Death, Sermon 3
HOLINESS The Way to Bleſſedneſs.
Pſalm CXIX.9.
Wherewithall ſhall a young man cleanſe his way: by taking heed thereto according to thy Word.
A Serious Caſe, and a Sound Reſolution.
THE Terms plain, or eaſy of Explication. Way in Scripture, ſignifies the courſe of Life. The Actions of man are the ſteps hereof; which according to the quality of them, do difference their Way and give it the Character of Good or Evil. Cleanſe, or purify: As a man walks in a clean or foul Way. So by the Goodneſs or Evil of his Actions, is ſaid to be Pure or Polluted in his Way. A Young Man, A Child or Youth; which though ſome take for a Child of God, or, the New man according to the phraſe of the Goſpel: yet the moſt take it literally, for a man in his Youth or Childhood. So then, here is the young mans Practical Catechiſm, ſet down by Queſtion and Anſwer.
Q. Wherewithall ſhall a Young man cleanſe his way?
A. By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
The Pſalmiſt here applyes the power of Gods word to this ſpecial Age of man, Happily, Becauſe himſelf was now young, and becauſe young Perſons ought eſpecially to look to their way and practice; and to intimate that the word is able to cleanſe their Way, which is moſt ſubject to Error, Obliquity, and Impurity. Yet, not excluding all other Ages and Sexes, for it behoves every Man, Woman and Child, particularly in their Youth to mind this. As Auſtin ſaith, It denyes not, that any of riper years, or decrepid Age (if they have neglected ſo long) ſhould make haſt and cleanſe their ways: But, it requires and ſhews, that it is to be begun in Youth and continued even to old Age. That none are ever exempted from this Care; but muſt even from their Childhood or younger years look to this point, To cleanſe their ways from Sin, and have reſpect to the Word of God for this end, to Direct and Aſſiſt in a pure Way.
In the Anſwer is ſet forth the Excellency of Gods Word, in the uſe and ſingular effect thereof; as it is both a Rule and Inſtrument of our cleanſing, together with the manner how it is to be applyed and made uſe of.
By taking heed thereto according to the Word of God. Or ſtudying and endeavouring an holy Conformity to Gods will revealed in his Word. And 'tis not a ſlighty and careleſs but diligent & circumſpect walking by this Rule, which is here required. If God had not given Direction about this, we ſhould have been at an utter loſs, and without a cloſe Application hereof, all will be in vain ſtill.
But, I begin with the Queſtion. In which ſome things are ſuppoſed, and ſomething enquired.
1. 'Tis here taken for granted that all men naturally have a deſire after Happineſs: and in Youth this inc…ination is ſtrongeſt. Some kind and degree hereof is common to all that partake of the reaſonable nature. There muſt therefore be an univerſal Good, or the inclinations of nature would be in vain, Pſal. 4 6. Who will ſh…w us any good: Good is the Cry of the World. It is intended in the very Nature of deſire, as well as deſire of Nature: for every thing which is deſired, is deſired as Good▪ (ſub ratione Boni.) As God implanted in us Affections of Averſation, to avoid what is Evil: ſo Affections o… Choice and purſuit to follow after what is good Well then, out of a Principle of ſelf Love, All would be happy and not miſerable, they would love good, and have it always. Notwithſtanding the Diverſity of men, they all agree in this one thing. Though 'tis as true alſo, that the generality of men purſue a falſe happineſs; or ſeek it where it is not to be had. Yea, all without Grace are miſtaken in it.
1. Some miſtake as to the End or Obj…ct. Calling and Chooſing Evil for Good; or at beſt embrace the ſhadow inſtead of the ſubſtance: placing their Affections upon, and expecting ſatisfaction from things unworthy of the former, or uncapable of the la…ter. Or elſe,
2. They fail in the means or way to obtain. Either becauſe they know them not, like them not, or elſe faint in the proſecuti…n of the End by them. 'Tis true indeed, that as all men deſire to be happy; ſo they apply themſelves to thoſe means, which to them appear convenient for the obtaining it. And by the methods or courſes which men take in their life, we may judge or gu…ſs at the end or final Happineſs which they chooſe or purſue. And in our Obſ…rvations we may make this further Remark: That every Natural man is framing a Happineſs according to his temper. The Apprehenſions hereof are anſwerable to the diſpoſitions of the perſon; For Faelicity is deſc…ibed to be the pleaſures which ariſes from the harmonious agreement between the Object and the Appetite. Now man by his original and contracted Corruption is altogether carnal; he cleaves to debaſing and defiſing Objects, and is only qualified for ſenſual ſatisfactions. Thus of the firſt thing ſuppoſed, viz. That all men naturally deſire Happineſs, and are framing one to themſelues according to the various Temper or Diſtemper of their Natures, and likewiſe ſhape their courſe accordingly.
2. It is here ſuppoſed to be a matter of great Concernment to all, eſpecially in youth, to be ſtudious and inquiſitive concerning the right way to true and eternal Bleſſedneſs Our miſtakes about it will co…t us dear. God is very …ealous of what we m…e our Happineſs; and therefore blaſteth …be carnal choice. Thoſe that will try experiments, ſmart for it in the iſſue; will ſurely come home by weeping croſs, if ever at all. It's good therefore, it's beſt to be early in this Enqui…y. Our Saviour Chriſt at the Age of Twelve years was found anſwering and asking queſtions in the Temple: and he was a young man who came unto him with that queſtion, Good Maſter, Tell me what I ſhall do to Inherit Eternal Life! But how few concern themſelves about religious matters now a dayes! Young men are all forward enough, but little in Reflection, much in activity, but little in ſtudy: hot and confident in their own way, but little inquiſition, deliberation or adviſing: Youth are apt to try, rather than truſt. They can't but eat of the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. Solomon… Counſel muſt be proved before received. Tho' young perſons are apteſt to learn, yet of ſmall experience, ſimple and eaſy to be deceived, as the Wiſeſt of me… men afterwards declares in the example of his own experience, Prov. 7 7. At the Window of my h…uſe I l…ked th…gh my …a…ement, and behold among t… …imple ones, I diſc…ned among the Yout…s, a young man void of underſtanding, paſſing ſuch … way▪ The point of true … ſhould be ſtudied well in youth, and ſuch ſhould beware of taking up with a f…lſe Happineſs, or of being prejudiced againſt the True. Many think it a Happineſs to live without the yoke of Religion, to ſpeak, and think, and do what they pleaſe, without reſtraint; but to be always in Bonds, and held under the Awe of the Word, that they count u…reaſonable and grievous, Pſal. 2 3. Let us break their …ands aſunder and caſt away their cords from us. Wherefore in ſtudying of this point, O Young man or young woman, take theſe Directions.
1. Lean not to thine own underſtanding, Prov. 23. Vain man would be wiſe tho' he is born as the wild Aſſes Colt, Job 11.12 Ceaſe from thine own wiſdom; but ſeek direction from God by his Word and Spirit. For he only can determine who is the Bleſſed man, in whoſe hand alone it is to make us Bleſſed.
2. Labour for the Light of Faith. Sence and carnal reaſon will deceive you. Bleſſedneſs is a Riddle which can only be …ound out by Faith, that is the Evidence of things not ſeen
3 Wait for the light and power of the Spirit of God, to incline and draw thine heart to himſelf the chief Good, and Fountain of a…l Bleſſing, and Bleſſedneſs. Many times we are Doctrinally right in point of Bleſſedneſs, but not Practically. We content our ſelves with the meer notion, but are not brought under the power of theſe Truths. This is the work of the Holy Ghoſt himſelf.
3. 'Tis alſo further ſuppoſed in this Queſtion, that Holineſs is the way to Happineſs, Sanctification unto Salvation.
In the beginning of this Pſalm, there is Bleſſedneſs propounded as the End, and Holineſs is all along pointed out for the way. And that this is the will of God, even our Sanctification, is elſewhere revealed in his Word, 1 Theſ. 4.3. The Doctrines, Precepts, Promiſes and Threatnings of the Word do all hold for this. Tit. 2.11, 12. The Doctrine of Grace which bringeth Salvation, …eacheth us that Denying ungodlineſs and worldly luſts, we ſhould live ſobe…ly, righteouſly and godly in this preſent world; and 2 Cor 7 1 We are exhorted and encouraged To cleanſe our ſelves from all Filthineſs both of Fleſh and Spirit, perfecting H…lineſs in the Fear of God. With out this n…ne ſhall ever ſee God, Heb. 12.14. That is without this Twofold Holineſs, habi…ual and actual, viz the principle of it in their hearts, and Holineſs in the practice or exerciſe of it in their lives. Theſe are both inſerted in the Character of the perſon that ſhall aſcend into the Hill of the Lord, and ſtand in his holy place. Pſal. 24.4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.
4. 'Tis herein implyed, that we are from the Birth polluted with ſin, and need changing. Alſo,
5. That we ſhould be very early and timouſly ſenſible of this Evil. For the Queſtion is propounded concerning the Young man. And
6 That we ſhould earneſtly ſeek for a Remedy, how to dry up the iſſue of ſin that runneth upon us, defiling our perſons and our ways. All this is ſuppoſed, or taken for granted in the Queſtion before us.
That which is Quaeried or Enquired after, is, what Remedy there is againſt it: or what courſe is to be taken in this Caſe? So that the …umm of the Queſtion is, How ſhall a man or woman that is impure, unclean, naturally and actually defiled with ſin, be made able as ſoon as he comes to the uſe of Reaſon, to purge out that natural Corruption, and practically lead a holy and pure life to God?
The Anſwer given, is, By taking heed thereto according to the Word of God. In which Counſel or Advice are three things very hard to Youth.
1. To be confined to a Rule. Children and Youth love to keep no path.
2. To be Ruled by the Word of God, which is ſtrict, pure and ſpiritual.
3. But the hardeſt of all is to take heed, or be circumſpect in walking by this Rule.
The general Doctrine from the whole Verſe may be this, viz.
DOCTRINE. That the heedful Obſerving of our way from our Youth up, according to the Word of God, is an effectual means to cleanſe and keep them clean from all ſinful Defilement.
There are three Propoſitions contained in the Doctrine.
PROPOSITION I.
That every mans ways even from his Youth upwards, naturally are Unclean. Or, The Natural ways of every one are Filthy and Unclean. A Foundation for this was laid in our Firſt Parents Fall. The Repreſentations of the Forbidden Fruit were under the Notion of Pleaſure: The Woman ſaw the Fruit was good for Food; that is, pleaſurable to the Palate, and pleaſant to the Eyes. Theſe Allections draw her into the ſnare, and Adam with complacency received the Temptation, and by the inticement of the ſoul Fiend of Hell, committed Adultery with the Creature; from whence the curſed Race of Sin and Miſeries do proceed. Hereupon they loſt the Original Purity and Perfection of their Natures, and contracted a ſoul Deformity and Pollution to themſelves, became defiled with the Filthineſs of Fleſh and Spirit. Now this firſt ſin was of univerſal efficacy, and derived both a guilt and ſtain to mankind in all Ages of the World; even an Hereditary Corruption is transmitted to all that naturally deſcend from old Adam according to an univerſal and unchangeable Law of Nature, that every thing ſhould preduce its like both in kind and quality. Thus our Saviour tells us, Mat 7 18. That the Fruit partakes of the Rottenneſs of the Tree, Joh. 3 6. Whatſoever is born of the Fleſh is Fleſh The Title of Fleſh there does not ſignify the material part of the Humanity; but the Corruption of Sin wi…h which the whole Nature is infected; and as it's natural, ſo univerſal Job 14.4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? The Anſwer is peremptory, Not one. The Fountain was poiſoned in Adam; and all the ſtreams partake of the Infection We muſt every one acknowledge with David, Pſal 51 5. I was ſhapen in Iniquity, and in ſin did my Mother conceive me. Likewiſe the pollution of ſin is univerſal in each particular ſubject or perſon. Every Child of Adam is born a Leper, all over defiled, from the Crown of the Head to the ſole of the Foot; he is as i… were one engrained ſpot, a lump of Uncleanneſs: The mind impure, Conſcience defiled, the Heart as the Chambers of Imagery, and Cage of unclean Birds. The Corrupt Nature is alſo pregnant with the ſeeds of all ſin, though all do not ſhoot forth together, or in every individual: The reſtraint is from ſome higher principle.
But this is the Truth aſſ…rted in this Propoſition; That all thoſe Actions which proceed from corrupted Nature, even from firſt to laſt are ſinful, and have need of cleaning. Or, every way of the Natural man is filthy and abominable, both internal, or intentional, as thoughts and actions; external, and tranſient, as words and actions. The ways of the Heart, ways of the Tongue, of the Hands, Feet and whole man, inward and outward. There was a time ſince the Fall, when the whole world was corrupt, Gen 6.5 6 God ſaw the wickedneſs of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually; and that all Fleſh had corrupted his way.
Nor was all the Water o… the Deluge ſufficient to waſh …way this Fil…. The ſame Corrupt…n is acting and …eigning in the heart of every natural man and woman …ll Now the uncleanneſs of ſin ariſeth thus: partly from inward Filthineſs defiling our ways, as Original Sin pollutes all natural and moral actions. Partly …om the …fulneſs of our ways themſelves, or outward actions defiling us; as in Actual Tranſgreſſions. Both we defile our ways, and our ways us; or we by that which is in us defile our Actions, and then theſe reflect a ſpot of Guilt and Filth upon us again; even as the Sow wallowing in the mire, then tumbleth in the Graſs, and being waſhed returns to wallowing again: So the Scripture ſets it forth; therefore man muſt needs be unclean; yea, the ways of ſome are ſo brutiſh, that you may track them in their filthy paths, out of one company and place into another, in their words and deeds, at home and abroad. The Natural man defiles every ſtep he takes, and the filth thereof redounds to himſelf: Such is the way of young ones eſpecially; if you trace them from their Childhood, what ſtubbornneſs, falſeneſs, and multitude of Indecencies: In Youth what Pride, Wantonneſs, Dalliance, Drunkenneſs, Self pollution, and Fornication; even ſuch as is not ſo much as named among the Gentiles, and ſome into Blood…guiltineſs: But I ſpeak here of the common paths wherein you may track our Youth up and down, in Lying, Swearing, Curſing, Rayling, Filching, Sabbath breaking, Night-walking, Works of Darkneſs which bring both ſhame and ſorrow when diſcovered and brought to light. Thus, though there is one Sin which by peculiar uſe bears the Name of Uncleanneſs, yet all Sin is ſo: both in the nature and effect. There is a Turpitude in it ſelf, and ſtaineth the perſon guilty of it. Can a man touch Pitch, and not be defiled therewith? Every Sin is a Tranſgreſſion of the Law of God: Now the Law is holy and pure; therefore Sin is filth and uncleanneſs. Hence ſo many legal Inſtitutions for purification, waſhing, …inſing, cleanſing, &c. There are L…ers of Cleanſing ſet at the door of the Tabernacle, and a Fountain opened for all Judah and Jeruſalem to waſh in, to pu…ge from Sin and from Uncleanneſs. Circumciſion appointed in the Old Teſtament, and Baptiſm in the New. All which do ſignifie a Native Filthineſs in every one which needs to be purged and taken away.
PROPOSITION II.
That it is the Duty and Intereſt of all, eſpecially in Youth, or as ſoon as they come to the full uſe of Reaſon, to enquire how they may cleanſe their hearts and ways from ſin: Or, Cleanſing our heart and ways is a meet and neceſſary Object for every mans meditation, ſtudy and enquiry; tho' more eſpecially for younger ones. Becauſe ſuch are commonly void of wiſdom and experience, heady, wilful, and impatient of Admonition, full of violent paſſions, ſtronger luſts, and expoſed to more and greater Temptations, with other reaſons to be given hereafter. Indeed this is the one thing needful for all, whether man or woman, young or old to look about them, to get themſelves purified from their ſin; and ſo to order their courſe aright here, as that they may ſee Gods Salvation.
The General Reaſons for all.
1. Becauſe, As is the Way, ſo will be the end. Sinful and fil…hy ways are the Devils paths that lead down to Hell, and the Chambers of Deſtruction. Righteouſneſs and Holineſs are the wa…es of God, that lead to Heaven and Salvation. According to every mans walking, ſuch will he find to be the place of his Reſt. The ways of Sin iſſ…e in Death: The way of Grace tendeth to Life. Tho' God is no Reſpecter of perſons, yet he has a great reſpect to all the actions of man; and will render to every one according to his deeds. Rom. 2 6 Job 34.11. The work of a man ſtall he render unto him, and cauſe every one to find according to his ways.
2. 'Tis certain God hateth the man that walketh in a filthy courſe; He is of pure Eyes, and cannot endure iniquity. This is the thing which his Soul hates where ever he ſees or finds it. He who is Glorious in Holineſs abominates all ways of Filthineſs: and no unclean perſon ſhall dwell with him, they ſhall be ſhut out of his Preſence for ever.
3. It's a token of a heart cleanſed, that is thus affected, and Contra. Both for the proſe it, that God has begun his good work, and for the future, that they ſhall obtain a thorow cleanſing from all their ſins; as the Leper found upon his coming and crying to our Saviour, Matth. 3.2. Lord, if thou wilt thou canſt make me clean; Jeſus put forth his hand, and touching him, ſaid, I will be thou clean, and immediately his Leproſy was cleanſed.
But as the careleſs world now carrieth the matter, it ſeems very impertinent and ridiculous to propoſe ſuch things to Youth: what have they to do with ſo ſerious a wo…k? theſe are too grave matters for that licentious Age; when Old Age has ſnowed upon their heads, and the ſmart experience of more years in the world has ripened them for ſo ſevere a Diſcipline, then 'twill be time to think of cleanſing their way: or entring on a new courſe of Repentance and Submiſſion to God. For the preſent, Dandum eſt aliquid hun… aetati; Youth muſt be a little indulged, they will grow wiſer as they grow older: This we hope, but the former muſt not be granted. God demandeth his right as ſoon as we are capable to underſtand it, and it concerns every one as ſoon as he comes to the uſe of reaſon, to mind his way and work, both in regard of God and himſelf, Eccleſ. 12.1.
The ſpecial Arguments or Reaſons to put Young people on the Duty and Practice hereof.
1. Becauſe even Youths & Childrens way is of great concern and conſequence. No part of our Age is to be left free for ſin. 'Tis all owing to our Creator, and what more fit than that he ſhould have our firſt and beſt, who made us wholly for himſelf. When therefore we cannot guide our ſelves, others ſhould be our Monitors, Prov. 22 6 Train up a Child in the way he ſhould go: and Children ſhould be ready to hearken, Pſal …4 11. Come ye Children, hearken unto me, &c. But Young men will not obey the voice of their Teachers. To Hearken is a property as far off from Youth as any other vertue whatſoever: Yea, if this were in them, nothing would be wanting.
2. Youth is moſt likely to be out of the way. Yea, none ſo Young, but are out. All are born with their backs towards God, and as ſoon as they can go, are going further aſtray from him. The Queſtion, Wherewithall ſhall a Young man cleanſe his way? p…eſuppoſeth a Defilement (as has been ſhewed) No Infant is like a Veſſel that newly cometh out of the Potters Shop, indifferent for any good or bad in…uſions No, the Veſſel is already tainted: Therefore it ſhould be cleanſed as ſoon as may be fit for the maſters uſe betimes.
3. A man begins his way betimes, even in Childhood he begins to take his bent. We look to what hand our Children take, whether right or left; and if Solomons obſervation be true, a mans infancy and younger time is a notable praeſage, what he will prove afterwards, Prov. 20.11. Even a Child is known by his Doings, whether his work be pure, or whether it be right. Much may be known by our young inclinations: But when the young man comes on the Stage for Action, he ſtands a while, like Hercules in Bivio; the way of worldly Delights and Sinful Pleaſures on one hand, the way of painful vertue and practice of Godlineſs on the other: Now chooſe your courſe. Children ſhould be put into a good way by others, but when grown up, they will chuſe for themſelves▪ Therefore need to make the Enquir… in our Text.
4 Thi… Age is more i…e…uo…ſ…y carried to Evil, in a …ead ſtrong courſe. Partly, through hea… of Nature, ſtrong & active Spirits, and force of Paſſions: Partly, through Ignorance and Simplicity, having little wit to ch…ſe their own way. Young men think old men Fools but old men know them to be ſo, for they themſelves have been young. Yet few of theſe but think they can guide themſelves beſt, care not to be controuled. Youth is in it ſelf moſt inclined and diſpoſed to err, through weakneſs of Judgment, conceitedneſs of Wiſdom, headineſs in choice, vehemence of Affections, inordinate and exceſſive love of Liberty, and to all theſe I might add, a variety of more & ſtronger Temptations: none ſo tempted as Youth. Little Children can't be ſo ſerviceable to the Devil; and old men are ſpent, however they have choſen their way already. The Prodigal Son had four ſpecial Provocations to evil (as Ambroſe notes) His Portion in hand; his Father indulgent; ill Company, and the greateſt of all was Youth…ul Age. That which is ſaid of old Age naturally, is true of Youth ſpiritually. Morbus eſt. It is a Diſeaſe.
5. Its hard leaving any accuſtomed way of Evil No eaſy thing to be broken off an old Haunt. Habits of Sin grown inveterate are moſt difficultly plucked up or rooted out. Sins of Youth will get into the Bones, and then are rarely gotten out of the Fleſh afterwards. Sin groweth ſtronger by Cuſtom, and more rooted; it gathereth ſtrength by every new act: yea every act leſſeneth the fear of Sinning, and ſtrengtheneth the inclination to Sin.
6. Early Converts or ſuch as take in a good way betimes are fittest to Serve God. The Exerciſe of Religion dependeth much on the vigour of Affections, therefore, we ſhould get them ſanctifyed betimes: None more zealous than a young Saint, 1 Joh. 2 14 I write unto you young men, becauſe ye are ſtrong and have overcome the wicked one. Theſe will bring a great deal of honour to God, as well as prevent diſhonour. When the Fervency and Strength o… Youth is imployed not in ſati…fying of Luſts, but in the Service of God, and fighting againſt Satan.
7. God will puniſh the Sins of Youth as well as Elder years. You whip your Children for defiling themſelves, and p…dling in the dirt; ſo God gives no leave for T…icks of Youth, nor will he always let them eſcape without ſome ſevere mark of Judgment upon them, in this life. However, Juſtice is provoked the longer, and that will be a grief to you firſt or laſt: If ever you are brought home to God it will coſt you many a bitter Tear; not only at firſt Converſion, but afterwards, Job 13.26. Thou writeſt bitter things againſt me, and makeſt me to poſſeſs the iniquities of my youth. Old Bruiſes may trouble us long after upon every change of Weather; and new Afflictions revive the ſence of old Sins, they may ſtick by us as long as we have a day to live.
8. Young Men & Maidens, may be as near their End as Elder Perſons. As ſoon comes a Lambs skin to the Market as a Sheeps; and more dye in Youth than live to Age: more Childrens Skulls in Golgotha than of grown Folk. Youth is a tender Age and brittle, therefore ſooneſt broken, Dum ſplendet frangitur: the graſs while in its ſtrongeſt verdure is cut down by the Sythe at noon day, and the faireſt Flower is firſt gathered. Thus in ordinary Providence, therefore no ſafety in de…er…ing of Repentance or turning to God. But this is often executed in a judiciary diſp…nſation, as the fulfilling of ſome Divine threatning, Pſal 68 21 God ſhall wound the hairy Scalp of ſuch an one as goes on forward in his treſpeſſes. And, Pſal. 101.8. He early will deſtroy the wicked of the Land, and cut off the workers of iniquity. Yea, we find that fatally verifyed which is ſaid in Job 36.14 They dy in youth whoſe life was among the Unclean. Some turn thoſe words thus, The Unclean are even Dead whileſt they live: As is ſaid of the wanton Woman living in pleaſure, 1 Tim. 5.6. But beſides, Exceſs of Wickedneſs procures an untimely Death to ſuch: either by ſome ſoul Diſeaſe, or the Sword of Juſtice ſome other way. Eccl 7 17.
9. Young Folks muſt come to Judgment as well as others Solomon gives this Solemn Memento for a Co…ler to their mirth, and a che…k to their madneſs, Eccl. 11.9. Rejoyce O young man, &c. but know that for all theſe things God will bring… thee into Judgment. Not for open profaneſs only, but ſecret Filthineſs; for his Eyes are upon all the wayes of the Children of men, and the darkneſs and light are alike unto him. A ſerious meditation on this Truth might prevent the Commiſſion of much wic…edneſs; If Sinners would conſider that all their Actions are Coram Judice, in preſence of ſuch a Judge who will not want Witneſs to convict them, but can Summons a thouſand within their own Breaſts, if there were no other without: and if their heart condemn them, God is greater, and knoweth all things.
Well, If theſe things be ſo, the main Enquiry for every one is this in our Text, Whereby ſhall I come to change my Heart and Wayes? or all my ways, internal and external, ſecret and open: Not who will ſhew me any good, a good Match, a good Bargain, a good Trade, or place to ſet up in: But how may I become pure, and be kept clean from the filthineſs of Sin? How ſhall I get Sins paſt pardoned and purged, and be kept unſpotted for the Future, being my ſelf ſo full of Corruption, & living in ſuch a filthy Age? But O the ſtupid Blockiſhneſs of the World! Why do we hear no more either Younger or Old, thus Crying out of themſelves, Unclean, Unclean! I ſee my ſelf in an Odious State and have followed a wicked courſe, how ſhall I get freed and cleanſed therefrom! Is it becauſe we are all ſo pure! Perhaps in conceit, Prov. 30 12. There is a Generation pure in their own Eyes, yet is not waſhed from their Filthineſs. May we not ſay, This is a Generation, or Age generally of that mind! Or, becauſe the moſt are ſetled on the Lees of their Sins, delight in their ſelf polluting Courſes, reſolve to continue in them: Like the Collim, make account they ſhall foul themſelves again, therefore will not waſh.
Oh, But if God ſhould ſhew you your Ways and Faces in a glaſs, you would Abhor your ſelves in Duſt and Aſhes. Many of you that think your ſelves wonderous pure, would (as Job ſaith) Think your own cloaths defile you, or you your cloaths. What Filthy Souls have many of you, Men and Women, Young and Old, Never yet waſhed in the Blood of Jeſus Ch…iſt, in Tears of true Repentance, and Laver of Regeneration, but continue to beſmear your ſelves with your daily ſins.
It may be thus pronounced to you all, that if you have not as yet come to make this Queſtion, & that Sincerely, heartily, affectionately and with deep deſire, as David here did, you are not of his Spirit, nor yet in the way to Heaven; and if ſo you abide, ſhall be ſhut out with Dogs, or unclean Perſons.
As for you Old Sinners that have been wallowing & ſoaking in your miry Filth for ſo many years, until this Day, and yet take no care to be waſhed. Did you but ſee your Filthy Souls in the Glaſs of Gods Law, and would reflect on the dreadful Stain of your life paſt, what ſhame and confuſion of Face would cover you? Think how you will look God in the Face another day, when All the hidden things of Darkneſs ſhall be made manifeſt before the World of Angels and Men. How will you hold up your Heads in that Day? Do you look to come where David is? The Devil will as ſoon, except you be transformed, Changed & Sanctifyed throughout. Well then, ſhould Young men cleanſe their Way, Is it not high time for you? I will only Item ſuch with what the Spirit ſays, Rev. 22.11. The time is at hand, he that is unjuſt, let him be unjuſt ſtill, and he which is filthy let him be filthy ſtill.
I haſten therefore to an Exhortation, wherein I earneſtly addreſs this Great Aſſembly and Concourſe of People, beſeeching every one, Old and Young, Male and Female.
1. To Conſider your ways now in time. See what they are, or have been, and what their End will be. Remember our life is for an End, I mean an endleſs End. It's not only our Buſineſs therefore to eſcape Death and Eternal Damnation, but to Enjoy Life, and Everlaſting Communion with God; or to have an intire Fruition of the beſt Good for ever. The End (you ſee) is of greateſt Conſequence, for that determines the Final Happineſs or Unhappineſs of any perſon or courſe. It's not the way rough or plain, but the End whereto it tendeth: The difficulty of the way is no wiſe comparable either with the Wo, or Happineſs of the End. It's not what way or Weather thou travelleſt through, but where thou muſt lodge at night. O that we may be every one wiſe therefore to conſider our latter End.
2. That the End depends on the way. According to the courſe we ſteer in this life, we ſhall certainly arrive at Death: either in the fair Havens of Reſt and Glory, with the pure and undefiled, or elſe in the Dead Sea of Wrath and Miſery, where all the Sodomites and Unclean perſons are immerſt Eternally.
Know then, Here is Life and Death ſet before us all, and our ſteps are every day carrying us to Heaven or Hell. Hinc illud melior eſt Claudus in via quam Curſor praeter viam. Better to be limping in the way, than running beſides it. A word for Backſliders, or ſuch as having once eſcaped the pollution of the world, and again entangled and overcome, we have in 2 Pet. 2.21. The latter end of ſuch is worſe than their beginning.
As for the Directions needful in this Caſe, they might moſt properly c…me under the third and laſt Propoſition in the Doctrine, viz
PROPOSITION III.
That the heedful obſerving of our Ways from our Youth up, according to the Word of God▪ is an effectual means to cleanſe and keep them clean from all ſinful Defilements.
But I ſhall wholly paſs this, Referring you to the late Learned Compoſures of ſome who have handled this point with greater accuracy and skill than I may pretend unto. That which I principally aim'd at in this Enterprize was further to excite the Generation of young people (great Numbers whereof were expected, and accordingly are here gathered together on the ſolemn Occaſion before us.) To ſearch and cleanſe their ways, To ſhew them the neceſſity hereof, and urge them to the practice of the Duty, rather than give Directions about it, which is better done to their hand already.
I ſhall therefore conclude with a word of Motive further, not from precept, but example; not of one coming from the Dead, (as Dives deſired might be ſent for the warning of his Brethren) but of one going to the Dead, whoſe counſel and caution may be as effectual, and will to all conſiderate perſons.
Then, Beſides what has been hinted already; that Unholineſs cuts off from the Bleſſing of God in this life: often procures untimely Death; and at length ſhuts out of Heaven, becauſe nothing that defileth or maketh abomination ſhall ever enter in there, Rev. 21.27.
Let me add, or rather preſent unto you this Solemn Example of one before us at this time, who has been notoriouſly defiled in her way, and is now haſting to a ſhameful End of a wicked Life; One that is immediately to Dye for her Sins, though we hope not in her Sins. Such an Example as has never been heretofore in this place; God of his infinite mercy grant (if it be his will) that there may never be occaſion for another: But make all that ſee and hear thereof to ſtand in aw, and do not any ſuch abominable things as ſhe has done: To whom I had thought never to have ſpoken a word in this world more, (I mean in Publick) and now the time is ſo near expired, it can be but a word.
And what ſhall I ſay unto thee, Esther, from ſuch a Text as this? Thy ways have been all filthy, thy whole Walk, a walk after the Fleſh; thy courſe a courſe of filthy Communication and Converſation. O Unclean, Unclean! As if poſſeſt with an unclean Devil, or with as many as Mary Magdalen, yea rather with a Legion; thou haſt ſerved the Devil an intire Prenticeſhip of one and twenty years in filthy ways of one ſort or other. But, is thy time of Bondage now expired? O Rejoice thou in the Jubilee, and magnify the Lord who has Redeemed thee, and that at ſo dear a rate, as with the price of his own Blood: Did he vouchſafe to look upon thee, when thou waſt in thy blood, even when thou waſt in thy Blood-guiltineſs and Filthineſs, and to ſay unto thee Live! inſtead of letting thee ſink and be drowned in thy Gore and Guilt, has raiſed thee to the Hope of Pardon and Life Eternal? O Admire, Admire the Riches of Divine Mercy & Free Grace! Admiration is all the Glory thou canſt give to God for his Grace. Jeſus Chriſt will come at the laſt Day to be Glo…ified in his Saints, and admired in all them that believe I pray ſend thine Admirations before hand to attend him at his Coming.
But what preparations has thy Soul made to appear at Gods Tribunal before this Day be ended? Art thou like to be found choathed in the Righteouſneſſes of the Saints, both imputed and inherent Righteouſneſs, not only juſtified by Grace, but ſanctifyed by the Holy Spirit alſo. The former is to give thee right to the latter, to make thee fitter for Heaven and Happineſs: Heaven is the moſt Holy place, there is the moſt holy Company & ſociety of God, Angels, & Spirits of Juſt ones that are made perfect in Holineſs. Haſt thou deſired and laboured for Holineſs to Sanctify thee, as well as Righteouſneſs to juſtify thee? what means haſt thou uſed to get thy Soul purged as well as ſin pardoned: Haſt thou been at the Fountain which God has opened for Judah, and for the Houſe of David? Haſt thou waited and prayed with David, Pſal 51. Waſh me throughly from my ſins, purge me with Hyſſop, referring to the Blood of Sprinkling, that Bl…od of the Lamb of God, which alone cleanſeth from all ſin; or haſt thou thought a few Tears ſufficient for this? Verily, if thy Head were a Fountain, thine Eyes rivers of waters, & if thence thou couldeſt pour out ſuch a Flood as would even Deluge the world again, it would not waſh out the ſtain of one of thy leaſt ſins: A drop of the Blood of Chriſt is infinitely better, though all of that be neceſſary.
Once more then Eſther, Look unto that Jeſus who came by Blood and Water both; by the one to purchaſe Pardon and Heaven for thee, if thou Believeſt. By the other to purify and prepare thee for it. And God of his Infinite Grace give unto thee an Open and Abundant Entrance thereinto: For the ſake of him who is Prieſt for ever, and Liveth ſtill to make Interceſſion for Sinners.
The End of the Third SERMON.