The Abuse of Gods Grace, Section 14

The Abuse of Gods Grace · Section 14

p. 258CHAP. XIV. Containing an Ʋſe of Exhortation.

5. VSe is Exhortation in theſe things. Obſerve the Uſe 5 for Exhortationhelps to eſcape this great ſin, the Abuſe of Gods grace. Bleſſe God for Perſervation. Be alwaies jealous of the ſin, long for a riddance from it, and joy in the hope of it.

SECT. 1.

1. LEarn of the gracious and precious heart and life of Jeſus Chriſt. 1. Learne of the gracious and precious heart & life of Jeſus Chr.Fulneſſe of grace dwelt perſonally in him. Hee never in the leaſt playd the wanton with his Fathers grace; ſought not himſelf in pleaſing his own will nor glory, had nothing of the looſe ſpirit of the world in him, was not taken with its empty pomps, ever went about doing good, Acts 10. 38. was his Father and his Churches faithful ſervant, Iſa. 42. 1. buſie in ſaving work, while in the fleſh, Luk. 2. 49. wrought by, p. 259did not idle and play away his light, Joh. 9. 4. was ſolid, weighty, ſerious, in all his affaires with God and men. To bee ſtill writing after his fair copy, would mend the looſe Errata of Chriſtains lives. 'Tis the Apoſtles counſel, Let us walk decently, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenneſs, not in chambering and wantonneſs, Rom. 13. 13. If it be ſaid how? the next words ſhew, But put ye on the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and make no proviſion for the fleſh to fulfill it in the luſts thereof, v. 14. Chriſt is two waies put on: By Juſtification, when the chief Robe of his imputed Righteouſneſſe is put on; and by Imitation, when the Garments of his communicable graces are put on; Put on as the Elect of God, bowels of mercy, kindneſs, &c. Col. 3. 12. Did wee learn the truth as it is in Jeſus, and trace the ſteps of his Faithfulneſſe, Zeal, Meekneſs, Humility, Heavenly mindedneſs, Divine communion, Self-denial, Spiritualitie, we neither ſhould, nor could be ſuch wantons with the Goſpel, as our looſe ſpirits tempt us to doe. Chriſtian ſet before thee the heavenly purity, gravitie, ſoliditie of the Lord Jeſus, it will awe thy daring, inſolent ſpirit. What is Chriſtianity but a tranſcript from the original copy Jeſus Chriſt? Should not ſervants that goe in their Maſters Livery, doe his work? Really put on the cloaths of Heaven, and thou wilt not do the work of Hell. What an horrid incongruitie is it to pretend to be like Chriſt, and act like the Devil? The lazy Philoſopher talked of virtue, but did it not; and the lazy Chriſtian can diſcourſe of the grace of Chriſt, and Quid inter ſe ſimile habeat Philoſophus & Chriſtianus, Graeciae diſcipulus & caeli. Tertul. in Apolog. c. 46.act it not. As the Greeks profeſſed Philoſophy, ſo doe Libertines Chriſtianity. The real imitation of Jeſus Chriſt would be a prevention of looſeneſſe. Theſe daily thoughts would do well; I am a profeſſed Diſciple of Chriſt, Did he think as I think? Reaſon as I doe? Were his affections like mine? Did ſuch words come from his mouth? Were ſuch deſigns driven by him?

SECT. 2.

2. HElp is a cleanſed purged heart. Legal pollutions, the 2 A cleanſed purged heare is a ſpecial help to avoid abuſing of the grace of GodTypes of Moral, debarred from ſerving the holy God. An impure heart ſerves not God, but abuſeth him. The purging of the conſcience from dead works, and ſerving the living God, p. 260are put together. As well may a dead man ferve a living Prince, as a polluted heart with dead works, ſerve the living God. To the pure all things are pure, to the impure all things are in their uſe impure, Tit. 1. 15. An impure heart makes an impure uſe of the holy God, his Prayers, Confeſſions, Confidences, Hopes are impure, whoſe heart is ſo. Cleanſe your hearts, ſaid James, then draw nigh to God, Jam. 4. 8. It is with a pure heart as with a pure fountain, it will work out mire and dirt. It is with a clean heart as with a clean ſtomack, it turns good meat into nouriſhment, not ill huniour. Chriſtian, purge thy heart by the wholſome working Phyſ…ck of Gods grace, of ſelf-love, worldly luſts, voluptuouſneſs, covetous, proud, filthy deſires, vain-glory, vanity of mind, folly, ca…nal ſecuritie, and then wholſome meat, the food of bleſſed Angels, will not accidentally prove as hurtful to thee as the carrion food of Devils. 'Tis a ſweet truth, Beleeve…s draw nigh Abſque cruore domini, nemo appropinquat Deo. Hier.to God by the blood of Chriſt, Epheſ. 2. 13. Without a bloody skreen God would be a conſuming fire to every ſinner for the leaſt ſin. But what doth the impure unwaſhen heart co…nt of the blood of the Covenant, but as an unholy thing, Heb. 10. 29. when not uſed in a way of gracious cleanſing, but emboldning allowance of ſinne? A cleanſed heart will neither prophane the blood, ſpirit, nor word of Chriſt.

SECT. 3.

3. HElp is the fear of God. It is a Soveraign remedy againſt all 3 The fear of God is a help againſt abuſe of Grace. Religio eſſe non poteſt ubi …imor nullus, Lact.filth…neſſe of the fleſh & ſpirit, 2 Cor. 7. It beats off ſatans inſinuations, to wanton Thoughts, Reaſonings, Glances, …ffections. Joſeph would not hearken to his wanton Miſtris, Shall I commit this great wickedneſſe, and ſinne againſt God? overcame the looſe temptation, Gen. 39. 9. When the fleſh grows wanton, as it is ever apt to doe, it is good to look upon the ſad monuments of Gods wrath, his judgments, and ſo to hedge up ſinnes way with thornes. David made this holy uſe of them, My fleſh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements, Pſ. 119. 120. Judicia Dei …ncutiunt ſalutarem pavotem, Ameſius.They caſt a ſaving fear on pious minds, that teach to decline rainous ſinnes. Gods fear is like a ſtout, faithful Porter, that will not ſuffer the Kings Enemies to come within his Court-Like a reſolute Steward that ſuppreſſeth looſe miſrule within p. 261his Houſe: Theſe wanton Profeſſors in the Text, wanted the fear of God, They feaſted without fear, v. 12, and they ungraciouſly abuſed the grace of God: Till men that have baniſhed the fear of God out of their hearts, entertain it, they will never mend their looſe hearts and lives. Chriſtian, when thou art tempted to abuſe Gods grace, or either in a groſſe or cloſe way, Timor emendaotor Acerrimus. Plinius ſecundus.ſet the fear of God before thee, and ſay with thy ſelf, The Lord ſeeth me now wronging his grace, by praying for that grace I care not for, I cannot abide to ſee in another, by ſheltering injuſtice under his grace, by ſhameleſneſſe in the ſenſe of acknowledged ſins, by inſenſibleneſſe of others ſufferings, by unimproving the talents of his gifts and graces; Shall I not be afraid to wrong the grace of God in his preſence? Are not Kings Favorites afraid to abuſe his goodneſſe in his preſence, and good children afraid to be ſaucy in their Parents eyes? wantonneſſe, and the holy fear of God, are inconſiſtent: We never are boldly irreverent, but looſneſſe enſues it: The fear of God in the heart, will not allow departure from him.

SECT. 4.

4. HElp is the Chriſtian watch: It is a great advantage to holy 4. Chriſtian watchfulneſs is a help againſt abuſe of Grace. Admodum pertinenter conjungit vigilantiam & ſobrietatem, Muſc. Miles in exenbiis. Saluti inſidioſiſſime adverſatur. Muſe. Contine lingua meam intra cancellos, ne effetiat verba indigna. Pelican.ſobriety that it keeps from wantonneſſe, both in worldly and Spiritual things: Watch, and be ſober, 1 Theſſ. 5. 6. Vigilance and Sobriety, Drunkenneſſe and Sleeping, are fitly joyned: Tenebrarum Cives, The dark Citizens of Satans Kingdom, ſleep in ſtupidity of Spirit, incogitancy, madneſſe, and ſecurity, and then they are drunk with carnal Luſts, Affections, Delights, Covetouſneſs, Pride and Paſſion; whereas a perpetual watchful minde, like a Soldier in duty, would prevent that looſneſſe, that expoſeth to the enemy. The watchful adverſary, ſoon ſurprizeth the riotous, drouzy Souldier in his Quarters, and obſerving Satan the looſe ſleepy Profeſſor: The wanton Tongue needs a watch, leſt it vent indecent Impieties and Impurities; Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my lips, Pſal. 141. 3. The wanton ear needs a watch, leſt from a diſeaſed itch, not enduring ſound Doctrine, it turn from the truth to fables; watch againſt this, tis Pauls counſel to Timothy, 2 Tim. 4. p. 2623, 4, 5. Delicate itching ears, muſt have ſcratching Doctrine, Prurientes aures delectantur …benignâ ſca patione. Matl. Significat non modo faſtidium ſanae doctrinae, ſedodium. Ma…lorat.to pleaſe carnal Luſts, and hereby ſound truth is loathed and contemned. It is the common bane of Sermons, Humor, not Health, carries away the credit: And looſe Appetites are more for delicate ſauce, then wholſome food: Not the goodneſs, but the newneſſe and fineneſſe of the Diet and Cook is regarded: The wanton eye needs watching, leſt it be a Caſement to let in Vanity: I made a Covenant with mine eyes, why then ſhould I think upon a maid, Job 31. 1. much leſſe on anothers Wife, to tempt to wanton luſt; I bridled mine eyes, that it ſhould neither Oculos froena vit, ne aſpicerit, vel quod peccalum foret, vel ad peccandum illiceret. Mercerus.ther behold ſin, nor the baits of ſin. The wanton heart needs watching; without this inward guard, the outward watch of the ſenſes is in vain. A looſe heart is ſo ingenuous, it can ſhape the Idaea's of wickedneſſe. The prophane heart of a blinde man may burn in luſt; while the outward doors are lockt and barr'd, the unguarded Chambers of the heart may be laſcivious: Sound Chriſtianity is ſevere and difficult, it alloweth no ſleeping mindes in ſecure ſinning in worldly enſnarements, in injuries to the Goſpel. That ſleep that chains up the ſenſes, muſt not cloſe Debent omnes etiam pii cum dormiant oculis corde vigilare. Cypr. de Orat. Dom.up the eyes of the minde. The heart may be carnally and ſpiritually wanton, when the Body ſleeps: '… is good to pray, that ſpiritual wickedneſs may not act in natures ſleep: Noiſome dreams, ſecret impurities, are the iſſues of Original ſin, and Satans injections. Keep a ſtrict watch againſt the filthineſſe of the fleſh and ſpirit. The reſolved vigilant Steward, prevents much looſe diſorder in the Family, and the reſolved watchful Chriſtian in his ſoul.

SECT. 5.

5. HElp is Prayer in the Holy Choſt: Praying always was 5 Prayer in the Holy Ghoſt is a ſpecial help againſt the abuſe of grace. Oratio flagellum Diaboli.Chriſts remedy againſt the wanton exceſſes of the world, Luke 21. 36. It is good againſt Libertiniſm in the Church; It caſts out the unclean Spirit, Matth. 17. 21. It will caſt out unclean temptation: Pray that you enter not into it, that neither you tempt temptation, nor temptation tempt you: To pray wantonly, or through wantonneſs not to pray at all, is the ready way to open the door to all laſciviouſneſs of fleſh and ſpirit. Fit it p. 263is that he periſh under looſe temptation, that either ſlightly, or not at all, ſeeks for a defence, our continual help in Grace. No wonder we have it not, when we ask it not, or amiſs. The Apoſtle Jude propounded it as ſafe, ſoveraign counſel, to avoid the wantons in the Text, But you beloved, praying in the Holy Ghoſt, &c. Set Grace awork in Divine, Holy Prayer: Run to your ſtrong hold: Gods grace is able to keep you from the abuſes of it. It was Davids practice, uphold me according to thy Word, Pſalm 119. 116. Hold me up, and I ſhall be ſafe, 117. I flie unto thee, Pſalm 143. 9. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, Pſalm 119. 37. Incline not mine heart to covetouſneſs, v. 36.

SECT. 6.

6. HElp is walking in the Spirit, a ſafe Direction: Walk 6 Walking in the ſpirit is an help againſt the abuſing of grace.in the Spirit, and ye ſhall not fulfil the luſts of the fleſh, Gal. 5. 16. To be ſpiritually minded is life, Rom. 8. ye purified your heart by the ſpirit, 1 Pet. 1. 22. The ſpirit mortifieth the deeds of the body, Rom. 8. 13. Let us walk in the ſpirit, not deſirous of vain glory; provoking, envying one another, Gal. 5. 25, 26. Quantumvis ſe Chriſtianum vel millies glorietur.He that hath not the ſpirit of Chriſt, (ſaith one) belongs not to him, although he ſhould a thouſand times over glory he is a Chriſtian: Where Chriſt with his Spirit dwelleth, there is a proof of his inhabitation, the guidance of his Spirit is followed, the body of ſin is gradually deſtroyed: The ſpirits walks are clean principles, are holy motions, are pure: Much wantonneſs in Religion is entertained from the ſpirits allowance, and is guilty of this real blaſphemy, as if the holy Spirit were an unclean one: It is not becauſe men live in the Spirit, but becauſe they live not, that they live and ſpeak ſo looſly, in filthy Ranteriſm, in odious Libertiniſm. When the Apoſtle prayed that the Coloſſians might be filled with all ſpiritual Wiſdom and Underſtanding, have inlightned mindes, and renewed wills and affections, Col. 1. 9. his meaning was, that they might walk holily and ſtrictly, not uncleanly and looſly, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord, unto all well-pleaſing, ver. 10. not by a Popiſh worthineſſe of Merit, but by a Goſpel-worthineſſe of fitneſſe, decency, and non-repugnance to Goſpel-grace, walking worthy p. 264a Chriſtians call, Eph. 4. 1. Worthy of God, 1 Theſſ. 2. 12. Worthy foreign.of the Goſpel, Phil. 1. 27. All which is done by following the guidance of the ſpirit, and not ſerving the luſts of the fleſh, which is the fruit of ſpiritual Wiſdom and Underſtanding: Senſual, not having the ſpirit, Jude Ep. ver. 19. Will be a condemning evidence, that wanton Senſualiſts were but pretended Spiritualiſts, and real Carnaliſts: The Spirits way, is a way of holineſſe, a clean way: Impure Libertines never walked in it: Get in it, and the dirty miry pathes of the worlds pollutions will be avoided.

SECT. 7.

7. HElp is ſerious thoughts, what it is to crucifie luſts: The 7. Serious thoughts what it is to crucifie luſts, is an help to prevent the abuſe of gracenot underſtanding of, nor ſubmitting to the crucifying work of grace, is an experienced grand omiſſion in all looſe delicate Chriſtians: They chooſe and like onelyonly that Religion, that gives moſt liberty, eaſe and life to the fleſh: Crucifying grace hath three irkſome, terrible, and unpleaſing ſeverities, which carnal wiſdom and wantonneſs abhors, Reſtraint, Pain, and Death.

1. Reſtraint: The Roman Malefactors that were faſtned to the Croſſe, had not the free uſe of their members: So when the Body of ſin is Crucified, its earthly Members are as it were nailed & faſtned to the Wood, that they cannot have liberty to move as formely: The Spirit never crucifieth, but the fleſh is nailed Carnem noſtrā clavis in crucem agamus, ut etiam invita ſ…iritui ſubjecta eſſecogatur.to the Croſs, and is compelled to be ſubject to its dominion.

2. Pain: Piercing with nails, Hanging, bleeding on the Croſs, was a tormenting penalty; when the Grace of God crucifieth, it torments the fleſh: Its ſpiritual arms puts corruption to pain: When it is vexed and afflicted, it is as it ſhould be: No crucifying without pain.

3. Death: The kinde of death Chriſt died, was Crucifixion: He gave up the Ghoſt on the Croſſe. Crucifying grace, is killing grace, it at length utterly deſtroys this grand Malefactor, the old man. The ſame ſpirit of grace that is ſaid to crucifie, is alſo ſaid to mortifie, Rom. 8. As the Apoſtle Characterizeth true Chriſtians by this, They have crucified the fleſh, with its affections and luſts, Gal. 5. 24. ſo he exhorts, Mortifie your earthly members, Coloſſ. 3. 5. For want of ſerious and ſolid pondering, what p. 265the hard and rigorous work of Chriſtian …eligion is, it gives no liberty to the fleſh, but nails it to the Croſſe of grace, puts it to pain, and at length to…tures it to death; it comes to paſs, that effeminate, pleaſant, carnally jo…und, fleſh-pampeing, profeſſed Chriſtians, in their indulgent wantonneſſes, are as far off from the ſeverities of repentance, as if they had never read, nor believed Chriſt was crucified, and that on pain of damnation, the old man muſt be crucified alſo. Take this wholſome counſel, O looſe Reader! If thou wouldſt repent of thy wantonneſſe; Be informed in, and ſubmit to the power of Crucifying grace; when thou art loth to pinion and impriſon thy luſts, this is not to crucifie: C…nſt not endure to torment thy covetous, vain-glorious, malicious, unclean, intemperate luſts? this is not to crucifie: When thou doeſt reprieve them, and deliver them, as they that did Barrabas, this is not to crucifie: But when corruption would have a large room, reſtrain it rather; this is crucifying: When thy heart is vexed and grieved to part with a dear luſt, it is great inward pain and ſmart to thee, the rather ſmite and aſſlict, deeply wound thy corrupt nature; this is to Crucifie: When it is death to thee to deny thy wiſdom, will, and part with thy money, delights, carnal eaſe, and intereſts, yet to deny theſe things, this is to Crucifie. As Papiſts deal with their Crucifixes, they pleaſe themſelves with a painted Crucifix, that have not the vertue of Chriſt crucified in their hearts and lives: So looſe Pro…eſtants have a fancy Crucifix, imagine their old man is crucified, not a real Crucifix: Their fleſh is not at all crucified in their ſpirits and converſations.

SECT. 8.

8. HElp is a thankful ſpirit: It becomes the upright to be 8 A thankfull ſpirit is a ſpecial help to prevent the abuſe of grace.thankful. Sincerity is the luſtre and glory of every grace. Hypocriſie keeps mercy, returns it not; uprightneſſe will: Can that heart be upright in it ſelf, that returns ſin for grace, nay, makes grace to ſerve and lacquey to ſin? Do ye thus requite the Lord, O…e fooliſh people and unniſe? De…. 32. 6. Do you give him Straw for Pearls, Dirt for Gold? …re …bellions good thanks for p…dons? Are ſparing no …llowan…es to Juſts, good anſ…ers of ſparing …ace? Is long … an high hand, without p. 266remorſe, a good requital to long-ſuffering grace? Deal you ingenuouſly with the deſpiſed and rejected offers of grace, when at the ſame time you cloſe with the offers of ſin? Deal you kindly with the gifting, purifying, ſealing ſpirit of Grace, when you turn you turn your back upon him, and be…ay a ſpirit of pride, worldlineſſe, and ſecurity? Well doth the Apoſtle joyn together, Unthankful and Unholy: The Libertine is unthankful and unholy: The …entiles were unthankful, and wantons againſt nature: Pretended Chriſtians are unthankful, and wantons again…t Grace: That thanks for the infinite goodneſſe of God in Chriſt, that would give up body and ſoul a reaſonable ſacrifice unto God, would not diſhonor the dominion of Chriſt, and Temples of the ſpirit, by looſe wantonneſſe: Study and practice that of the Apoſtle, What ſoever you doe, in Word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jeſus, giving thanks to God, and the father by him, Col. 3. 17. And this will ſecure againſt looſneſſe in the duties of our Relations, worldly enjoyments, Ordinances of Grace, Talents committed to us.

SECT. 9.

9. HElp is godly ſorrow: Thoſe ill humors that are contracted 9 Godly ſorrow is an help againſt abuſe of grace Indicium re fipiſcentiae ſollicitudo, ſecuritatis excuſſio, metus ne nevo peccato implicarentur. Dickſon.by carnal mirth, godly ſorrow will help to cure; as in Nature, ſo in grace contraries cure: Faſting is one remedy of diſtempering feaſts: Godly ſorrow is the ſpirits ſack-cloth and faſt for ſin: When it wrought in the Corinthians repentance, it wrought carefulneſſe, which ſhook off ſecurity, and fear of relapſe into the old ſin by freſh temptation: By the ſad…eſs of the countenance, the heart is made better, Eccleſ. 7. 3. True ſorrows eat out the love and liking of ſin: Men lay not to heart the abuſes of grace, and then adventure them: The three principal things that God requires, are Juſtice, Mercy, Mourning: The laſt is a ſingular help to the two firſt: Could we walk mournfully before the Lord, we ſhould love Mercy, and do juſtly, Mic. 6. 8. The Jews were wanton in their marrying Idolatrous Wives, and their mourning uſhered in their reformation, Ezra 10. 1, 3. Good natured childrens ingenuous ſorrows for their ſooſe pranks, are Preſervatives againſt like diſorders: In Malachy, p. 267the pr…ical Atheiſts did look upon Religion as vain ſerving God, keeping his Ordin…nces, and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hoaſt, Mal, 3. 14. Thoſe mock-Gods and looſe Libertines, that laugh at mournful walking with God, and are ever irreligious, they keep not his Ordinances, nor ſerve him at all. The tears of repentance do ſweetly water the ſeed of grace. Zions mourners are the moſt th…ving Chriſtians. None are further off from the dangerous ſnares of ſoul-ruining wantonneſſe, then humble ſouls that ſo…e in tears: They reap in Grace and Joy, while others that ſo… in carnal ſecurity and delights, reap in ſin and wrath. It is told in Gath, and publiſhed in Askelon, that many that ſeemed to ſet their faces Heavenwards, are looſe …ibe…tines. They d…re to think, ſpeak, and act, what once to think on would make them tremble: They dare ſin without …emo…ſe, and count it their perfection: And whence this ſad …poſtacy? Surely, as in part, from an ungrateful glut of, and formality in the …rdinances of Grace? partly from the ſpiritual pride of high attainments, and partly from exchanging the houſe of mourning for the houſe of mirth, walking mournfully before the Lord with them, is Apochrypha, ſorrow for ſin is legal and antiquated: The holy Spirit exhorts rich Wantons to change their mirth into mourning, Jam. 4. 9. But what Spirit it is that moves them, to change their mourning into mirth, you may eaſily gueſs. It is juſt with God, that when diſſolute ones in ſinful hardneſs have laid by ſorrow for ſin, in judicial hardneſſe, they ſhould be not more merry, then mad jocund Wantons. The Pulpit is no place. The Sabbath no time to ſpeak vainly. I hope I ſpeak the words of Truth and Soberneſs, of all the holy frames of the Spirit, I would deſire of God in my ſinful Pilgrimage of imperfection, this choice g…cious indowment, That the top-power of the Spirit in me, might be in the Goſpel-humblings of brokenneſſe of heart and contrition of ſpirit. Pelievers are called, ſhould be little ones, Matth. 18. 6. are ever beſt and ſafeſt, yea neareſt God, when loweſt.

p. 268SECT. 10.

10. HElpe is cloſe union to God. The whoriſh woman at diſtance 10 Cloſe union with God is a ſpecial help againſt abuſe of grace Pe. didiſti fornicantem abs te, aliquid ſupra te amantem. Pelicanfrom her husband played the wanton, Prov. 7, 19. and impure ſoules fornicate, when they thruſt themſelves out of Gods preſence: wanton ſpirits diſtance from God, their choice and delight, Job. 21. 14. Is their damnation, Lo they that are afar from thee ſhall periſh, Thou hast deſtroyed all them that go a whoring from thee, Pſal. 73. 27. They that love any thing above God, leave Heavens bed of Loves, for Earthly delights, and ſhall pay dear for their wantonneſſe. The remedy againſt it was cloſe union to God, But it is good for me to draw nigh to God, 28. As if he had ſaid, Unchaſt Fornicators, that leave God the Fountain of living waters for lying vanities, to their eternall loſſe, ſhal be indited for whoredome: but my ſoule enter not into their ſecret: though they are Wantons behind Gods back, I ſee it is ſ…fe, it is happineſſe to me to get neer his F…ce, in his preſence is A…e, Purity, and Joy: I dare not be looſe, while I ſee him beſore mine Eyes: wil a promoted favourite abuſe his Prince, wrong his grace before his Face? the cloſe union of Gods Reverence, Love, Purity, Joy…, Contentment, Admiration, will not be abuſive. Appropinquatio ad Deum, elongatio ab omni corruptione. Pariſienſis.The neerer to the Holy God, the further from corruption, as the neerer the fire, the further from cold, the neerer the ſun, the further from darkneſſe: it is ſinners turning their backs upon God which makes them wantons, the true viſion, fruition of, and delectation in Gods face is grave, ſerious, holy, and heavenly. What Chriſtian that ever had ſweet taſts and cloſe viewes of the bleſſed God, but his experience is ſweet teſtimony, hee feared to thinke, deſire, do, ſay, that evil in cloſe addreſſes to God, which at other tims of diſtance hath had too ſinful allowance. The happineſſe of the next life wil be divine, ſweet viſion, and union, without darkneſſe and ſeparation, eternal cloſures betweene God & ſouls, wil ſhut out wantoneſs: ſo much as there is of ſpiritual conjunction now, there is proviſion againſt ſinne.

p. 269SECT. 11.

11. HElp is a conſtant ſubduing the firſt depraved motions 11 A conſtant ſubduing the firſt depraved motions is a ſpecial help to prevent abuſe of graceto carnal deſires and affections, he that denyes the firſt parly, and ſpecious offers of a trecherous enemy, prevents conſent: when we give the ſubtil motions of ſin audience, and liſten to their pleaſing arguments, it is a thouſand to one, but we grant them wanton indulgence, and ready obedience: turning the deaf ſide to the whoriſh flatteries of ſweete corruption, is a ſoveraign Antidote againſt Libertiniſme. Are we ſure an enemy knocks at the door, we lo…k and bar againſt him, but open not unto him? ſpirituall Judgment ſayes, the looſe motions of ſin knocks at the door, ſayes open not; O my ſoule! open not, they are Theeves and Robbers, My Son (ſaith Solomon) If ſinners intice, conſent thou not, Prov, 1. 10. So ſay, O my Soul! if that great Pandor to all the Wantons of fleſh and ſpirit, corrupt nature intice, conſent thou not: when luſt hath conceived in conſent, it is ready to bring forth in Execution, Jam. 1. 15. Let not the feminall wickedneſſe of Luſt in its firſt motions conceive, and its looſe births will be hindred production: while evill inordinate Semper quod putari oporteat invenis, erras ſi vitia putas emortua & non magis ſuppreſſa. Obſervare diligenter, & mex ut renaſcentium capita apparebunt, prompta ſeveritate ſuccidere, Bernard.affections begin to kindle and ſmoke, tis ſafty and prudence to quench them. A few blown ſparkes may fire an houſe, yea an whole ſtreet: The fleſh is ranck, puts forth luxuriant branches of evill deſires, by both a ſin and puniſhment, our hereditary vice, corrupt nature, and therefore they are conſtantly to be cut off by the pruning …nife of mortifying Grace: dayly putting forth of looſe motions, calls for every dayes pruning: while life laſts, the body of ſin is kept under, and conſumes, is not quite dead. Bernard gives ſweet and ſafe counſell, diligently to obſerve, and by a prompt ſeverity, ſpeedily to cut off, the rene…ing Hydra's heads of ſinnes motions, ſo ſoone as they ariſe.

SECT. 12

12. HElpe is planting and filling the ſoule with holy ſpiriritual 12. Planting the ſoule with heavenly deſiresis an help to prevent abuſe of grace.deſires and affections: the field that ſtands thick with corn, hath no roome for ranck overgrowing Weeds, the p. 270clean veſſel that is ful of good Liquor, is ſecured from Muſtineſs. Soules filled with the Spirit are armed againſt the temptations and intruſions of the fleſh. Carnal deſires cannot be ſuppreſt, unleſſe in the room of dangerous affections ſaving ones be Si carnales concupiſcentics … …ordious noſt…is deſideramus eaetrudere ſpirituales ea rum locis plantemus voluntates, ut his noſter animus ſemper innixus habeat quibus illicebras carnalium reſpuat gaudiorum. Caſſianus.introduced. Caſſian ſaith well, If we deſire to thruſt evil deſires out of our hearts, let us plant ſpiritual ones in their ſtead, that the mind being fixed upon them, may alwaies dwel on them, and refuſe the ſ…ares of preſent and carnal delights. The more the ſoul ongs and pants after God and Chriſt, and the Joyes of Eternitie, the leſs leiſure and pleaſure it hath to play the wanton in the pleaſures of the creature and ſin.

SECT. 13.

13. HElp is, Beating down that grand Idol, Carnal Selfelove. 13 Beating down that grand Idol, carnal ſelflove, is a help againſt abuſing the grace of GodAs the Apoſtle in ſetting down the black and ſad character, of looſe Libertines, that make the laſt daies perilous, begins his propheſie with ſelf-love; Men ſhall be lovers of themſelves; and then ſets down a following black Train of carnal Diſſoluteneſſe. They ſhall be (wanton) Lovers of pleaſures more than lovers of God, 2 Tim. 3, 1, 2, 4. Make out-ſide Religion their play, not work, form not power, v. 5. Politick engine, not real deſign. So that power of grace, that deſtroyes this eſteemed, adored, ſweeteſt Idol, Self-love, makes excellent proviſion, againſt the darling, frolicks, impudent attempts, carnal Eſt amor carnalis qua ante omnia diligit hemo ſeipſum propter ſeipſum, nondum quippe ſapit niſi ſeipſum. Bern. Facere civitates duas, amores duo. Terrenam ſcilicet amor ſui, uſque ad contemptum Dei, coeleſtem vero amor Dei, uſque ad contemptum ſui. Auguſt.delights of the old man. Spiritual ſelf-loathing is ſtrict and ſevere, can lay by ſelf in will, wiſdom, pleaſig, ſeeking, carnall, ſelf-love, is looſe, indulgent, ſenſual, bruitiſh proſtitutes Religion, creatures ſoul-body, in the ſervice and ſacrifice of ſweet fleſh-pleaſing. O the ſad, and frequent, carnal love of carnal Goſpellers, who above all things love themſelves, eſtimate, relliſh, and ſeek nothing but themſelves; make themſelves their ultimate end, themſelves their God? Two Loves (ſaith Auguſtin) have made two Cities: Self-love joyned with the contempt of God makes the Citie of the world: The love of God in conjunction p. 271with ſelf-loathing, makes the City of God. Dry up the impure vaſt fountain of carnal ſelf-love, and the filthy ſtreams of diſſolute hearts and lives will ſoon be dried up. 'Tis hard to learn this Paradox in Practical Divinity, to find a mans ſelf by loſing himſelf, Si perit h…mo amando ſe invenitur negando ſe. Aug.to love ones ſelf by loathing himſelf. If ſelf-love be ſelf-loſing, then ſelf-denying is ſelf-finding. Voluptuous wo…ldlings muſt have great eſtates to riot and fe… their luſts; lay by ſelflove, religious liberality would have larger portions in ſenſualiſts eſtates; leſſe riches would ſerve their turn. The game of Pleaſures, Profits, and Honours, would not with intemperate hot chaſes be ſo hunted after. The crucified to ſelf-love would be compaſſionate forgiving, bear others burdens, and not wantonly rejoice in the miſeries of others ſins and ſufferings.

SECT. 14.

14. HElp is the lively Faith and ſence of the heavenly country. The ſpiritual and heavenly expectation of glory, 14 The lively faith, and ſenſe of the heavenly country is a ſpecial help to prevent abuſe of gracewould purge out the rank, corrupt humours of Libertiniſm, Faith would teach holy Reaſon thus to argue; Are there ſuch looſe Deſigns, Deſires, Affections, Expreſſions, Actions in Heaven? Wil this cockering indulgence to my Luſts fit me for the pure active, reverent delights of heavenly Communion? Am I fit to Honour, Glory, who thus abuſe grace? Let the mindfull ſenſe (ſaith one of the heavenly country) ſtand as door-keeper at the Ad portam voluntatis, in qu… ſolent manere carnalia deſide…ia Statuatur oſ…iarius qui vo…tur recordatio coeleſtis patriae. Hie enim poteſs pravum deſiderlum quaſi cune… cuneum pelle. e. Bern.gate of the will, in which carnall deſires are wont to dwell; and as one wedge drives out another, ſo this will drive out looſe deſire.

SECT. 15.

15. HElp is a fervent keeping up of Grace in Exerciſe. The buſie ſervices of Chriſtianity, allow no time to wantonize. 15 Keeping up of grace in exerciſe prevents abuſing of grace.The labour of the ſpiritual man is the Vacation and reſt of the carnal part. When the gracious heart is not with the ſpirit of burning, the fleſh freezeth. The ſtanding water putrifies, the running chriſtal ſtream is clean and ſweet. The active currency of grace, contracts not, or ſoon purgeth out the muddineſs p. 272of looſe corruption. 'Tis conſtant experience, the moſt lively exerciſed Chriſtian in the power of godlyneſs, is ever the ſtricteſt obſerver, and ſevereſt mortifier of the diſſolute motions o… carnal luſt. When we read the grace of God was exceeding abundant in the Apoſtle Paul, in Faith and Love, 1 Tim. 1. 14. That to finiſh his Chriſtian and Miniſterial courſe, he counted not his life dear to him, Act. 20. 24. That he exerciſed a conſcience void of offence toward God and men, Act. 24. 16. That the care of all the Churches laid on him, 2 Cor. 11. 28. That he laboured more abundantly than all the Apoſtles, 1 Cor. 15. 10. That he was willing to ſpend and be ſpent, 2 Cor. 12. 15. Like a burning, conſuming candle to light others: That he kept a ſtrict guard over his heart, and was jealous leſt abundance of heavenly revelations ſhould be temptations to ſpiritual pride, 2 Cor. 12. 7. It is no wonder we read this choice language of holy auſteritie, I keep under my body, 1 Cor. 9. 27. Not onelyonly the body of fleſh, leſt like an over-fed beaſt it grow wanton, but the body of ſin; The word wil bear it, I beat it, I wound it, I make it black and blew. When Luſt and the Devil find the active Chriſtian occupied in heavenly Traffick, and Negotiation, they want that audience, indulgence, and allowance, which are ever wont to be granted out to them from either quite dead and graceleſs Chriſtians, or gracious, ſlothful, ſleeping ones.

SECT. 16.

16. HElp is the hope of Glory. It purifies the heart from the 10 The hope of glory is a ſpecial means to prevent the Abuſe of grace. Spes eſt ante theſanrum theſaurus, abſentium imagoworlds pollutions, 1 Joh. 3. 3. It by the large perſpective of Faith, looks into celeſtial Canaan, the ſupernatural Paradiſe, and takes ſuch a ſatisfying view of eternal delights, that it is weaned from temporal. It neglects gain for the hope of gain, is as one ſaith, Treaſure before treaſure, the preſent image of abſent profit. When the fleſh tempts to wanton lazyneſſe, the hope of eternal riches cures ſloth. Have we not ſeen the hope of gain hath ſtoln away the tediouſneſs of travel and pain, ſhortned hours, and lightned labours? Get, O Chriſtian! the hope of Glory into thy ſoul, it wil ſteal away the tediouſneſſe of Spes commodi furatur labores. Ambroſius.thy heavenly travel. We little look for glory when holy hours are too long, and our patience in wel-doing, too ſhort. The p. 237wanton fleſh in the waies of godlyneſſe is ſcar'd by a Lyon in the way, and flyes dangerous pietie, declines the exerciſe of grace as afflictive, and the way to heaven as ſtrewed with thorns. The hope of glory will quel this cowardiſe. Hope makes the Spes commodi metum abſcondit periculi. Ambr.booty expecting Souldier fear no ſhowres of Bullets, Swords, nor Piſtols. Hope makes the glory expecting Chriſtian to runne through Armies of Temptations, the Vollyes of Hel, fire and water, to come to a wealthy place. 'Tis the cure the Apoſtle laid down againſt wanton ſenſuality. But you beloved, looking for the mercy of God to eternal life. Jude ep. v. 21. The Grace of God teacheth to deny wanton luſts, to live ſoberly and righteouſly by the hope of glory, Tit. 2. 11, 12, 13.