not idle and lazy. Many will have little or no thanks for their caring and carking, and tumbling about the World: I have pitied many poor drudging industrious worldlings, that weary themselves for very vanity.

2. In that she could come to Christ, and call him Lord, not doubting but that she was well-pleasing to him, carest thou not, &c. bid her therefore that she help me. No doubt but many think they are well enough, whilst employ'd about the World all the day, though they forget God and neglect their Souls. She leaves me alone, I do not desire to be idle, I would have her help me.Ut unà mecum manus admoveat operi. I could be glad to hear a good Sermon as well as she; thus many Worldlings condemn those that take time for Prayer and Hearing, and say, they are idle, they are idle.

p. 219Notwithstanding Martha's care and provision, her confidence and appealing to Christ, her condemning her good Sister; Christ reproves her severely, and justifies and commends her good Sister. Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubl'd about many things; I know not, but Christ may check in her a solicitous, careful, worldly spirit, which may be too predominant in many good people: (as I doubt not, but Martha was a good woman; it's said,John 11.5.John 11:5 Jesus loved Martha and her Sister, and Mary) Christ tells her, that her head, heart and hands, were too full of worldly matters, but especially now very unseasonably, when there were greater things in hand. Christ commends, justifies good Mary, she sate at Christs feet, she had chosen the better part; this was the one thing needful, this should last for ever. This affords many considerations; that Heavenly things are quietly receiv'd, when Worldly matters afford trouble and disturbance; these things are really necessary, absolutely necessary, the other not; I may want Riches, Food, Health, &c. and be happy, and go to Heaven. I can't be happy without this Grace. There are many things, here is but one God, one Christ, one Soul, one Happiness; that is called good, but not so really; it's a false name to call Riches, &c. good; there is none good but God, says Christ, and there is nothing really good but what makes us good, and leads us to a good God: Some render p. 220it optimam partem, the best part, others meliorem, quàm Martha; a better part than what Martha chose; and Mary chose and priz'd this above the other, and it's the only lasting, everlasting part; so that Mary might answer, sister Martha, be not angry, I have a poor hungry Soul like to be starv'd, and I can't now mind the body; that is meat that perisheth, I am now labouring after the meat that endureth to Everlasting Life; I am now attending on my precious Saviour, whom I highly honour and dearly love: Ay, but Mary, we may hear Christ another time; but I am not sure of that, besides, I can now and then too, I need present support and comfort, I have a poor wounded sin-sick Soul like to perish, and I must now attend on this Physician; Christ commends the choice, and condemns Martha. Do not you think, excuses will serve your turn; if Christ approve not of Martha's providing for him, how will he condemn you that sit at home, and provide for your selves only and family; spend the greatest part of Gods day about the body? I have often thought Gods day the worst spent of any, in filling and cloathing the carkass, and ease and sloth; more sins committed on this day than others. Please not your selves with feigned excuses and pretences, God knows what you are, lying down and rising up; what your thoughts, words and works are, and what your temptations; what your care to please him, and p. 201what your wilful and ungodly neglects? Many think to plead their ignorance, their company, their Ministers neglect; God knows, what your helps and advantages were, and wherein you were willingly slothful and careless: Though he with one Talent seem'd to plead much that he had not wasted his Talent, not spent it in rioting and excess,Matth. 25.24 to 29.Matt 25:24–29 but laid it up in a Napkin; I was afraid of thy severity, because thou expectedst more of me than thou gavest to me, I had but one Talent, the others had two and five; what could I do with so small knowledge and helps? I could never please thee and do as thou requirest, but here thou hast what is thine, I have done thee no wrong. All this will not excuse, thou art wicked and slothful; out of thine own Mouth I will condemn thee, thou knewest how severe I was, therefore thou should'st have been the more careful and exact; had'st thou improv'd that, I would have given thee more; cast ye that unprofitable Servant into utter darkness; would he not work? let him have nothing but weeping and gnashing of teeth.

4. Deceive not your selves with feigned repentance and pretended sorrow for sin; this will not save you.

Deep sorrow and humiliation, a real broken and contrite Spirit, are the only Sacrifices pleasing to God. Many think, I am sorry for my sins, and can say with the Publican, p. 222Lord, be merciful to me a sinner, and God forgive me; I know not, whether these triffling prayers, or their curses and oathes, are most abominable to God. Cry out, wretched Man that I am, who shall deliver me? He that said it was Holy and Heavenly, strugling and fighting against sin, and cries out under a deep sense, as one undone and sinking. It's easie to say, I abhor my self in dust and ashes. I doubt not, but many confess their sins in prayer daily, and pretend sorrow, when there is not the least grief of heart, nor trouble of spirit. We have many sinners, but few true mourners, in our Sion. How few restless and unquiet, weary and heavy laden, and not satisfied till they come to Christ and find rest for their Souls? It's a great, a mighty work, to have this heart really broken. You read of Ahab, the Men of Nineveh, and many others, who seem'd to repent, but did such false tears ever reach one sin?

5. Please not your selves with groundless hopes of mercy and presumptions on Gods love and kindness.

You read indeed, that God is gracious and merciful, and long-suffering, but it is added, that he will by no means clear the guilty. Say not, though Men are severe, I hope God will pity and pardon, and save me; ay, but what grounds have you to hope, that he will pity and save you? Are your Names written in p. 223the Book of Life here? then hope and believe it's written above. God hath said, Blessed are the poor in Spirit, the poor in Heart, &c. am I such, or no? Should one dream at night of a Pardon from a King, or that such a Mans Estate is mine, and come the next morning for the Pardon, or claim the Estate? and the other should ask, why? what have you to shew for it, any thing under mine hand? and he answer, no, but I dreamt so the last night; he might be kickt out of doors with disdain and anger, and counted fitter for Bedlam. Foolish mad sinners, that knock at Heaven Gates and claim it for theirs; will not God say, What hast thou to shew under my Hand and Seal? where did I ever promise Mercy and Heaven to one that did live daily, as thou didst? Look over the whole Bible, bring me one promise, and i'le make it good. My dear friends, why should you flatter your selves to your own destruction, and no convincing you now, till God doth silence you at last? only say, Lord, I dreamt so, when on Earth; a foolish and fruitless Dream.

6. Deceive not your selves with delays.

Many Thousands destroy themselves with resolutions, and promises of saving themselves hereafter. The time is not yet come. The Devil and your own Hearts, and this wicked World, are cunning sophisters, and p. 224they will not crave all your time together, only have it by peice-meals, till they have all at last: Every morning they will fill you, as soon as you are awake, with other matters, and thus keep you employ'd all the day; and when they have you lull'd you asleep that night, they will be with you the next day, and as likely to prevail; and thus keep you close to themselves, that they shall have the performances, and God all the promises; say only to God, I go, Sir, but not stir; at night you shall confess that you have sinn'd all that day, but never begin to live better the next day. We should be asham'd to put into our prayers at night, Lord, raise me up the next day, that I may eat and drink and be merry, that I may be idle and vain, and not think or speak seriously of God or my Soul, or another World; or in a morning, pray for a Blessing all the day, but walk out of the way of Blessing all the day after. Should we not blush to say, Lord, Bless me in my idleness, in my wicked company, in my jesting and triffling? well, but we hope to live better hereafter; what! next week, or next year? no, never come to a determinate time, and thus the Devil hath us fast enough. Did you not think many years ago, that if you liv'd to such an Age, you would be better? and have you not the same old, dead, vain and worldly Hearts, that you had long ago? Are you not still as backward to good, as prone to evil, as you were formerly? Have you not resolv'd often p. 225to cast up your accounts and prepare solemnly for Eternity, but still you neglect it; and will you still trust these wicked deceitful Hearts, that have deceiv'd you so often? Have not these wicked Hearts left you many a good Sermon, many a blessed Sabbath, many an awakning, searching providence? and are they not as likely to lose you as many more, if God grant them to you? but it may be, you have seen your best days, and God may never grant you so many blessed advantages; how many Heavenly Lights have burnt out, whilst you have been idle and triffling? many lively, serious Ministers, are gone to rest, that did strive, pray, intreat and weep, and could not prevail: If you still believe, you shall be better in such a condition, or such an Age, observe those that are so, and see, whether they be not as careless and negligent about their Souls, as others. Do not you seem as far from Death and Judgement, as you were twenty years ago? God says, to day hear, and the Devil says, to morrow;Heb. 3.15.Heb 3:15 he that is really made good, sets to Gods work presently.

As soon as ever Saul was converted, he said presently, What wilt thou have me to do? Act. 9. beg.Acts 9and God says, Behold, he prayeth; and the Prodigal, as soon as ever he came to himself, he came to his Father, and said,Luke 15.Luke 15 I am willing to be thy Servant; and those that Christ at first call'd, immediately left all and followed him; when one said, let me go first and bury my Father, p. 226Christ said,Luk. 9. last.Luke 9 Let their dead bury their dead, but go thou presently and preach the Kingdom of God; another said, let me bid those at home farewel, no, said Christ, no man putting his hand to the Plough, that looketh back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. It's but reasonable, they are receiv'd, as the Prodigal, into the arms of Mercy presently, have all their sins pardon'd, all Grace given, the ring and fatted Calf; all is ready, and therefore they must love and pray, and praise presently. Says Paul, Gal. 1.15, 16, 17, 18. vers.Gal 1:15Gal 1:16Gal 1:17Gal 1:18As soon as I was called by Grace, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, but went to work presently. Shall a Man that is rais'd out of the Grave and rottenness, desire to lye down a few hours and days longer, and then walk and work among the living? No, say presently, what have I to do any more with my wicked Heart, Tongue, Life, and Company?

Direct. 5. Labour to get above this World and all its concernments, admire not its greatness, nor regard its glorious prospect and large promises, nor fear its threatnings and troubles.

This is a great snare, undoing thousands, they can't get beyond this World; nothing but Faith can conquer this World, by Christ you may be Crucified to the World, and the World to you. Christ says, These are not of the World, 1 John 5.4, 5.1 John 5:41 John 5:5as I am not of the World, my Kingdom is not of this World. We read p. 227and speak of things, but do not really live as Strangers and Pilgrims, as Travellers and Sojourners; are we not at home here? do we not set up our resting place here, and are disquieted, when we are unsetled, and cry out as if we were undone?

Be convinc'd, that your happiness is not here, nor can all these things save you and make you truly blessed. Solomon is as a Man got to the top of the Worlds Glory, set upon the pinnacle, upon the highest mountain to see and enjoy the Kingdoms of the World and the Glory of them. What could be desir'd more than he declares? Eccles. 2.3. great Works, Houses, Vineyards, Gardens and Orchards, Trees of all kind of Fruits, all Servants, great and small Cattle, Silver and Gold, the peculiar Treasure of Kings, Men-Singers, Women-Singers,Bonum, honestum, utile & jucundum. and the delights of the Sons of Men, as Musical Instruments, and that of all sorts; here was Honour, Profit and Pleasures, and withal his great Wisdom remain'd with him: Nay, v. 10. he satisfied his desires to the full, fulfill'd his joy, and his Heart rejoyced in all; and yet v. 11. upon a serious review, I looked upon all, and it was vanity, nothing in it, nay, it was vexation and no profit; nay, he could see little in his worldly Wisdom, because it happeneth to the fool and the wise both alike, v. 14, 15. and in the Grave there is no remembrance of the wise more than the fool, forgotten in the next Age; and withal, he that p. 228comes after may be a fool, v. 18, 19. as it fell out with Rehoboam; he seems in this Book to call to the rest of the World, that are struggling, tugging and striving to get up to this mountain, some lye scraping and groveling at the bottom, others are got up a little way farther, some half-way; he calls from the very top to you, and says, Deceive not your selves, strive and struggle no more, you think, were you were I am, you should be happy, I am got to the very top, and see it all vanity and vexation. And lest the voluptuous, and the lustful and the riotous person, should think, there is more sweetness and satisfaction in excess, God gave him up to the range of his lusts; he had not only abundance, 1 King. 4, 22. &c. Solomons provision for one day, was thirty measures of fine flowr, and threescore measures of meal, ten fat Oxen, and twenty Oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred Sheep, besides Harts and Roe-Bucks, and Fallow-Deer, and fatted Fowl. v. 26. &c. He had fourty thousand stalls of Horses for his Chariots, and twelve thousand Horse-men; he had wonderful wisdom, spake three thousand Proverbs, and Songs a thousand and five. Ch. 10.27. He made Silver to be as stones in Jerusalem; he also gave himself to Wine and Women, had seven hundred Concubines and three hundred Wives; and at last cries out as one poor and empty, and undone, and says, all is Vanity and vexation of Spirit. If you will not believe his own experience, and think he spoke p. 229it out of discontent and indignation; hear what he says as to all the highest, the best, the sweetest, the longest, the surest of these Earthly enjoyments.

He dies as the beast, rots and stinks in the dust, Chap. 3. v 19, 22.no bringing him up to see what is after him.

No satisfaction whilst he is here, Chap. 4.8.though none to succeed, nor childe, nor brother, yet greedy scrapings, and never think he hath enough, nor comfortably enjoy what he hath; verse 16.and if he hath a second after him, not rejoyce in him.

He is not satisfied with his abundance, Chap. 5. verse 10, 11, 12.only beholds with his eyes what others eat and enjoy; only disturbs his rest, when the labourer sleeps sweetly.

It hurts him whilst alive, v. 13, 14.and carries none of it with him; when he dies, only labours for the Wind.

He eats in darkness, verse 17.18.and tormented in his sickness.

Some have much, Chap. 6. v. 2,and have not power to eat and enjoy it.

Though he beget an hundred Children, v. 3.6.and live many years, nay, though two thousand years, which none attain to.

He concludes, Ch. 7.2 to 6.that sororw is better than laughter, and the house of mourning and death better than life, all its joy but as the crackling of thornes.

None can escape death, all cut off, Ch. 8.8.wise and foolish, rich and poor.

He shews that prosperity is a snare, verse 11, 12, 13.and hardens Men in their wickedness, lulls them asleep in security, till cut off dreadfully at last.

p. 230Chap. 9.1, 2, 3, 5, 6.These things come alike to good and bad, no difference, only the wicked cut off dreadfully at last; and all is gone, their memory, their passions will cease.

verse 11, 12.It's not skill, nor strength, nor wisdom, always gives this prosperity, taken at last as Fishes and Birds unawares.

Ch 10.6.7.Sometimes, fools and servants and the base, rise and prosper, and the noble and worthy deprest and kept under.

Ch. 11.7, 8, 9, 10.He adviseth at last, that Men would not please themselves with the present light, because sweet, nor with many years, though he hath joy in them all, but remember the days of darkness, that shall be many. How long hath Solomon himself lain in the dark silent Grave? Nor the young Man should so please himself in chearing his Heart, and walking in his own ways, but remember the great day of Judgement, when all those things shall be brought forth, therefore he should remove sorrow from his Heart, and evil from his Flesh.

Chap. 12.1, &c.And at last adviseth him to what I am now urging, to remember his Creatour, and therein himself in the midst of his pleasure, remembring the years of old Age, v. 13.14.how then he would decay; and at last shuts up all with this, that the whole of Man is to be wise to Salvation, Hoc est omnis homo, or hoc omne est homo.and prevent a dreadful Judgement and Condemnation; for this is the whole of Man, this is your making and marring.

p. 231Now why should we be so foolish to delude our selves with these matters?Col Adam, Col. Hebel. the Psalmist tells you Psal. 39.5. Every Man in his best estate is altogether vanity. Every Man is very vanity; Man is so, every Man, rich or poor, high or low, Lord or Peasant; some would grant, that poor and sick, sinking and complaining, old and decaying he is so;Heb. Setled Estate. no, in his best Estate, in all his Pomp, Greatness and Grandeur, he is vanity, not only vain, but vanity in the abstract; to say a Man is poor, or foolish or miserable, it's sad, but to say he is poverty, folly and misery, it self, nay, is altogether vanity, nothing but vanity, not the least substance or reality; and lest you should doubt of it, he adds, verily it is so, this is a real standing truth, nothing more certain; and therefore he adds, v. 6. Surely he walketh in a vain shew. Heb. an image; it's but an appearance, a shadow, a picture, and that a vain one too; he again repeats it, surely they are disquieted in vain; or troubled, Heb. They make a noise, or bustling or tumult, seeking the World, and know not what will become of it and them. Psal. 62. v. 9. Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; because they seem to promise, and to be more than really they are: they are altogether (or alike) lighter than vanity, if weighed in the Ballance with God or his true substantial goodness; and therefore, v. 10. he adviseth not to set our Heart on Riches, though they increase. If the Word will not convince you, p. 232let daily experience, and a wise observation, teach you this necessary truth. What great difference is there in the World? most are hurrying and tumbling with the same care, fear, hope and concernment, about little and great Estates; some pleas'd in a little house made of dirt, and a few cattle and small grounds, another in a lofty house built of stone, great windows, rubb'd rooms and richer furniture, larger demeasnes; but their joys and sorrows are much alike; the one eats and drinks and laughs at the other, only the one hath richer food, or more gaudy Apparel; but as many wants and crosses. I could never yet perceive much difference between 20 l. per Annum, or an 100, or 200, or 500, or 1000 l. most live up to or beyond their Estates, and so are uneasie: They want somewhat more; I except pressing want of necessaries, pain, debt and confinement, or melancholy, otherwise I know or see little difference in any Mens condition. One proud coy Dame is lifted up with her beauty, or dressings and trimmings, Gold and Jewels, though I would put as good on an Ass or a Post, and neither of them the better; another proud of her plainer Dress and homely Apparel; one pleasing her self in a beautiful witty Child, another in a foolish wanton and ill-bred Brat; one boasts of his Honour, and Parentage and his Horses, &c. said an Heathen, Why, vain man, it's thy Horses proportion, Epictetus.and strength and swiftness, not thine; p. 233another boasts of his wit, skill and ingenuity, a third of his lewdness, excesses and beastly attempts; all full of folly and madness: Some in a higher degree, others in a lower. Children pride themselves in their shining counters, and other little play-games; these in their richer Ornaments, in a little finer and yellow dust, in greater baubles,Silver and Gold. and are the greater fools. It would make you weary, and even sick at Heart, to hear some boast of their own actions, their success by Sea and Land, their skill and increase in Trade, and it may be most false, but you must hear and admire, that they may undergo the like drudgery to hear your silly trifling matters; most are weary of it in others, but can't see it in themselves: But were there any great difference now, Death and the Grave lay all level; then it shall be as with the People, so with the Priest,Isa 24.1, 2.Isa 24:1Isa 24:2 as with the Servant, so with the Master; here some difference and distance, but then none; as with the Maid, so with the Mistress; the one imperiously commands now, and it may be unreasonably and foolishly, and the other must heartily obey: But then alike; the b…es lye alike in the Grave, as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the borrower, so with the lender; the one purchaseth and possesses, the other poor and turn'd out; but then all alike. We see Men and Women hurrying and posting one by another, some rich, others poor, some wise, p. 234others foolish, all hastning to the Grave. I am often thinking, whither are they going so fast, what are they doing? some in their shops are waiting for gain, others in the Taverns, Ale-houses and Coffee-houses, wasting away their precious time idly and sinfully; some riding in pomp in their Coaches to the Grave with rich Attendants and Liveries, and others running on foot; and some crawling and creeping in pain and anguish; some plodding mischief, how to cheat, cozen and wrong others, and boast when they are too hard for them; others standing on their watch, and contriving how to escape them; and both in the mean while neglecting their Souls, and the Devil robbing them of their best Treasures; some chiding, others flattering and dissembling; some spending time, days and weeks, about Physick and watchfulness, fire and warm rooms, either about themselves or their Children, if sick or weak, or it may be only fancies and groundless fears make themselves and theirs very sick: Others pulling down these weak tottering houses that are falling of themselves, and hard to support them a little while; and yet they pluck away the props, (I mean, moderate dyet and honest industry) nay, set it on fire with enflaming liquor, or drown it, or make the pillars rotten and moulder, by uncleanness and intemperate eating and drinking. Some spend their time in weeping and telling stories of such a Child p. 235dead, and such crosses and losses, and such unkindness of friends; anothers care and concernment is, how to live hereafter, and fear and thoughtfulness about the Children and Family for the time to come, and all this while no fear of Hell, nor thought of, nor preparation for, Heaven. Some great Men, and proud, spend their time in luxury, in commanding, domineering and idleness, others in flattering, and admiring and applauding, though inwardly hate them: Some live twenty years, others thirty, some forty, others threescore or fourscore years, and for my part, when buryed, I know little that he of threescore or fourscore years hath gotten, or can boast of, more than he that died at twenty or ten years, only eat, and drink and sleep a little longer, any farther than he lives more to God, dies to sin, and prepares for Death and Judgement. I know not, what we are the better for the last week and year, and if we live another, what will it amount to? only eat and drink, and sleep it over again.

I thank God, I write not this out of any discontent, or in the least to slight Gods goodness and the mercies of this Life; length of days is promis'd us, and is a mercy; and I have liv'd as comfortably and plentifully as any Man under my circumstances, far beyond what I could have at first propos'd and expected; but I write it out of a deep sense that hath a long time lain on my Heart, of p. 236the vanity of this World, and the folly of my self and all others; and from great zeal and indignation, that Heaven, Grace and Christ, should be neglected for these toys and trifles. For my part, tho' I had liv'd never so well, I would not desire to live over my days again, eat and drink, and sleep as much, any farther than I might do more good, pray more heartily, and bring more Glory to God. This I find the pretence of most, but it's a most horrible delusion and cheat; they beg time for God and their Souls, but they give it still to the Devil, their Lusts and the World. Act over the same sins, and neglect the same duties, or as triflingly perform them. I know not, what some promise themselves more in this life, were there not a Heaven and Hell, and good work to be done here on Earth, and were it Gods way, I should not value it, if I dug mine own Grave and lye down it, and desire some walking mortals to cover me over. O! that ever this pitiful, empty, troublesome, trifling World, should hinder Men so much in their way to Heaven, and make them venture, yea, and lose their Souls for nought? Will you refuse to be diverted, or to be comforted, by any of these things, nor be affrighted or disturb'd by the miseries or threatnings of this World? Pass thorow this World to your home and rest; order all your matters with respect to Eternity.

p. 237Direct. 6. Make use of the means, God hath appointed for your Self-preservation and Soul-salvation: I could mention many; i'le name but three.

1. The Word of God. 2. Prayer. 3. Jesus Christ.

1. Go to the Word of God, try your selves by it, and hear and read what That will say; that is your Judge, as that doth justifie or condemn you, so shall you stand or fall at the great day. Now that tells you plainly, foul sinners shall to Hell, and such penitent humble broken Souls shall come to Heaven. You have no Book else that speaks of such great and good things; you need not Ascend into Heaven, nor Descend into Hell,Rom. 10.6, 7, 8.Rom 10:6Rom 10:7Rom 10:8 the Word is nigh thee, even in thy Heart and Mouth, the Word of Faith which we Preach; if confess with Mouth and Heart, thou shalt be sav'd. What plainer than Rom. 2.7, 8, &c. There is no respect of Persons with God, but the wicked must perish, whether Jew or Gentile, and the Righteous must, shall, be sav'd. Now Men flatter and will speak fair to your faces, this is especially the danger of great Men, high and wise Men. An Heathen could say, that a great Mans Son learn'd nothing well but to ride the great Horse; for that knows no difference between Master and Man, and will cast him, if he looks not p. 238to himself: But let him be what he please otherwise,Psal. 49. last.Ps 49 others will praise him to his face, and all fear to offend him. Now the Word says, that God will cut off all evil doers, let them be who they will, say to the Righteous, it shall be well; woe to the wicked, he must perish as his own dung, let him be Lord or Beggar, Prince or Peasant. This Word tells them, that the Kings of the Earth, and the great Men and the rich Men, and the mighty Men, and every bond Man and every free Man,Rev. 9.15, 16, 17.Rev 9:15Rev 9:16Rev 9:17 hide themselves in dens and rocks, and can't stand in the day of Gods wrath: This calls the wicked rich Man, Fool, that would not be born from others, but call for a stab. This tells you plainly, what is sin, and that God regards you not, if you regard iniquity, though in your Heart. This tells you, that God will not bear with the wilful neglect of any one known duty; others, pretending friends, say, ease your selves, spare your selves; but this saith, you must strive, and fight and wrestle, and spend your selves and he spent, and give all diligence, and pray evermore,indefinenter. and pray without ceasing. Your wicked Hearts and others tells you, there is no need of much a-do about Heaven, a little will serve turn; but much labour and care is requisite for Earth; but the Word tells you, that you need not be so careful for too morow, that you may use things indifferently, read diligently, and walk circumspectly to the Law and to the testimonies,Isa. 8.20.Isa 8:20 if your p. 239Heart and others speak not according to this Word, it's because there is no Light in them. This shews you Death and Life, Blessing and Cursing, Good and Evil; and this gives plain marks: Search the Word diligently, and bring your Hearts and Lives to this Touch-stone; prove every thought, word and work. Other Glasses are false, this is a true Glass, will shew you your real face and complexion, this will shew the spots and deformities of the greatest, the proudest.James 1.23, 24.Jas 1:23Jas 1:24 Did your curious proud Ladies look more in this Glass, and less in other Glasses, this might humble them; whereas, the other puff them up. I do not now persuade you, only to read the word diligently and daily, but search into it as into a rich Treasure, and labour to make it your own; believe the promises, and suck the sweetness of them; obey the commands, do the work, till you find the goodness and satisfaction of the blessed Laws of God. As David, Psal. 119. till you cry out sensibly and experimentally, O, how I love thy Law, and thy Word is ever pure, therefore thy servant loveth it!

2. Go to God in Prayer much; cry mightily to him, who alone can save, and is willing and ready. How much were Gods people ever addicted to this duty? and the truth is, you will certainly perish without it. It's the breath of the Soul to God; as the Man can't live naturally without breathing, no more can a Christian spiritually p. 240without praying. But then I must intreat you, as you love your Souls, that you see to it, that you pray indeed; there is much goes for praying amongst us, that will appear but howling, but mockery, but abomination at last; beg of God, that he would open your eyes, undeceive your Souls, and set you in the right way: You will certainly mistake, and miscarry, unless he lead and guide you in the right way; and this you must beg every day, as one perishing, sinking and undone: Say, Lord, I shall perish without hope or help, unless thou stretch out and make bare thy saving arm; pray in secret, poure out your Souls, your complaints, your tears, your earnest requests, nay, seek, yea, if that will not do, knock by earnest Prayer: Say, Lord, what shall I do? these lusts, these temptations, these Sons of Zerviah are too hard for me. I am convinc'd of my folly and neglects, often sorry for them, resolve and promise, but all weares off again; I know not what to do, but my Eyes and Heart are up to thee; I want spiritual Wisdom, I ask it of thee,Jam. 1.5.Jas 1:5 or I shall be miserably and eternally befool'd; I have but little time more to ask it; in Hell tears or cries will not avail nor prevail. If you can't pray, say, Lord, poure out upon me a Spirit of prayer and supplication, the preparation of the Heart to pray, as well as the answer, is from thee. Thy Spirit can teach me, can help mine infirmities; thou hast said, as sure and as freely as earthly Parents p. 241will give to their perishing hungry Children, bread and not stones, fish and not serpents; so certainly and more readily, wilt thou give to them that ask it. Lord, teach me to pray for Mercy, and then graciously give it. Why may not my tongue pray unto thee, and praise thee as well as others? Why may not my Heart breathe after thee, love and delight in thee, as well as others? Hast thou but one Blessing? bless me, even me also, may I say, O my Father. Shall others have bread, and I the husks, ashes, poyson? let me have somewhat, though but crumbs; one crumb of this spiritual Heavenly Mercy is more worth than all the fat Feasts of the wicked. Must I be lost and roar in Hell, and my bosome friend, my good neighbour, triumph in Glory? May not I pray in my Family also, read the Word with delight and comfort, find healing for my wounds, and refreshment for my hungry perishing Soul? Lord, I now beg it as earnestly, as if I were presently dying and appearing before thee. I am sorry I have trifl'd so long, now I am willing, I am resolv'd, to be wholly thine, always thine.

3. Go to Christ for help and deliverance; he came to seek and to save that which was lost and undone, dead and perishing eternally: He lost himself to save you, died himself, that you might live. Now you must come to Christ not only for comfort and p. 242pardon, and joy in being safe and sound; but for Grace and Wisdom, and Strength to be made sound and whole. It's he is made Wisdom to us, that we may not live and die fools, and he is made sanctification as well as righteousness. Christ calls you to come, though miserable, and lost and sinking; nay, because you are so, the fitter to come in to his arms of Mercy: He is able to save thee to the uttermost; you have heard, you can destroy your selves, but can't save your selves; you can wound, but Christ alone can heal those deep ghastly wounds that sin hath made; he was made a curse for us, that we might be blessed. Christ is not priz'd, studied, believ'd, glorified in, as he deserves: How few, as the Apostle, desire to glory in nothing else, and account all else, but dung and dross? When we have done all, and followed the former directions to our best skill and utmost power, we must throw our selves upon Jesus Christ, or we shall perish. The Apostle, so good a Man, found himself utterly lost, Rom. 7.24. and therefore v. 25. thanks God for Jesus Christ; let others boast of their works, glory in their merits; when I consider, how little good I do, and how much evil I fall into daily, I need a Christ. How many sinful vain thoughts in a day, to any serious Heavenly Meditations? How many idle unnecessary words to a little serious Heavenly discourse? How little good I do in a day to what I might, and that p. 243I do with so little delight? and on the other hand, when I consider how great Christs love was, how large Gods bounty is; how glorious and great Heaven will be; I must utterly despair, were it not for Jesus Christ, my dear Saviour; all my Life, every breath of it, is by him, who loved me and gave himself, for me. Some trust in Chariots and some in Horses, some in their Zeal, others in their Strength, some in their Charity, some in their Piety and Devotion; but we will remember the name and merits of Christ our Saviour; when they are brought down and fallen, we may rise and stand upright.

Direct. 7. Be not discourag'd because of the danger and difficulty, were it much more, you were better strive against it than be damn'd; but for your great encouragement, the way is easie, the work pleasant.

God condescends wonderfully, to save the lowest, the meanest: Were there such a Proclamation, as Isa. 55.1, 2. in al Fair or Market, what thronging would there be, come without Mony and without Price? There are many rich and necessary things in Fairs and Shops, but the poor go not thither, because they have not Mony to buy; but were all free for fetching and asking, what running, striving and thronging would there be? Why should you be discouraged? have there not as great and vile sinners as you, been sav'd? What was Manasses? he was an p. 244Idolater,2 Chr. 33.2, 3, 4, &c. v. 12, 13.2 Chr 33:22 Chr 33:32 Chr 33:4 he made Judah and Jerusalem worse than the Heathen; yet when he was in afliction, he prayed and was humbl'd, and the Lord pitied him. What was Mary Magdalen and many others? besides, what mean and inconsiderable persons were sav'd by Christ? the poor Woman of Caanan, the Woman of Samaria, the Publican, the blind beggar by the ways side; and in these, what was eminent or remarkable to commend them to God, but their misery and want, and a deep sense of it, and highly prizing their salvation. Would you not account it an unspeakable mercy, if God would pity and heal, help and save you? What is there more to commend us to Gods pity and Grace? What was there in the poor Widows Mite, but giving up her All with good will and delight. A cup of cold water given in sincerity; the poor Womans pains and teares,Luk. 7. last.Luke 7 and kisses of the feet, as coming from the Heart and great love, how precious to Christ, how kindly observ'd and reckon'd up, as great? alas! what is it to such a Christ, that laid down his Life, pour'd out his Blood, his Soul, in love to save her? Be not discourag'd, God will enable you, Christ will assist you, the Spirit will strengthen, teach and guide you, if you are willing to be sav'd, God will meet you, as the Father the Prodigal, and he will cloath you, and feed you and save you; all is ready for your Life and Salvation. The Father doth not say, stand off, p. 245Son, keep without door, I will first try your obedience, first humble you, you must be more sham'd and confounded, the smell of the Swine and Husks is yet upon you; no, immediately in his arms, kiss'd him, calls for the Robe, the Ring, the fatted Calf; who would not come to such a Heavenly Father to be sav'd? he will entertain you so readily, so richly, so lovingly; and his work is easie and pleasant, it's but to love, fear and honour him, and you love your selves and save your own Souls. You love Life, and Light and Salvation, and unspeakable Happiness. The work may be done with great ease and delight; come, taste and see, come and try; it's your distance, your ignorance, your prejudice, that makes it seem hard and troublesome; experience will convince you of your mistake. Said one, I lov'd thee late, Lord, the greater is my sin, and the more my grief. Want of a serious Heavenly Spirit makes Gods work heavy and tiresome. Once pray with earnestness, and hope, and desire and love, and then 'twill be sweet and blessed work. 'Twas love made David say, one day in thy Courts is better than a Thousand elsewhere; many are ready to say, one day in the World is better than a thousand in Gods Work. Did you know the blessings and comforts of these Heavenly frames, Matth. 5.2 to 11. the sweet of a poor Spirit, of a meek soft Heart, of a pure Heart, of being merciful; how would you p. 246prize them above pride and passion, and cruelty and discontent? observe

1. That all these Blessings are spiritual; not blessed are the Rich, or the Wise, or the Mighty, but the Poor, the Meek, the Mourners.

2. That all the promises made to them are spiritual also; not yours is the Glory of the World, but yours is the Kingdom of Heaven; not Blessed, they shall have riches and pleasures, but they shall see God.

3. That these qualifications are low and condescending, take in the meanest and lowest Christian, that is sincere.

It is not, Blessed are the rich and strong in Grace, but the poor in spirit, such as are miserably poor and empty, and needy and low, and vile in their own eyes, that want all Grace, and come so to Christ. Rev. 3.17, 18.

It is not, Blessed are they only, that rejoyce in ways of righteousness, and have great comfort and peace in believing; but Blessed are they that mourn for sin, and weep that they can do no more, no better, that bewail their deadness and unprofitableness.

Not only, Blessed are the high-bearing, courageous, bold Christians; but Blessed are the meek, soft, quiet spirits, that are meek under Gods chastisement, reproofs and p. 247Word, and are mild and gentle towards Men.

Not only, Blessed are the full and those that tast marrow and fatness, and sweetness in Duties and Gods Ordinances; that have large incomes of Grace and Comfort, but also, Blessed are the hungry and thirsty; that are needy, pinching and wanting, and crave and cry after food and refreshment; and this takes in any Babes in Christs Family.

Not only, Blessed are those that can give and do great things to and for us, but, Blessed are those that are of a tender merciful spirit, full of bowels, and compassion and kindness. Thus, many shall be rewarded at the last for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked,Matth. 25. last.Matt 25 that were fed and clothed by others, because they had an Heart to do it, had it been in their power.

Not, Blessed only are those that are pure and unblameable in their Lives, but, Blessed if pure in Heart, that desire purity from the very bottom of their Hearts.

Not only, Blessed are those that live peaceably with all Men; that is not possible, but, Blessed, if desire and attempt it, and are willing to be peace-makers; are of peaceable, quiet, spirits and are willing others should be so to.

Not only, Blessed are those that are eminent in service, and do much good for God in their places; but, Blessed also are they, that can suffer patiently and comfortably for righteousness sake. As the good Woman said, p. 248though she could not dispute for Christ, she could die for Christ. I know not, but God may graciously accept, and publickly own some at last, in willingly suffering for Christs sake and the Gospel,2 Tim. 2.12. Ch. 3.12.2 Tim 2:12 that never did much more before for God, it may be against him. To suffer is a great gift, as well as to believe.

4. How Blessed the Man, that is good and really sav'd; there is a Blessing for every qualification, Grace and Duty; Blessed as humble, as merciful; Blessed praying, and Blessed believing; and with what delight does Christ make such happy, that so pronounces it at every Grace?

5. God and Christ know whom they bless, do not cast them forth at randome; he Blesseth none, but such as are capable of receiving those Blessings.

6. Then they must be Cursed that are contrary; then Cursed are the proud in spirit, Cursed they, that laugh at and in sin.

7. Cursed they, that are cruel, they shall not obtain Mercy, that shew'd judgement without Mercy.

Cursed are the filthy and unclean in Heart, they shall not see God.

Cursed are they, that are full and loath the Hony-comb, and slight the Feast of fat things; they shall hunger and thirst in pain, and griping p. 249to all Eternity, and not tast of those rich things, not have a crumb or drop.

Cursed are the brawlers and fire-brands, and makebates, they shall be called the Children of the Devil.

Cursed be they that leave Christ, and will not suffer but sin, for theirs is Hell; they may weep and roar, for great is their wrath and misery in Hell.

8. Gods Blessings on the Soul are real, sure and refreshing; it is not, they may be Blessed, but they shall be comforted, they shall see God, they shall obtain Mercy; it is not only be ye warmed, and cloth'd and fill'd, but they shall be fill'd, they shall find and feel it.

9. How different Gods Blessings are from the Worlds Blessings; they say, Blessed are the rich, and they that are high, proud and stout, and they that are full, and they that are freed from sufferings; they are ready to say, God Bless us from these kind of Blessings, but God knows best, what is really good and what not.

10. The lowest, the meanest, the poorest condition, nor the greatest sufferings, can make one really good; and thus blest by God, yet miserable and wretched.

On the whole you may see, that it's not so difficult a work to be truly good and eternally p. 250sav'd; be not discourag'd, and think it impossible. You may obtain these Mercies, that can't get Riches and Honours; here is no distinction as to persons, servants, and poor, and sick, and weak, may be thus Blessed, as well as the high, rich and mighty.

Direct. 8. Be sure to labour and strive, search and pray, till you find you are in a hopeful way of Salvation.

Phil. 2.12, 13.Phil 2:12Phil 2:13Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure; leave it not at uncertainties: You see and hear, it's your making or marring to all Eternity; it's for your Life. Rest not on vain hopes, bare wishes and fruitless desires, that it may be so. Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eye-lids; I mean, please not your selves in meat, drink, sleep and clothing, till you can comfortably, and upon good grounds, hope, that you are in the strait way to Glory. It's true,2 Cor. 5. beg.2 Cor 5 I have a House, a Bed, Friends, Grounds, Cattle and Mony; but have I a Christ, a Pardon, and a good Conscience? This House will shortly cast me out; have I a House not made with hands Eternal in the Heavens? I have now Bread for to day and to morrow, but what Provision have I for five hundred, for five thousand years hence? How can I be satisfied and merry, and know not whether one sin be yet pardon'd, one duty accepted? whether I am a Child of God or the Devil? whether I shall be sav'd or damn'd p. 251for ever? I am now eating, and talking and at ease, I know not but to morrow, or next week, or next year, I may be trembling before Gods Tribunal; I may hear that word from an angry God, depart, thou cursed, into everlasting Burnings, and I may be roaring in Hell, past hopes of Mercy. What Evidences have I of my sincerity? what Marks of Hypocrisie, and of a firebrand of Hell? Did I ever search to purpose, and bring it to a trial? why should I not now do it? I am yet alive, yet there is hopes. O! search to purpose, make it your business, examine, prove, try, whether Christ be in you,2 Cor. 13.5.2 Cor 13:5 or whether you are reprobates, or cast aways.