The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul, Sermon 1

The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul · Sermon 1

p. 1Sermon I.

Cant. 2.3.

As the Appletree among the Trees of the Wood, ſo is my Beloved among the Sons; I ſat down under his Shadow with great Delight, and his Fruit was ſweet to my taſte.

AMong all the Metaphors whereby the Wiſdom of God hath ſeen ſit, to ſet forth the Excellency and Commodiouſneſs of Chriſt his Son; as he is deſign'd for the Happineſs and Comfort of poor elected Sinners: None ſo ſets him forth (to the life) as this of the Appletree, as will moſt plainly appear by two things.

Firſt. By explaining (or unfolding) the Senſe and Meaning of the Spirit of God in this Allegory or Metaphor.

Secondly, By a due and ſcriptural Application of the ſame to the Souls of p. 2poor, weak, tempted Believers, for the Relief and Comfort of whom the ſame is left upon Record.

I begin with the firſt (viz.) to Explain and unfold the Senſe and Meaning of the Spirit of God in this Allegory or Metaphor.

The deſign of the Spirit of God in this Allegory is, (I humbly conceive) to ſet forth the incomparable and tranſcendent Excellency of Jeſus Chriſt, above all other of Adams Children, and that on a twofold Account.

Firſt, On the Account of what he is in himſelf.

Secondly, On the Account of the great Work he is deſign'd and call'd to by his Father.

Firſt, On the Account of what Chriſt is in himſelf; he far (and unſpeakably) tranſcends all the Children of Adam, ſo witneſſeth the Spirit of God concerning him, Pſal. 45.2. Thou art fairer than the Chlidren of Men, Grace is poured into thy Lips, therefore God hath Bleſſed thee for ever. To this alſo witneſſeth the Church of God (the true Spouſe of Chriſt) which is acted and guided by the Spirit of God, Cant. 5.10. My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefeſt among ten thouſand. and ver. 16. His p. 3mouth is moſt ſweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This tranſcendent Excellency of Chriſt (in himſelf) on which account he Excells all the Children of Adam, is to be conſidered with reſpect to two things.

Firſt, In reſpect of his Godhead, as Chriſt is God, he is bleſt with an uncreated eſſential Excellency above all Created Beings, from whom (as ſuch) all created and communicated Excellency in Angels and Saints flows and ſprings, Zach. 13.7. Jo. 17.5. Phil. 2.9. Heb. 1.3.

Secondly, In reſpect of his Humanity, Chriſt is (tranſcendently) more Excellent than all the Children of Adam, and that on a twofold Account.

Firſt, On the account of the Spotleſs Purity and perfect Integrity of his Human Nature, whereby a Foundation was laid for uniting the elect World to God in a Bond of an Everlaſting Union. Had not the Humanity of Chriſt been ſpotleſs, and free from all Stain of ſin; it could not (poſſibly) have been capable of Union with th… Divine Being, Pſal. 5.4. Mal. 1.13. 2 Cor. 5.21. It is on this Account that Chriſt is ſtil'd the Lamb of God, Jo. 1.36. p. 4John ſpeaks with Alluſion to the Paſcal Lamb under the Law, which was to be a Lamb without Spot or Blemiſh, Exod. 12.5. To this alſo alludes the Apoſtle Peter, 1 Pet. 1.19. But with the precious Blood of Chriſt, as of a Lamb without Blemiſh, and without Spot.

The ſinleſs Purity of his Human Nature, and the exact Conformity of all his Human Actions to the demand of Gods Law, are here intended.

Secondly, On the Account of the extraordinary Anointing of the Spirit, poured out on the Humanity of Chriſt, to ſit and meeten him for the great Work of Mediation between God and elect Sinners. Of this Chriſt himſelf gives an Account by the Evangelical Prophet, Eſa. 61.1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, becauſe the Lord hath anointed me, to Preach glad tidings to the meek, &c.

This was excellently held forth in the Perſon of Aaron the High Prieſt (under the dark Diſpenſation of the ceremonial Adminiſtration) an Eminent and Glorious Type and Shadow of Chriſt the Elects High Prieſt, Pſal. 133.2.

p. 5It is like the Precious Ointment (upon the Head) that ran down upon the Beard, even Aarons Beard, that went down to the Skirts of his Garment: The material Oyl wherewith Aaron (Chriſts Type) was anointed, did prefigure and type out the Effuſion of the Spirits, Gifts and Graces on the Human Nature of Chriſt to fit and qualifie him for the Work the Father hath ſent him about; this anointing was poured out on Chriſt without meaſure, as witneſſeth the Scripture, Jo. 3 34. For he whom God hath ſent ſpeaketh the Words of God, for God giveth not the Spirit by meaſure unto him: This is further backt and confirm'd by Coloſ. 1.19. For it pleaſed the Father that in him ſhould all fulneſs dwell. And Coloſ. 2.9. For in him dwelleth all the fulneſs of the Godhead bodily.

Beſides the perſonal Anointing of Chriſts Human Nature, wherewith the Father anointed him above his fellows, Pſal. 45.7. there was a (Soul enriching) Stock of Grace put into his Hands (as Mediator) in time to be communicated to all the Elect, who are to be the Members of his Myſtical Body: Hence it is, that Believers are ſaid to p. 6receive of Chriſt's Fulneſs; Jo. 1.16. And of his Fulneſs have all we received, and Grace for Grace. Epheſ. 4.7. But unto every one of us is given Grace, according to the meaſure of the Gift of Chriſt.

Chriſt (as God) is the Source and Fountain of all the Graces of Believers, as God-man, he is the Meriter and Purchaſer of all Grace for them; and Chriſt (as Mediator) he hath the diſpencing Power committed to him (by the Father,) to communicate to, and beſtow upon every Member of his Body, what meaſure of Grace he pleaſeth.

Secondly, Chriſt (far) excels all Adam's Children, on the account of the Work to which the Father deſign'd him in Eternity, and whereto he (in time) call'd him.

This great Work is to reconcile God and elect Sinners together, by the Interpoſition of his Mediatorial Righteouſneſs, to make up that Breach which the Sin (and Apoſtacy) of Adam had effected between God and the Elect, and to keep and continue them in an everlaſting Covenant of Love and Peace, ſo as that there ſhould never be any Poſſibility of their being at Enmity any more for ever, 2 Cor. 5.19. to wit, that God was p. 7in Chriſt, reconciling the World unto himſelf, not imputing their Treſpaſſes to them. By World in this, (as in other places) is intended the elect World, for whom Chriſt was made Sin and a Curſe; and between whom and God (his offended Father) he ſtept in (as a Mediator) to make Peace, by offering up himſelf in Sacrifice to God's Juſtice, 1 Tim. 2.5, 6. for there is one God, and one Mediator between God and Men, the Man Chriſt Jeſus.

Who gave himſelf a Ranſom for all, to be teſtified in due time.

Compare with this, Jo. 10.15. and Jo. 17.9. and it will (plainly) appear, that Chriſt became a Mediator of Redemption and Interceſſion for God's Elect, and none elſe.

If what hath been ſaid, concerning what Chriſt is in himſelf, and the great Work to which the Father hath deſign'd and call'd him, be rightly conſidered, it will appear, (beyond all Contradiction) that he infinitely excels and tranſcends all the Children of Adam. None of Adam's Poſterity were ever qualified like him; neither were any of them ever call'd to ſo great and glorious a Work as he was: this in the general.

p. 8But more particularly, to come to the Allegory or Metaphor, by which his tranſcendent Excellency is (allegorically) ſet forth, there are three things in the Apple-Tree which beſpeaks the Lord Jeſus, a None-ſuch to the Elect.

Firſt, The Lowneſs and Comlineſs of the Apple-Tree above other Trees: It grows lower and nearer the Ground than other Trees (uſually) do.

The matchleſs Lowlineſs and Humility of Chriſt is (hereby) ſet forth; none could ever compare with him herein. Mat. 11.29. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly.

This is anciently Predicted of him, as appears Zach. 9.9. Rejoyce greatly O Daughter of Zion, ſhout O Daughter of Jeruſalem, behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is juſt, and having Salvation, lowly, and riding upon an Aſs, and upon a Colt, the Foal of an Aſs, Mat. 21.4, 5. Six things wherein this will appear.

Firſt, His condeſcending to become his Father's Inferior; firſt as a Son, (a Relation which imports Superiority and Inferiority) Pſal. 2.7. I will declare the Decree the Lord hath ſaid unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, &c. Jo. 3.16. For God ſo loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, p. 9&c. Jo. 14.28. For my Father is greater than I.

Secondly, As a Servant, to do his Work; Pſal. 89.20. I have found David my Servant, with my Holy Oil have I anointed him. Eſa. 42.1. Behold my Servant, whom I uphold, mine Elect, in whom my Soul delighteth.

* This Inferiority of Chriſt to God, is to be underſtood in reſpect of the Office he voluntarily took on him (for the Elects ſake,) not in reſpect of Nature or Eſſence, as appears Zach. 13.7. Awake O Sword againſt my Shepherd, and againſt the Man that is my Fellow. Jo. 10.30. I and my Father are one. Heb. 1.3. Who being the Brightneſs of his Glory, and the expreſs Image of his Perſon, &c.

Secondly, His condeſcending to aſſume the Humane Nature: Heb. 2.14. Foraſmuch as the Children did partake of Fleſh and Blood, he alſo himſelf took part of the ſame. Verſ. 16. For verily he took not upon him the Nature of Angels, but he took upon him the Seed of Abraham.

There are two things, which (if conſidered) will put a bright Luſtre on this Act of Chriſt's Condeſcention.

Firſt, The Baſeneſs of the Matter of that Body he aſſumed, viz. A Clod of Earth, and that the worſt of Earth, viz. p. 10Red Earth; ſo the word Adam in Hebrew ſignifies.

Secondly, The abject State and wretched Condition into which it fell, by the Apoſtacy and Rebellion of Adam, to which he knew he muſt become ſubject. Hence it is, he is ſtiled a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with Grief. Eſa. 53.3, 4. Rom. 8.3. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak, (through the Fleſh) God ſending his own Son in the likeneſs of ſinful Fleſh, &c.

Thirdly, In his being Born of mean Parents. Chriſt (as God) did ſingle out and chooſe the Womb in which his Humanity was to be Conceived; which was not an Empreſs, a Queen, or ſome Lady of Rich and Noble Extraction, (according to the Fleſh) but a mean and deſpicable Maid, of a mean and poor Family, ſo poor, that ſhe was not able to compaſs a Lamb, but muſt be truſting to a pair of Turtle Doves, for a Sacrifice, Luke 2.24. compared with Lev. 12.8. I marvel which of all the wiſe Men, or the Profeſſors of this Age would freely make ſuch a Choice for themſelves or theirs? Chriſt had regard to the Promiſe, not to Riches or Honours.

Fourthly, His taking on him the form of a Servant. Pſal. 40.6. Sacrifice and p. 11offering thou didſt not deſire, mine Ears thou diggedſt thorow. David (perſonating Chriſt) ſpeaks with Alluſion to to Exod 21.6. where the Law for Servants is ſet down, that Ceremony of Boring the Servants Ear thorow with an Aull, did prefigure Chriſts perpetual Servitude (to his Father) until he ſhould finiſh the Work he had undertaken to go thorow with, Jo. 17.4. I have glorified thee on the earth, I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do. Phil. 2.7. And made himſelf of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, &c.

Fifthly, The Objects of his Choice whom he loves and delights in, (viz.) the poor and deſpiſed ones of the World.

The deſign of the Scriptures (now quoted) is not to aſſure us, that all poor ones in this World, are to be Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven; or that all who are richly (or nobly) born after the Fleſh, ſhall die damned: But the deſign is to ſhew, that very few (comparatively) of the rich and noble of this World are ſaved.

Worldly greatneſs and ſaving Grace very rarely meet together in the ſame Perſon, when they do, none on Earth p. 12prove more lowly minded, and abundant in Love to, and Zeal for God, than ſuch, Ja. 1.9, 10. Let the Brother of low degree rejoyce, in that he is made high. But the rich, in that he is made low, &c.

A ſecond thing in the Appletree which (Allegorically) ſets forth the Excellency and Uſefulneſs of Chriſt to the Elect, is its ſpreading and ſhadowy Nature. As the Appletree is of ſingular Uſe and Advantage to Human Bodies, to ſhelter them from Storms and Showers; ſo the Lord Jeſus (ſpiritually fled or run to by Faith) is uſeful and advantagious to the Souls of Gods Elect in time of ſpiritual Storms. Chriſt is ſet forth (in Scripture) as the only Shadow of Security to the Children of God in time of all their Diſtreſs and Tribulations, Eſa. 4.6. And there ſhall be a Tabernacle for a Shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a Covert from ſtorms and from rain. Eſa. 25.4. Thou haſt been a ſtrength to the poor, a ſtrength to the needy in his diſtreſs, a refuge from the ſtorm, a ſhadow from the heat, when the blaſt of the terrible ones is as a blaſt against the wall.

p. 13The Propheſies (now mentioned) are to be underſtood of, and apply'd to Chriſt and the Elect, and none elſe. Chriſt is a Shadow to them and to none elſe; and none in Earth or Heaven can ſecure them from the dreadful Storms they meet with but he, and none beſides him.

The doctrinal Obſervation which Naturally Reſults from the former part of the Text: is, That Chriſt the Son of God (Allegorically) ſet forth by the Apple-Tree is a ſhadow of Protection to the weakeſt Believer, let what ſtorms will come on him in this World. Or thus; in the moſt diſtreſſed, and deplorable Caſe, and Condition, a Believer can (Poſſibly) be in, (in reſpect of Sin and Miſery) He is (for ever) ſecur'd from periſhing, being found under the ſhadow of Chriſt's Protection.

Beſides the words of the Text; that in Eſa. 25.4. is a full, and convincing Proof of the Obſervation now laid down. To which; many other Scriptures may be added out of both the Old Teſtament and the New. But omitting many Quotations: I ſhall proceed to a more clear and convincing Demonſtration p. 14of the truth of Doctrine now Aſſerted. And that by an Enumeration of the ſeveral particular Storms, wherewith the weak Believer muſt look and expect to meet, before he Arrives at Heaven And out of all which Chriſt will moſt certainly deliver him.

There are ſix ſharp and dreadful Storms, wherewith Gods Elect meet be ween the Cradle and the Crown in Glory; from all which, the ſhadow of Chriſt's Mediatorſhip covers and ſecures them for ever.

First, The ſtorm of the Laws damnatory Sentence which thunders out Curſes and eternal Death on all Adams Children (none excepted) Rom. 3.19. Now we know that what things the Law ſaith, it ſaith to them that are under the Law: that every mouth may be ſtopped; and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal. 4.10. For as many as are of the works of the Law, they are under the Curſe: for it is written, curſed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Law to do them.

Here's a Storm which is like the Avenger of Blood (under the Law) it will never be laid, till the awakened, p. 15convinced Sinner be either in Hell, or ſhelter'd under the ſhadow of Chriſt's mediatorial Satisfaction given to off nded Juſtice for the ſinners of God's Elect. From this Storm none can ſecure but the Lord Jeſus, Jo. 8.36. If the Son therefore ſhall make you free, ye ſhall be free indeed. Rom. 10 4. For Chriſt is the end of the Law for Righteouſneſs to every one that believeth. When the elect ſinner flies for Refuge to the ſhadow of Chriſt's mediatorial Satisfaction, from the terrifying ſentence of the Laws Malediction and Curſe, the Law ſounds a Retreat. It ceaſeth to purſue the ſinner, or to threaten him any more with Damnation. As the Avenger of Blood was not to follow the Man-ſlayer into the City of Refuge, ſo neither will the Law purſue with Curſe and Vengeance the believing ſinner, who hath gotten under Chriſts ſhadow.

Secondly, The bitter Agonies of a wounded Conſcience when the Laws Terror reaches the Soul, and (like fire) drinks up the very Spirit of a poor ſinner, ſo that he knows not which to go, or what to do for Eaſe and Healing. Oh! who but Chriſt's mediatorial ſhadow can ſhelter ſuch a wounded Soul: It is marvellous to think what various p. 16and pitiful ſhifts the bewildered ſinner makes to ſhelter himſelf from this ſtorm, and to lick the Wound whole, which the killing Terrour of the Law hath given the Soul and Conſcience within. The diſtreſſed ſinner lying bound in the Laws Priſon; and ready (every moment) to ſink into final Deſperation under the inſupportable burden of its own Guilt, according to that in Pro. 18.14. But a wounded Spirit who can bear, of this Job ſeems to complain moſt bitterly, Job 6.4. The Arrows of the Almighty are within me, the Poyſon whereof drinketh up my Spirit, the Terrors of God do ſet themſelves in array againſt me. He is filled with perplexing Thoughts, what he had beſt to do in this ſad and deplorable Condition. Do, and live, being the Principal derived from the firſt Adam, to the Trade of working he goes; thinking, and hoping (with his Father Adam) to hide and cover (from the Eye of God's Allſeeing Knowledge) his ſpiritual Nakedneſs and Deformity, with the Figleaves of his own Performances. Somewhat he muſt do, in order to help and ſave himſelf, but how or where to begin, he finds himſelf at a loſs. Hence thoſe Queries, what ſhall we do? Acts p. 172.37. Mark 10.17. Acts 16.30. which plainly ſhews, that all Adams Children (when awakened by the Terrors of God's Laws) do ſeek for Life and Salvation in a way of Works, this is further confirm'd by Rom. 10.3. For they being ignorant of God's Righteouſneſs, and going about to eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſs, have not ſubmitted themſelves to the Righteouſneſs of God.

One while the Sinner reſolves with himſelf he will amend his ſinful Courſe, and be (for time to come) a better Man: He will ſay his Prayers, he will confeſs and break off his ſins, he will forſake his vain Companions and ſinful Paſtime; and the Church and ſerving God he reſolves he will frequent, and conſtantly attend.

He will now take on him a ſtrict Profeſſion, a Church Communicant he muſt be, to the Sacrament he goes, and from that to other Duties; ſuch as Faſting, and Almſdeeds, and keeping up a ſtrict Watch over himſelf, in all his ways: He is (now) not the ſame Man he was before, he can (with the Phariſee) boaſt of his negative and poſitive Righteouſneſs, Luke 18.11.12. And now he thinks and hopes the work is done, albeit he was never nearer Hell p. 18and eternal Ruin than by theſe acts of Morallity (Negative and Poſſitive) he hath brought himſelf. He hath been (all this while) but ſcouring and making clean and bright the outſide of the Cup and Platter, not heeding or regarding the Filth and Naſtineſs which cleaves to the inſide.

A change of State he is a Stranger to; External Reformation he takes to be the Converſion which muſt fit him for Heaven; tho' moſt certain it is, that no Reformation, but what flows from an effectual change of State, will evidence or prove a Man to be a real Convert. Such an External Reformation may qualifie a Man for Church Communion, but never for Heaven: And it is to be feared, that there is but very little, even of this viſible Reformation in ſome Churches, who ſeem (at leaſt in their own, and other Injudicious Peoples Conceits) to be far purer and holier than their Neghbour Churches, who make not ſo much a Noiſe and Blunder as they themſelves do.

There are ſome Churches (ſo called) who (for want of Charity) monopolize a pure Church State to themſelves, as if Chriſt had no true Goſpel Church (in this day) beſides themſelves; p. 19whoſe Preachers and Rulers are of ſo impetuous a Spirit, as drives them to the very Precipice of Anathematizing all but themſelves: As if the Doctrin of God's Grace, and the Form of a true Goſpel-Church State were to be found no where but among them; theſe are like violent Storms and Showers which will not hold long, and (indeed 'tis pity they ſhould. All I ſhall further ſay of ſuch, is the Lord rebuke their furious (and Bedlam-like) Spirit, and give them to ſee, and (in time) to be convinced, how far wide they are from what they fancy they have attain'd to, (viz.) a Chriſt-like Spirit, and a true Conformity to the Pattern of God's Houſe, a thing ſo much boaſted of, and gloried in, and that without cauſe. The Word of God aſſures us (up and down) that no Works (or Duties) which ſinners are capable of performing, can poſſibly give Eaſe or Peace to that Conſcience, which the Law of God (ſet home by the Spirit of Bondage) hath wounded. Healing and Peace are to be found no where, but under the ſhadow of Chriſt's Satisfaction; there being nothing ſhort of what ſatisfies Divine Juſtice (for the violation of the Moral Law) which p. 20can ſatisfie and quiet the Conſcience of a wounded ſinner, Job 5.18. For he maketh ſore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole. Mat. 11.28. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you reſt.

A third Storm wherewith the elect meets; is, the fiery Aſſaults and Temptations of the Devil. They are call'd fiery from their ſad and dreadful Effects in the Soul and Conſcience of the poor diſtreſſed ſinner; they being (to the Soul) what Poyſon and Fire are to the Body. Epheſ. 6.16. Above all, taking the ſhield of Faith, whereby ye ſhall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the wicked. The Darts (here intended) are the Aſſaults and Temptations of the Devil, which are injected (or caſt) into the Soul ſuddenly, and inviſibly; as Darts are caſt or ſhot by an unſeen Enemy: which, when they find Entrance, they (immediately) inflame the Soul, as poyſon'd Darts or Arrows (hardened in Fire) Invenom or Poyſon the Body: Theſe Temptations (or ſatanical Injections) are numberleſs, and of various ſorts; ſometimes to Preſumption, ſometimes to Deſparation, ſometimes to Atheiſm, ſometimes p. 21to Blaſphemy, againſt the Majeſty of God; ſometimes to one Wickedneſs, and ſometimes to another. Satan is a buſie Enemy, and a Reſtleſs Enemy; always tempting, and that all Men, and to all manner of Folly and ſin; on which very Account, he is (by the Spirit of God, ſtil'd (in the Greek) foreign. The Tempter, who is always buſie at his Trade; piercing to know what is in Men, that ſo he might (accordingly) ſuit his Baits to the Diſpoſition and Temper of Adams Children, whom he ſeeks to prey upon. Yea, ſo reſtleſs and unwearied is he at his Trade of throwing (or injecting) his fiery Darts into the Soul, that he will not looſe the time of Men's ſleeping. Satan (in this caſe) is like an Enemy, that ſurprizes in the dead of the Night, when Perſons are bury'd in Sleep and Security: And as in Nature, no Alarm is ſo amazing and frightful, as that which is given in the dead of the Night; ſo (as Experience teacheth) no Temptation makes a ſadder Hurricane in the Soul, than the night Sallies, which he makes on the Soul, when the Perſon is buried in ſleep. Now, in ſuch Storms as theſe, what can poor tempted Souls do, were it not for the ſhadow of Chriſts p. 22Cleanſing and Healing Virtue? herein the Brazen Serpent (in the Wilderneſs) did eminently type out the Lord Jeſus Chriſt his Virtue, to heal and cleanſe the Sting and Pollution given (and occaſion'd) by the infernal Serpents ſtinging temptations.

No way poſſible for Help or Cure in this Caſe, but flying (by Faith and Prayer) to the ſhadow of Chriſt's healing and cleanſing Virtue. It is on this very Account, that the Grace of Faith is preferr'd above all the other Parts of the Chriſtians ſpiritual Armor; in that it looks (and flies) to Chriſt immediately for Help and Cure.

No ſooner hath the Devil caſt in his Soul affrightning Dart into the Soul of a True Believer; but the Grace of Faith (like an expert and experienc'd Soldier, who whips up the Granado thrown in by the Enemy, and throws it back on the Enemy again) repels and throws back the fiery poyſon'd Dart injected by Satan.

A fourth Storm wherewith the Elect ſoul meets; is, the Wrath of God ſeared for ſin. Not that God is indeed Wrath with the Elect ſinner as he is with the Reprobate, who hath no ſhare or part in his Sons Redemption: But p. 23Satan and carnal Reaſon, do repreſent God as a wrathful Enemy to the ſinner; this the poor ſinner fully concludes to be ſo, and from hence he feels a miſerable Hurricane within himſelf, as if God were (indeed) his Enemy, and deſign'd to damn him for tranſgreſſing his Juſt and Righteous Law: That the elect ſinner (as Adams Child) is born Heir of the Curſe, Partaker of a Nature as polluted and vile, as Hell (it ſelf) can make it; and likewiſe obnoxious to the Wrath threatned for the breach of the Law, and that according to do and live; ſin and die; is, and muſt be granted.

But that he (being Elect, and choſen of God in Chriſt) is under the Curſe, and in danger of being ſeiz'd by the Wrath of God; is no leſs than Blaſphemy to think, or ſay, and that for theſe Reaſons following.

Firſt, Becauſe of the Compact and Agreement between the Father and the Son, concerning the Elect in Eternity. By virtue of which Agreement, the Elect are not only ſecur'd from the Curſe of God's Law (by Chriſt their Vademony and Surety, being made a Curſe for them according to Eſa. 53.5. Gal. 3.13.) But they are alſo ſecur'd (in p. 24Chriſt their Head, and covenanting Repreſentative) of eternal Life, according to 2 Cor. 5.21. 6 Cor. 1.30.

Secondly, Becauſe of the Plenary and full Payment (by way of Purchaſe and Redemption) which Chriſt the Elects Undertaker hath made to Gods Juſtice for them.

Concerning which, I am not afraid to affirm; that neither the ſtrict Law of God, nor yet his Juſtice, can demand more (by way of Satisfaction for the ſins of the Elect) than is to be found, in that one Oblation, which he offered to God, when he (through the Eternal Spirit) offered himſelf without Spot to God, &c. Heb. 9.14. Heb. 10.14.

Thirdly, Becauſe of the declared Satisfaction of God the Father, with that his Sons Mediatorial Performance, according to Eſa. 53.11.12. Mat. 3.17. Jo. 16.10.

Fourthly, Becauſe it would be a charging God the Father with Injuſtice, to hold or ſay, that he looks that the ſame Debt ſhould be twice paid: Firſt, by Chriſt his Son (whom he himſelf choſe and anointed to this very Work of redeeming his Elect Captives.) And ſecondly, by the Elect (Perſonally) themſelves, p. 25ſuch a practiſe as this would be hiſs'd at by graceleſs Moraliſts; and ſhall Man be more Juſt than God? Job 4.17.

Fifthly, Becauſe it would be an everlaſting Stain and Reflection on the Name and Honour of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, as if he had engag'd in a work which he prov'd not able to accompliſh, (viz.) to redeem God's Elect, and to ſecure them from the Curſe of God, in caſe the Elect be ſtill under that Curſe and Wrath.

The Point then which I conclude upon, is this, (viz.) That God's Elect are either ſecur'd from the Curſe of the Law, and deliver'd from the Wrath of God; or elſe, there muſt be ſome defect in the Juſtice of God, or in the Mediatorial Satisfaction of the Son of God (the Elects Surety) but there is (there can be) no Defect in the Juſtice of God, nor yet in the Mediatorial Satisfaction of the Son of God the Elects Surety.

Therefore, the Elect of God are ſecur'd from the Curſe of the Law, and deliver'd from the Wrath of God. Rom. 8.23. Who ſhall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect, it is God that juſtifieth. Gal. 3.13. Chriſt hath redeemed p. 26us from the Curſe of the Law, being made a Curſe for us. 1 Theſ. 1.10. Even Jeſus, who hath delivered us from the wrath to come. From what hath been ſaid, it will neceſſarily follow; that the Storm and Hurricane occaſion'd by the fear of the Wrath of God in the Soul of an Elect ſinner) is rather from the ſentence of the Law, not rightly underſtood, than from any actual Execution of the Curſe, and Wrath of God upon him for ſin.

Whatever Thoughts or Apprehenſions the Elect ſinner hath, concerning the Wrath of God, which raiſeth ſuch a terrifying ſtorm in the Conſcience, this is an undoubted Truth; that nothing but flying to the Shadow of Chriſts Mediatorial Satisfaction, can allay that ſtorm, and give the troubled Soul inward Comfort, Job 33. Then he is gracious unto him, and ſaith deliver him, &c. Heb. 6.18. Who have fled for refuge to the hope ſet before them, &c.

A fifth ſtorm, wherewith the Elect ſinner will frequently meet in the World, is, the ſcorching Heat of Tribulations, and outward Perſecutions: of this our Lord (himſelf) hath had large Experience (none more) and of this he hath forewarn'd all his following Members, p. 27who are to follow him in the Regeneration, In the World ye ſhall have Tribulation, &c. Mat. 10.22. And ye ſhall be hated of all men, for my Names ſake, &c. 2 Tim. 3.12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Chriſt Jeſus, ſhall ſuffer perſecution.

This was the Path wherein the (now) Triumphing Martyrs follow'd the Captain of their Salvation, who was made perfect through ſuffering, Heb. 2.10. Theſe kind of ſtorms are very uneaſie and frightful yet they muſt be gone thorow by thoſe, who follow the Lamb to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is here, as it is with thoſe Merchants, who covet to partake of the Riches in the Indies: They muſt expect to meet, not only with contrary Winds, but with fearful ſtorms, and dreadful Hurricanes too, before they can come to poſſeſs the deſired Riches of that Country: And of all ſtorms, the Hurricane is moſt frightful and dangerous, the ſame being occaſion'd by a meeting of all the four Winds (together) oppoſing each the other, with all their ſtrength. When but one of the Winds blow, tho' it blow not only freſh, but boiſterouſly; yet if the Ship hath but Sea-room enough, ſhe will weather the Point; p. 28yea, albeit the Wind chop about from one point to another.

But when all the four Winds blow in their full ſtrength together, the Ship knows not which way to ſteer her courſe: All ſhe can do, is to commit her ſelf to the Mercy of the reſtleſs Sea; which (like a Gulph) is ready (with open Mouth to ſwallow her up. When it comes to this, the Mariners hope of eſcaping with their Lives, is at a very low Ebb, if any Hope (at all) be left them. And ſurely, did not the overruling Providence of Heaven watch over poor Mortals, in ſuch Hurricanes, the great Deep muſt be their Tomb.

As there are natural Storms (which attend the Children of Adam, threatning the Life and Comforts of their Body) ſo there are ſpiritual Storms; which (as deſign'd and manag'd by the Devil) ſtrike at, and threaten the very Life and Comfort of the Soul. As the former of theſe, ſo alſo the latter; they admit of degrees, ſome Souls (as well as ſome Bodies) they meet with (and paſs thorow) far greater and ſharper ſtorms than others.

And as the common Care and Providence of God, is to be ſeen and acknowledg'd in preſerving the Bodies of p. 29Men, from periſhing by the former. So, his ſpecial Care and ſaving Providence is to be ſeen, and thankfully acknowledg'd, in preſerving the Souls of the Elect, from periſhing by the latter.

And as the ſtorms at Sea are occaſion'd by the four Winds, Eaſt, Weſt, North and South Winds; ſo the ſpiritual Storms which threaten and endanger the Soul they proceed from, and are occaſioned by a fourfold Party.

Firſt, The Devil, (who ever ſince his Apoſtacy) is become an implacable and an irreconcileable Enemy; as to the Majeſty of God, ſo alſo to the Souls of Men; who hath (on this very Account) the names given him (both in Hebrew and in Greek) which ſignifie and import the ſame thing with his Nature, (viz.) Deſtroyer. So the Names of Abaddon (in Hebrew) and Apollyon (in Greek) ſignifie, as the Learned know, Rev. 9.11.

Secondly, the World (I mean the wicked of the World) which is not only at Enmity with God, but a real Hater and Perſecutor of all that love God, and bear his Bleſſed Image: Theſe the Devil makes uſe of in his ſervice. The Devil makes uſe of theſe (in his Service) p. 28duplicate page p. 29duplicate page p. 30as they are his Children, and Servants, Jo. 8.44. Ye are of your Father the Devil, and the Luſts of your Father ye will do, Gal. 4.29. But as then he that was born after the fleſh, perſecuted him that was born after the Spirit even ſo it is now.

Thirdly, Corrupt Nature, which i… the worſt Enemy a Man hath, and which is that which gives the Devil the greateſt Advantage (againſt a Man's ſelf) of any thing in the World: This Corruption of Nature lies in two things Firſt, The ſad and wretched Averſion of the Heart to God, and all things ſpiritually good. Secondly, The Devil… like Propenſity of the Heart and Soul, to what is hateful to God, and really Deſtructive to the Man's own ſelf Were it not for this Corruption o… Nature, the Devil and his other Auxiliary Forces could do nothing, which would prove of any Avail, to Ruin or undo a Soul; but herein lies his great Advantage that he hath within a Man's ſelf, a Party or a Principle which (i… the Spirit and Grace of God prevent not) he can (by his ſerpentine Craft, and Lyon-like Fury) ſtir up, and draw forth to ſuch a degree, as will cauſe the Man to cry out and ſay; that his p. 31worſt and moſt deſtructive Enemy is within himſelf; and that were it not for that, he need not value or fear all the Storms and overwhelming Hurricanes, which all the Legions of Apoſtate Angels in Hell, and all the Pollitick and Mallicious Perſecutors in the World, could poſſibly deviſe or raiſe againſt him. Were it not for the Tinder of Heart Corruption, the Devil would ſoon grow weary of throwing into the Soul the poyſonous Sparks of his Infernal Temptations. The Prince of this world cometh (ſaith Chriſt) and hath nothing in me, Jo. 14.30. No Immorality (in Practiſe) whereof to accuſe him; neither any Pollution (or Corruption) in the aſſumed Nature; on which his Temptations could poſſibly catch hold, and herein lay Chriſt's and the Elects Advantage. For had the Tempter found the leaſt matter in Chriſt, on which his Temptations could faſten, the Elect (for whom Chriſt undertook as Vademony and Surety, would have been over and over miſerable and wretched, to endleſs Eternity.

The fourth Party who hath a Hand in thoſe Storms wherewith Elect ſinners do meet in this Life; is, God himſelf; p. 32who (by the Methods his wiſe Providence takes with the Elect) ſeems (t… outward appearance) to deſign thei… utter Ruin, this the Devil (frequently … ſuggeſts to the Soul; and this the poo… bewildred ſinner is (eaſily) perſwade… to credit. And when matters come t… this paſs, that when the Poor ſinner i… ſurrounded with perplexing Trials o… all hands; the Billows and Waves o… all kind of Temptations being read… even to cover his Head, and ſwallow him up: He concludes, that God himſelf is his Enemy, it muſt needs be very diſmal with the poor ſinner in ſuch … Condition,

There are four things (eſpecially i… reſpect whereof, the poor ſinner may be ſaid to be in a Storm, in each of which the four Parties (above mention'd) may have a hand.

Firſt, Extream Poverty and outward Streights, which is a very ſore Trial… and a Burden ſo heavy (eſpecially to thoſe who have ſometimes enjoy'd Plenty, and Fulneſs) that many have ſunk under its Weight; ſome hanging themſelves, ſome drowning themſelves, and others cutting their own Throats; not able to bear the Reproach of outward Poverty.

p. 33Secondly, Black Reproach upon the Name and Reputation, this is a Storm harder to go through, than moſt Men think, till they come to be try'd thereby. Oh! how doth the Spirit that is in Adam's Children, luſt to Envy, and Revenge, when they meet with Affronts in their good Name and Reputation? To be miſcall'd and miſrepreſented among Men; to be accounted not fit (or worthy) to live among Men: Proud Nature cries out, Fleſh and Blood cannot bear it; What! to be ſo and ſo abuſed, to have my good Name taken away, I'll die before I'll pocket (or put up) ſuch an Affront, ſuch an Abuſe: Either Arreſt the Perſon in an Action of Slander, or Peg him to the Wall. And in caſe any peaceable Friend diſſwade from ſuch revengeful Practices; What's the Reply? What! unman my ſelf? be accounted a Coward? to be laugh'd at by every body? this is the Language of the firſt Adams Nature: Ja. 4.1.5. But where the work of Renovation hath past on a ſinner, his Note is changed; His unman my ſelf is turned into undog my ſelf, undevil my ſelf.

Let but the Experience of the moſt mortified Believer, be call'd in to ſpeak p. 34to the Point; and it will be readily acknowledged, that Reproach and Slanders on the Name and Reputation, are not eaſily gone through, it is a ſharp and a trying Storm. Reproach and Contempt from Men (eſpecially from Inferiours) was a part of Jobs Trials, Job 30.1. And had he not been Bleſt with ſuch an extraordinary ſtock of Patience, he could never have born it as he did. Reproach hath broken mine heart (ſaid Holy David) Pſal. 69.20. And others had Trials of cruel Mockings, &c. Heb. 11.36.

Thirdly, To be ſmitten in the Body with Sickneſs and waſting Diſtempers, when the ſad Symptoms of Death and Mortality invade languiſhing Nature: This goes cloſe to the very Root, it being a ſtroke at the very Being of Nature, threatning its Diſſolution; this is a ſtorm which will cauſe the Face of the ſtrongeſt and ſtouteſt of Adam's Children to gather Paleneſs, and will put the Sons of Men into ſorer Frights, than any of the former Storms, which were ſo uneaſie when Death (that all-conquering King of Terrours) looks the dying Man full in the Face; it is a difficult thing to go through the Pangs and Agonies of a dying Hour.

p. 35Fourthly, Soul Deſertion. When the Clouds from above interpoſe between the ſenſible Manifeſtations of God's Love and Favour, and the benighted deſerted Soul: When the Waves and Billows (from God) are commiſſioned to paſs over the poor Soul, as if its utter Ruin were deſign'd by God. This is a Storm indeed, and the hardeſt to be wreſtled with, by the Man who hath been frequently viſited with the ſweet and Soul-raviſhing Embraces of God's Love,

Either of theſe four Particulars, (if it be ſharp on a poor Man) it may be compar'd to a ſharp Storm at Sea; occaſion'd by either of the four Winds, which may ſet a Man hard to it.

But when all four come on a Man (at once) then the Soul is made to underſtand what a ſpiritual Hurricane means.

A Man may looſe his All in this World, his Subſtance may be loſt, his Trade may fail, he may come to be as poor as Job; and yet (being in Eſteem for his Goodneſs and Honeſty, he may have Truſt and Credit among his Neighbours; and ſo may (in time) recover his Loſſes.

p. 36If a Man may be clouded (as to his Name and Credit) among Men, and yet (having of his own wherewith to ſubſiſt in the ſight and midſt of his Traducers and Reproachers) he may make a pretty good ſhift to weather the point.

A Man may be extream poor, he may be blacken'd with Reproach, he may be viſited with bodily ſickneſs; yet, having ſenſible Communion with God, none of theſe ſingle ſtorms can overſet him; becauſe, the diſcerned Smiles of God's reconciled Face, ſupplies all the other wants.

But for the ſame Perſon to be ſtript of all viſible Subſtance, and to become a Proverb of reproach among all ſorts (as well Friends as Enemies) to be ſmitten in his Health, and to feel himſelf under the actual Arreſt of Death … And at the ſame time, for God to ſeem to write bitter things againſt him, and to carry it towards the Poor Soul, as if he were become the Man's Enemy, if there be a ſpiritual Hurricane (this ſide Hell) this is one.

All theſe bitter Ingredients met together in that ſad Hurricane, which the Devil was permitted to raiſe againſt Job. His Subſtance ſwept all away, p. 37and he left as empty handed, as when he came into the World. He was caſt out of the kind, and charitable Thoughts of all (as well his Friends and neareſt Relations) as Enemies and Strangers; and the God of his Life and Comfort too, did ſet himſelf in Battel Array againſt him. Oh! what a Hurricane was this Holy, Upright hearted Man in, it muſt needs be very ſore and ſharp, when ſuch a Mirrour of Patience lets fly ſuch Expreſſions, as to Curſe the very day of his own Birth. Job 3.1, 2, 3. and to wiſh himſelf to be ameer Non-Entity. ver. 16. with other Expreſſions full of unbecoming Reflections on that Juſt, Holy and Tremendous God, whom he lov'd and fear'd above all things. It were worth while, if thoſe deluded and graceleſs Perfectioniſts, who talk ſo boaſtingly and ignorantly of a ſinleſs Perfection; had power to conſider (without prejudice) how far Job was from that ſinleſs Perfection, they teach and affirm is attainable in this Life; and for Proof whereof they bring in Job for one Inſtance: Aſſerting, that he was perfect in their Senſe, let Job's great Impatience (in the time of his ſore and ſinking Trials) together with his own Acknowledgment of his Imperfection (in Sanctification) p. 38be weigh'd in the Ballance of an unbyaſſed and unprejudicate Conſideration, and then will it (convincingly) appear, how vain, and altogether contrary to God's Truth, and the Experience of all true Believers, that ſilly Opinion of theirs is.

If I juſtifie my ſelf, mine own Mouth ſhall condemn me: If I ſay I am perfect, it ſhall (alſo) prove me perverſe, Job 9.20. If I waſh my ſelf with Snow water, and make my hands never ſo clean, yet ſhalt thou plunge me in the Ditch; and mine own Cloaths ſhall abhor me, ver. 30, 31. Holy David was ſomewhat near to Job, in point of Troubles and Afflictions, as appears by Pſal. 42.7. Deep calleth unto deep, at the noiſe of thy water-ſpouts, all thy Waves and thy Billows have gone over me. And in Pſal. 142.4. I looked on my right hand, and beheld; but there was no man that would know me, refuge failed me, no man cared for my Soul. Other Inſtances might be (here) brought in, to ſhew what Hurricanes the Saints of God have gone through, and yet it hath not been in the power of thoſe Hurricanes to overſet, or overcome thoſe Servants of the Living God. The higher and ſharper the ſtorms were, the cloſer Faith p. 39did cling to its Object; witneſs Job's fixed Reſolution. Though he ſlay me, yet will I trust in him, Job 13.15. That of David alſo is to the purpoſe; Yea, though I walk through the valley of the ſhadow of death, yet will I fear no evil, Pſal. 23.4,

Theſe, and all the moſt Eminent Saints of God (Recorded in Scripture) whenever they felt any thing of a ſtorm approach them, their way they took for ſelf Preſervation, was to run (by Faith and Prayer) to the ſhadow of Chriſt. And as they, ſo every true (and uprighted-hearted) Believer, when he finds himſelf ſtript of all outward Accommodations, forſaken of all Relations, and familiar Friends; made an Obloquy of the blackeſt Reproach, compaſt about with the ſhadow of Death, and the Face of God (himſelf) ſeeming to Frown on the dying Believer; yet, in the very height of his Extremity, his Faith will catch hold of the Appletree, and there will hold, come Life, come Death. Oh! the Excellency and Power of a Divine Faith.

To apply what hath been diſcover'd, concerning Chriſt's Suitableneſs and Commodiouſneſs to anſwer the neceſſitous Condition of poor ſinners from p. 40this Metaphor of the Appletree; let the firſt Uſe be of Information, I will Branch it forth into ſix particular Branches.

Branch the first, Learn hence how ſacrilegious and wicked the Doctrin of Popery is, which allows and teaches, that there are more Mediators between God and Sinners, beſides Jeſus Chriſt; the continual uſe Papiſts make of the Virgin Mary and other Saints (in their Praying to God) is an evident proof hereof. They that doubt hereof, let them (for their own Satisfaction) look into the Roſary (or Ladies Pſalter) which is the poor beſotted Papiſts Vade mecum. The which, whoever reads (comparing the ſame with the Word of God) will ſoon be convinc'd of the Idolatry of the Church of Rome. The Spirit and Word of God aſſures us, that there is but one (onelyonly) Mediator between God and ſinful Men; and that the Man Chriſt Jeſus is that Mediator. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and Men, the Man Chriſt Jeſus, 1 Tim. 2.5. But now hath he obtained a more excellent Miniſtry, by how much (alſo) he is the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was Eſtabliſhed upon better Promiſes. Heb. p. 418.6. And to Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant, Heb. 12 24.

To convince you of this ſacrilegious and damning Doctrin, I offer three things to ſerious Coſideration. First,

The Word of God no where gives that honourable Title of Mediator to any but the Son of God.

Secondly, None was ever found by the Wiſdom of God, who was capable of ſuch an high Office, and that for two Reaſons.

First, Becauſe the Mediator who muſt come in between God and ſinners, muſt be God, as well as Man. Now it is moſt certain, that neither the Virgin Mary, nor any other of the Saints (of whom Papiſts make uſe as Mediators) are God.

Secondly, Becauſe none of the Creatures (to be Redeem'd) were able to encounter with the Death and Miſeries, through which the Mediator was to go, in making up the Breach between God and the Elect. Neither Virgin Mary, nor any other Saint ſhed their Blood on the Account of Ranſoming ſinners. I have trodden the wine preſs (alone) and of the people, there was none with me, Eſa. 63.3. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondred p. 42that there was none to uphold; therefore, mine own Arm brought Salvation unto me, and my fury it upheld me ver. 5. Is Christ divided? was Paul Crucified for you, &c. 1 Cor. 1.13. This Work of bearing ſin (as a Surety for ſinners) was for (unconceiveably) great, that I am very bold in affirming, that had the Virgin Mary (that Capital Idol of the Romiſh Synagogue) with all the other Saints, whom the Papiſts joyn with her; as Coadjutors (or fellow Helpers) to make her Mediation, and Interceſſion (in Heaven) the more ſucceſsful, joyn'd with her, in lying under the weight of the ſins of God's Elect: It would have ſunk her, and them to, into the nethermoſt Hell; yea, and all the Angels of Heaven, had they been under that Load.

It never (yet) belonged to any to be a Mediator of Interceſſion, but to him that was a Mediator of Redemption. Theſe two conſtitutive Parts of a compleat Mediator, muſt never be parted, they are both in Christ, and in none other in Heaven or Earth, Eſa. 53.12. with the Scriptures already Quoted. To which, I add a third Reaſon, (viz.) Becauſe neither Virgin Mary, nor any other Saints or Angels, were ever nominated or appointed to p. 43that High and moſt Sacred Office by God the Father. This is Chriſt's Right (excluding all others) and that by the Priviledge of his Birth. I will declare the Decree, the Lord hath ſaid unto me, thou art my Son, this day have I Begotten thee. Ask of me, and I will give thee, &c. Pſal. 2.7, 8. to this great Office he was Anointed, and ſet apart by the declared Will and ſacred Oath of him who cannot lie or change. The Lord hath ſworn, and will not repent; thou art a Prieſt forever after the Order of Melchizedech, Pſal. 110.4. Neither of theſe things can be ſaid of the Virgin Mary, or any (meer) Creature without horrid Lying, and Blaſphemy againſt the Glorious and ever Bleſſed Trinity.

Branch the ſecond, Learn hence how near akin to Popery ſuch be, who (notwithſtanding they declare againſt Popery) lay the ſtreſs of their Hope of obtaining any Mercy, on their own (worſe than Threadbare) Performances.

Such Perſons ſacrifice to their own drag, Hab. 1.16. Their own deep Humiliations, their Prayers, their Faſtings, their Almſdeeeds; ſomething of their own Qualifications muſt claim the Honor p. 44of procuring the favor and kindneſs God ſhews them; or at leaſt be brought in (collaterally) with Chriſt's Merits, as the procuring Cauſe of the Mercy they receive. How do theſe kind of Profeſſors extol and and advance the Honour and Dignity of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

Theſe, inſtead of running to ſhelter themſelves under the ſhadow of this Appletree, (viz.) The Righteouſneſs and Satisfaction of Chriſt. They run to the falſe covering of their own Qualifications; aſcribing their ſucceſs unto them, not to Chriſt. How little differing from downright Papiſts are theſe? Eſa. 30.1.

Oh! how hard a thing is ſelf-denial? for a Man to do duty, and not to truſt to it. For a Chriſtian to be all in Chriſt, and nothing in himſelf, in the point of Merit and Truſt, to obtain the good he wants.

Theſe are as great ſtrangers to the Grace of the Goſpel, and will (in the end) be found as far from the Kingdom of Heaven, as thoſe Papiſts from whom they think they ſeparate; being no better than thoſe fooliſh Virgins in Mat. 25. who (for want of the Oyl of Grace in their Hearts) were ſhut out p. 45of Heaven. He that is a Chriſtian (in Truth) as he devolves the whole concerns of his Life and Salvation, on the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, to be ſecured by him (alone) and in his own way; ſo he aſcribes the Praiſe of every Bleſſing he receives for Soul and Body, to Chriſt the Son of God (not excluding God the Father and the Holy Ghoſt) ſuch a Soul knows it, to be high Sacriledge to aſcribe any part of the Praiſe of his Salvation to any but God. Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory, for thy Mercy, and for thy Truths ſake, Pſal. 115.1. For my Names ſake will I defer mine Anger, and for my Praiſe will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off, Eſa. 48.9. Not for your ſakes doo I this, ſaith the Lord God, be it known unt… you, be aſhamed and confounded for your own ways, O houſe of Iſrael, Ezek. 36.32. To which I will only add, that of our Saviour. So likewiſe ye, when ye have done all theſe things which are commanded you; ſay, we are unprofitable ſervants, we have done that which was our duty to do, Luke 17.10. In the Scriptures (now Quoted) it is moſt plain, and conſpicuous to any who are not either judicially or wilfully blind, that all occaſion is taken p. 46away from ſaved ſinners, of ever boaſting of any worth or goodneſs of their own in the ſight of a Holy God. Epheſ. 2.9.

Branch 3d. See and learn hence what little Cauſe or Reaſon any true Believers have to be diſmay'd or diſcouraged at any Difficulties, which lies in their way of Duty to God.

He who ſits (by Faith and humble Dependence) under the ſhadow of this Almighty Redeemer, and All-ſufficient Saviour; needs not fear, tho' all the World were up in Arms againſt him: For moſt certain it is, (the Word of God and rooted Experience) aſſures me of it, that Chriſt will either blaſt and confound all the crafty Pollicy and Strength of the Believers Enemies, that they ſhall not be able to touch him (ſo as to ſpoil him) or elſe, he will endue the Believer with an Heroick Spirit of Fortitude, and heavenly Courage; whereby he ſhall be enabled to ſuffer patiently and conſtantly for the Cauſe of God, which is unſpeakably better, and (every way) more eligible to that Believer; who would give an Evidence of his Faith in, and his Love to the Perſon, and Cauſe of his Beloved Jeſus. I, even I am he that comforteth p. 47you, who art thou, that thou ſhouldeſt be afraid of a man that ſhall die; and the Son of man that ſhall be made as the graſs? Eſa. 51.12. Fear not, for I have Redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy Name, thou art mine; when thou paſſest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they ſhall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou ſhalt not be burnt, neither ſhall the flame kindle upon thee, Eſa. 43.2, 3.

Branch 4th, Learn hence the Reaſon why the moſt potent and ſubtil Adverſaries of true Believers, are not able to prevail againſt them, to ruin them, Every ſound Believer who ſits under the ſhadow of Chriſt, they are built upon that Rock, which can neither be mov'd by the blaſt of the moſt raging Perſecutors Threats and Accuſations; nor yet pierced by the moſt poyſoned Arrows, their Envy and Malice can ſhoot at the Believer.

The ſtorms may blow, and the Waters (of all kind of Afflictions) may flow at ſuch a boiſterous rate, as may cauſe all Beholders (yea, the Believer himſelf) to think and conclude, that God is become his Enemy, and that p. 48his utter Overthrow is deſign'd by God; and yet the Believer ſhall be ſafe, and come off Victor, and Conquerour at laſt.

A right (ſound hearted) Believer, when ſurrounded with the Billows and Waves of the moſt amazing Tribulations, he may be likened to Noahs Ark, tho' he may be hedg'd in with Afflictions, as the Ark was with Water, both from below, and from above (at the ſame time) yet ſhall he be kept from ſinking, as the Ark was. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace, Pſal. 37.37. Of the true Believers it is ſaid, He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of his (namely Gods) Eye, Zach. 2.8.

And upon this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of Hell ſhall not prevail against it, Mat. 16.18.

Ʋſe 2d. of Exhortation, Oh! that all who hear or read this, would be perſwaded to acquaint themſelves with this Appletrees ſhadow, ſo as to haſten under it; before thoſe impending ſtorms (which threaten all unregenerate ſinners with Curſe and eternal Death: And thoſe depopulating Judgments of God, which threaten to lay Englands p. 49Pride and Wickedneſs in the duſt of Contempt) break out, and ſweep all the Contemners of Chriſt and his Goſpel, before them.

For Motives hereto, conſider (with greateſt Seriouſneſs) theſe ſix Motives following.

Motive the first, All who are not found ſitting under the ſhadow of this Appletree, they are open to all thoſe amazing and deſtroying Storms, which hang over the heads of God provoking and Chriſt deſpiſing ſinners.

Oh! Sinner, Sinner! thou who goeſt to Church, and who comeſt to the Meetings of God's People, and ſayeſt thy Prayers, making a great ſhew in the Profeſſion of the Proteſtant Religion; what will come of thee, if thou be found ſitting under the ſhadow of thy own Righteouſneſs, when the ſtorm comes? Take this warning from a deſpiſed Diſpenſer of God's Holy Word, who (through ſpecial Grace) can ſay, he would not take the Glory and the Riches of Hypocritical England, to tell thee a Lie in this greateſt of Concerns: Neither thy running to the Church, nor thy haſtening to thy ſolemn Faſes in the Meetings, thy gilded Prayer Book, or thy graceleſs Prayers, compoſed and made p. 50by ſtrength of thy natural Parts, and utter'd with never ſo much Zeal and melting Affections, will keep thee from the dreadful Storms of God's Judgments when they come; nothing ſhort of Chriſts ſhadow will ſecure thee, to hide and ſhelter thee from the overflowing Scourge when it comes, Eſa. 28.18.

Motive (2d.) Conſider how bleſſed and happy the true Believer is (above all other) let what ſtorm God pleaſeth come, and come it as ſoon as God pleaſes, by day or by night; when the Believer is either aſleep or awake: He is ſecure, the ſhadow of this Appletree, overſpreads and covers him ſo, as the ſtorms which ruins others, can do him no harm. He that dwelleth in the ſecret place of the moſt high, ſhall abide under the ſhadow of the Almighty, Pſal. 91.1. And as the true Believer hath a ſhadow to protect him from the moſt violent ſtorms which can poſſibly come on a ſinful Nation: ſo he hath an Anchor hold in Heaven, which will keep him ſteady and faithful to Chriſt, and his Goſpel; when temporary notional Profeſſors (who are ſtrangers to Regeneration, Work) fall away from their Profeſſion, like Leaves in p. 51Autumn, or like untimely Fruit, which come, to no Perfection. Theſe will prove themſelves to be of their number, who built their Houſe on the Sand, which Houſe may ſtand for a while, and promiſe very fair in the time of outward Peace and Tranquillity; while they may enjoy their religious Liberty (by Human Law) and whilſt their Profeſſion and their outward ſecular Intereſt can go hand in hand together: No Man can diſcern between ſuch and real Converts. It is in this caſe, as when two Men walk (or travel) together, having a Dog following them; no Man who knows neither the Men, nor yet the Dog, can tell whether of the two Men is Maſter of the Dog. But when theſe two Men come to part, then the Dogs Maſter is preſently known from the other, the Dog will (moſt certainly) follow his own Maſter. When Religion and worldly Advantage, Credit, Honour and Freedom from the Croſs, come to turn the back on each other, then the Temporary Profeſſor (who company'd with Chriſt in the viſible Communion of his Saints, all the time of outward Peace) will openly diſcover, which of the two he ſerv'd all the time of his hypocritical Profeſſion, p. 50duplicate page p. 51duplicate page p. 52Chriſt (in Religion) or the World.

If ever the Penal Laws come in Faſhion again in England, or the Dragooning Allamode of France, find Entrance into theſe Kingdoms; then will it appear, what kind of inſides Englands Profeſſors have; Read with a holy Trembling the Scriptures following, Mat. 7.26, 27. Mat. 13.21. Jo. 6.26. 1 Tim. 5.6.

* The Violence of the ſtorm, which comes by Temptation, may, (for a time) ſtagger a real Believer, but it can never overſet him, ſo as he ſhould ſuffer ſhipwrack of his Soul, or of that Noble Grace of Faith, whereby he keeps hold of that Rock of Ages, whereon he is built, Mat. 7.25. Mat. 16.18. 1 Cor. 10.13. 2 Pet. 2.9.

Motive (3d.) Conſider how ineffectual all other Shadows and Covering will prove to poor Chriſtleſs Mortal… in the time of Storm and Tempeſt. If Safety and Preſervation (from Eternal Ruin) be to be had under the ſhadow of Chriſt's Mediatorial Righteouſneſs alone, then it will (neceſſarily) follow, that all Papiſts, Arminians, Socinians, Quakers, and Freewillers are i… p. 53a moſt deſperate and damnable Condition, while they continue at a diſtrance from the Covering of Chriſt's Righteouſneſs: And not only thoſe Hereticks (now mention'd) but (alſo) thoſe fooliſh Virgins (as above hinted) who remain unconverted in the outward viſible Communion of the Churches of Chriſt.

The Apoſtatical Church of Rome (that Mother of all ſpiritual Harlots, Rev. 17.5.) tells the World, that out of her Communion, there is no Salvation to be expected. The Spirit of God (on the contrary) aſſures us, that all thoſe who forſake her not, ſhall be made actual Partakers of her Plagues when the time of her Viſitation comes, Rev. 18.4. and ſhall be made to drink of that Cup of God's Wrath, which is prepared for her, and all who live and die in her Communion. Rev. 16.19. When this comes to fall on that Synagogue, it will then appear (to the Experience of the Worſhippers of that Monſtrous Beaſt) whether the ſweet and intoxicating Wine of her Fornications, which (with ſo much delight) ſhe and her Lovers ſo often drank out of her golden Cup, will be able to quench or allay the Anguiſh and (unconceiveable) p. 54Pain occaſion'd (in their Souls and Conſciences) by that Cup of God's Wrath, which they will be made to drink off, even the very dregs; according to that in Pſal. 75.8. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red: (as red as the Martyrs Blood ſlain by the Horns and Teeth of the Romiſh Beaſt) it is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the ſame: but the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth ſhall wring them out, and drink them.

* Mark this Reader! Shall wring them out, and drink them: It ſhall not be Arbitrary in them (or left to their choice) whether they will drink it or not; drink it they must and ſhall, will they, nill they: for the Cup is in the Hand of Omnipotency, not in the Hand of the wicked.

Motive (4th.) Conſider with Seriouſneſs, and Tremble to think, how ſuddenly the Storms (now impending and threatning England) may break out, and fall upon the Nations. Storms (all know) ariſe, and come ſuddenly and unexpectedly; and by ſo much the more ſtartling and uneaſie are they, by how much they come unlook'd for, and unthought of. It was (doubtleſs) a great Aggravrtion p. 55of the Iſraelites Miſery, to look for and expect Peace and Comfort, when nothing came but Trouble and Diſappointment. Jer. 8.15. And it will (moſt certainly) be one of the moſt aggravating Circumſtances, which will attend the fatal and diſmal Deſtruction which will befal the unbelieving ſecure Generation, which will be on the Earth, when the Son of God ſhall come to Judgment: that it will come upon them ſuddenly and unlookt for. For when they ſhall ſay Peace and Safety; then ſudden Deſtruction ſhall come upon them, as travail upon a woman (with Child) and they ſhall not eſcape. 1 Theſ. 5.3.

Oh Reader! Think and conſider with thy ſelf (as I have often done) and is it ſo, that I (even I) muſt die? and is it certain, that my dying Hour is uncertain? O my Soul! what is the matter that I am ſo unconcern'd, to enquire what the true State of my Soul is (not knowing but that Death may ſeize me while I am reading this Book) how ſuddenly may I be Deaths Priſoner? And in caſe I be ſnatch't away from off the Stage before I have gotten under the ſhadow of the Appletree: I am an undone Man, my time is ended; my Wit and Parts (wherein p. 57I prided) will take wing, and the Choice I have made (in the bewitching World I lived in) will (convincingly) prove me a Fool.

Some Men (who want Faith to believe the Word of God) cannot believe that there are any ſuch things as Witches in the World. But when Death comes, if it find them from under the ſhadow of the Appletree; they will find (by ſad and woful Experience) that the World it ſelf, (whoſe Vanities and painted Nothings they have courted and preferr'd before the Appletree) is the greateſt and worſt Witch of all.

As the Partridge ſittteh on Eggs, and hatcheth them not: ſo he that getteth Riches, and not by Right, ſhall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end ſhall be a fool, Jer. 17.11. For what ſhall it profit a Man, if he ſhall gain the whole World, and looſe his own Soul? Mar. 8.36. Thou fool! this Night thy Soul ſhall be required of thee; and then whoſe ſhall all thoſe things be which thou haſt provided? Luke 12.20.

p. 56Motive (5th.) Conſider how long the Patience and Forbearance of God hath waited upon thee, calling on thee, and inviting thee to come under the ſhadow of this Appletree, and yet (perhaps thou never yet haſt had a ſerious Thought about it. Thou art it may be 20, it may be 30, perhaps 40, yea, 50. or 60 years old, and canſt not tell whether thou ſhalt be damn'd or ſaved. Oh! wonder at God's matchleſs Forbearance and Patience towards thee; that thou art not in Hell, among the damned Deſpiſers and wilful Rejecters of the Son of God; of whoſe Recovery and Salvation, there is (now) no Hope or Poſſibility. And beſides all this, betwixt us and you there is a great gulph fixed, ſo that they that would paſs from hence to you cannot; neither can they paſs to us, that would come from thence, Luke 16.26.

Motive (6th.) Let the laſt Motive be the Conſideration, that for ought Men or Angels can tell, God may never give thee another Call, in caſe thou ſlight this: He may forbear thee not a day, not an hour, nay, not a moment longer. His Sword is drawn, and his Bow ready bent, to execute his Vengeance upon thee, for the Abuſe thou haſt put p. 58on all his Goodneſs towards thee: B… eſpecially for the Slight and Contem… thou continueſt to put upon his So… Jeſus Chriſt, Pſal. 7.11, 12, 13. Therefore Sinner! whoever thou art, wh… readeſt or heareſt the preſent Ca… and Caution: look narrowly to th… Hits, one denial more to God's Ca… and Invitation may (perhaps) do th… Buſineſs, and (if God ſtrikes thee, o… lets fly his Arrow at thee) the nex… Word thou uttereſt, or Thought tho… thinkeſt may be in Hell Torments … where thou ſhalt neither behold nor hea… tidings of the Appletree, to ſhade o… hide thy forſaken Soul from the worſt o… Storms that ever thou wer't in. Oh … pity, pity thy immortal never-dying Soul, while thou art out of Hell; if tho… once get into that bottomleſs Pit, … Pity will ever be ſhewn thee by either God, Angels or Saints.