Twelve Single Sermons, Sermon 9
Sermon, IX. GOD'S BOW Bent, and SWORD Drawn againſt the Wicked.
PSAL. VII. 12.
If he turn not, he will whet his Sword: He hath bent his Bow and made it ready.
THe Title of this Pſalm ſhows, that holy David was the inſpired Author of it; it refers to a Time when he was in great Danger from wicked Enemies, v. 1. O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust, ſave me from all them that perſecute me, and deliver me. This Verſe intimates both the Danger he was in, and the Method he took for Relief. As to the latter, namely, his trusting in God, he was encouraged to it from the Conſideration of Gods being the Supream Governour of all Things, the Righteous Judge of all Men. He'll ſurely take his Time to appear eminently for the Righteous, and againſt the Wicked. v. 10. My defence is of God, who ſaveth the upright in Heart. v. 11. God judgeth the Righteous (that is, will appear to vindicate, help and relieve them) and God is angry with the wicked every day. Then follows our Text, If he turn not he will whet his Sword. That is, if the Wicked does not turn from his wicked Ways, but goes on in his Sin (which is further deſcribed v. 14.) then God will whet his Sword, he hath bent his Bow and made it ready. Theſe Expreſſions concerning God, repreſent him as an Enemy, armed, prepared with a Bow bent and Sword ſharpened, to execute Vengeance on the Wicked, v. 13. He hath prepared for him the Inſtruments of Death. God had deadly Vengeance, mortal Vengeance in Store, for thoſe who won't turn from, and forſake their wicked Ways. Yea, there's mortal Vengeance in Store for every ſuch one, not any one of them ſhall eſcape in a Crowd: If he turn not (he, be he who he will that obſtinately goes on in Sin) deadly Vengeance ſhall overtake him. It ſhall certainly be ſo, for God himſelf will whet his Sword, bend his Bow, &c. God himſelf will execute Vengeance on the Wicked: Though he often employs Inſtruments in this Work, yet he never puts it intirely out of his own Hand into others. He'll do it himſelf, and ſee it throughly done. He aſſumes to himſelf this work, of executing Vengeance on the Wicked. Deut. 33.35, 41. To me belongeth Vengeance and Recompence. — If I whet my glittering Sword, and mine hand take hold on Judgment; I will render Vengeance to mine Enemies, and I will reward them that hate me. Thoſe who walk in ways of known Sin and Diſobedience to God, are Enemies to God, Haters of him, and he himſelf (if they turn not) will render Vengeance to them. So that their ways of Sin, are to their own Hurt, Wrong and Damage: (For God ſays, Prov. 8.36. He that ſinneth against me, wrongeth his own ſoul; all they that hate me love death.) God will bring deadly Vengeance, on them, if they turn not.
From the Words therefore we may raiſe this
DOCTRINE. Great is the Danger of thoſe, who go on in ſinful Ways.
Their Danger muſt needs be great, becauſe our Text tells us, If they turn not, God will whet his ſword; that is, he'll certainly puniſh them according to their ways, their deſervings. He will thus puniſh them, partly in this World, but more fully and eternally in the next. As for ways of Sin, (if we would know what they are) they are ways of Diſobedience to God. 1 Joh. 3.4. Whoſoever committeth ſin tranſgreſſeth alſo the Law; for ſin is a tranſgreſſion of the Law. Ways of Diſobedience to God, of trangreſſing his Precepts, of breaking his Commandments, are ways of Sin; and thoſe who allow themſelves in ſo doing, muſt needs be in great Danger.
That great is the Danger of thoſe who walk on in ways of Sin, will appear if we conſider theſe following Particulars, viz.
1. God perfestly and exactly knows all their Wickedneſs. Perſons may poſſibly keep many of their Crimes ſecret from Men; they often ſtrive to do ſo. Job 24.15. The Eye alſo of the Adulterer waiteth for the Twilight, ſaying, no Eye ſhall ſee me; and diſguiſeth his Face. But no Crime can poſſibly be kept ſecret from God; he perfectly and truely knows all the Thoughts, Words, Ways of all the Children of Men: He knows all the ſecret Springs and Motives of their Actions, whatever their Pretences are. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Prov. 15.3. There is no creature that is not manifest in his ſight; all things are open and naked to the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb. 14.23. God perfectly knows all the Sins of every Perſon, the Time when, the Place where they were committed; and all Aggravations and Circumſtances attending them. Can any hide himſelf in ſecret places, that I ſhall not ſee him? ſaith the Lord. Do not I fill Heaven and Earth? ſaith the Lord, Jer. 23.24.
2. God exactly remembers all their Sins. Sometimes the ill Actions of Perſons are much talk'd of when newly committed, but in a while there's a great ſilence about them, they're much forgotten. Nay, Perſons frequently forget many of their own Words and Actions, bad as well as good. But God perfectly and exactly remembers all the Sins of all Perſons. Indeed when he Pardons the Sins of true Penitents, he is ſaid not to remember them any more, Jer. 31.34. This ſignifies, that he'll never inflict the puniſhment deſerv'd by their Sins. But Gods Knowledge being Infinite and Perfect, in ſtrict and proper ſpeaking, he cannot really forget or let ſlip out of his Memory or Knowledge, any thing that ever he has known. Therefore as he perfectly knows all the Sins of the wicked; ſo he perfectly and exactly remembers them all, and that continually. Job ſaid to God, Job 14.16, 17. For now thou numbreſt my ſteps, doſt thou not watch over my Sin? My tranſgreſſion is ſealed up in a bag, and thou ſoweſt up mine iniquity. God ſays concerning the wickedneſs of his People, Deut. 32.34. Is not this laid up in ſtore with me, and ſealed up among my treaſures? Men often ſtore and treaſure up things in Bags, and Seal them; that they may keep them ſafely and have them forth coming upon occaſion: in alluſion hereto, God is ſaid to Seal up the Sins of the wicked. It notes his full, exact knowledge and remembrance of them. Oh Sinner, God remembers all thy paſt tranſgreſſions, every one of them, with all their aggravations; all the vanities and follies of thy Childhood, Youth and Riper Age. It may be many Years ago, thou haſt been guilty of Drunken Bouts, Unclean Practices, of vile Curſing and Swearing, of Profaning the Sabbath, of Cheating Tricks, of mad abominable Frolicks, &c. Well, God exactly remembers all theſe, whether thou doſt or no: they're as freſh and plain in God's View and Memory, as if committed but this very Moment; and if thou haſt not heartily repented, then the guilt of theſe and all other thy tranſgreſſions, remains in full force upon thee. Hence Sinners are ſaid, to treaſure up wrath againſt the day of wrath, and the revelation of Gods righteous judgment, Rom. 2.5. As they add Sin to Sin, ſo they treaſure up yet greater and greater meaſures of Wrath and Vengeance; which ſhall ſurely be poured out upon them, if Repentance prevent not. Time, may poſſibly wear out thy remembrance of thy Sins, but it can never wear out God's remembrance of them.
3. God hates all Sin. He is of purer eyes than to behold evil: he cannot look upon iniquity, Hab. 1.13. This alludes to the practice of Men, when they ſhut their Eyes or turn away their Faces, as not being able to bear or endure the ſight of theſe or thoſe Objects, which are loathſom, hateful and abominable to them. Men can't endure to ſee theſe or thoſe things, which they hate and loath. So, God is ſaid to be of ſuch holy and pure Eyes, that he can't bear the ſight of Sin. The Expreſſion notes, his unutterable hatred, loathing and abhorrence of it. He declares, that 'tis the abominable thing which he hates, Jer. 44.4. No Objects we can think of, can be ſo hateful and loathſome to us, as all Sin is to God. Nothing can be ſo diſpleaſing and provoking to us, as all Sin is to God. It is becauſe God's Holineſs hates Sin; that his Power has made an Hell to puniſh it. Indeed Sin is the only thing that's loathſome, hateful and provoking to God; and all Sin is inconceivably abominable to him.
4. God has threatned to puniſh Sin, and he is faithful it his Word. While Man was Innocent, God threatned Death in caſe of Diſobedience, Gen. 2.17. And the Scripture plainly declares, the Soul that ſins ſhall Die, Ezek. 18.4. The wages of Sin is Death, Rom. 6.23. Every Sin is Treaſon and Rebellion againſt God, and deſerves Death; even Eternal Death and Miſery. And if Sin be not ſo Repented of, as to be Pardoned thro' the Blood of Chriſt, Eternal Death and Miſery ſhall certainly be inflicted for it: for God is faithful to his Word. He cannot lie, Tit. 1.2. God is not a man that he ſhould repent. Hath be ſaid, and ſhall he not do it? or hath he ſpoken, and ſhall he not make it good? Numb. 23.19. It is impoſſible for God to lie, Heb. 6.18. God is Unchangibly true and faithful, and therefore his threatenings (if Repentance prevent not) as well as his Promiſes, ſhall certainly be accompliſhed. This God of Unchangible Truth has ſaid, Wo to the wicked, it ſhall go ill with him, Iſai. 3.11. Thoſe who obey not the Goſpel, ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting deſtruction, 2 Theſ. 1.8, 9.
5. God has power ſufficient to puniſh Sin, to fulfil all his Threatnings againſt it. Among Men, Judges ſometimes want Power to inflict deſerved Puniſhments on Offenders; God can never want Power ſo to do, for he is the Lord God Omnipotent. Criminals ſometimes make their Eſcape out of the hands of Juſtice, Abſcond, Break Driſon, &c. But none can make their Eſcape from God. If they make their Neſt among the Stars, he can bring them down. God has already ſhown, great Juſtice and Power in puniſhing of Sin. The ſtrong, the mighty Angels that Rebell'd; he has laid in Chains, reſerving them to that terrible Judgment which they tremble at the thoughts of. God Drowned the Old World for their Ungodlineſs: deſtroy'd Sodom & Gomorah, with Fire and Brimſtone from Heaven for their Wickedneſs. All the Miſeries, Plagues, Puniſhments, Deaths that were ever inflicted on the Children of Men; were the fruits of Sin. That God who has done theſe things, is the ſame God ſtill, he's Unchangible: he can puniſh Sin more terribly than we can conceive of. Do we provoke the Lord to jealouſy? Are we ſtronger than he? 1 Cor. 10.22. O Sinner, wilt thou provoke the Lord by walking in any way of known Sin? Thou Fool, thou Mad Man, God can tear thee in pieces ſo that none can deliver thee. God governs the World, he does what he will in the Armies of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth. Thy time, thy breath, all thy ways and concerns are in his Hand; he can do what he will with thee. God can if he pleaſes, ſoon ſtrip thee of all thy outward Comforts and Injoyments, of thy Eſtate, Credit, Friends: he can take away thy Health, fill thee with Sickneſs and Pain. He can awaken thy ſtupid Soul, ſet thy Sins in order before thee, and make thy Conſcience a gnawing tormenting Worm within thee; he can make thee a terror to thy ſelf, and to all round about thee: he can deſtroy both thy Soul and Body in Hell, Mat. 10.28. Thou art abſolutely and intirely in the hand of that God, whom thou provokeſt with thy wickedneſs; he can end thy Life and ſend thee to Hell in a Moment, if he pleaſeth. Nothing can be ſo preſumptuouſly mad and fooliſh, ſo eminently hazardous and dangerous; as for Perſons to Sin againſt and provoke, this Holy Almighty Jehovah.
6. God will ſhow no Mercy to thoſe, who are finally obſtinate in Sin. God now calls them to turn and live, he waits to be Gracious; but if they will not hearken, will not turn, then (as our Text and the following Verſe intimate) God has nothing but a ſharpened Sword, a bent Bow, Arrows and Inſtruments of Death prepared for them. Thoſe who being often reproved, harden their necks, ſhall ſuddenly be deſtroyed; and that without remedy, Prov. 19.1. Thoſe who finally and obſtinately refuſe to turn to God, ſhall have Divine wrath and fury poured out upon them, but they ſhall have no Mercy. He that made them will not have mercy on them: and he that formed them will ſhow them no favour, Iſai. 27.11. There's a time coming, when all their Prayers, Cries, Tears will prevail nothing with God. He often call'd on them and they would not hear, they obſtinately refus'd till the day of his Patience was over; therefore when they cry under the heavy preſſures of his Wrath, he will not hear them. If they cry, Lord, Lord, Open to us, hell ſay, I know you not, Mat. 25.11, 12. Nay, he will laugh at their calamities, and mock when their fear comes as deſolation, and their deſtruction as a whirlwind, when deſtreſs and anguiſh come upon them, Prov. 1.26, 27. To have the Great God pouring out his inſupportable Vengeance on them, and inſtead of hearing their Cries and Petitions for Mercy; to mock and laugh at their inconceivable anguiſh and diſtreſs, this is terrible indeed. Yet this will be the Portion of obſtinate Offenders. God ſaid of his obſtinate People of Old, Ezek. 8.18. Therefore will I alſo deal in fury: mine eye ſhall not ſpare, neither will I have pity; and tho' they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear. In the day of God's Patience there's ground to Pray with hope of ſucceſs (God regards the Prayer of the deſtitute, and will not deſpiſe their Prayer) but when God's abuſed Patience is ended, all the Prayers of Sinners will be diſregarded. The wicked rich Man in Hell, tormented in thoſe ſcorching Flames, begg'd for as much Water to cool his Tongue, as could hang on the tip of a Mans Finger; what a ſmall pittance was this? He did not ask to be taken out of Hell, not ask to have thoſe Flames quenched; not ask to have a running River, a living Fountain always by him to cool and refreſh him; no, he ask'd but a ſmall matter, a drop of Water, and that when he was in utmoſt neceſſity too, and yet 'twas deny'd him, Luk. 16 Chap. Oh believe it, God has not one drop of Mercy for the finally obſtinate and rebellious Sinner. In this World, Gods Mercy (as it were) goes a begging to them, 'tis brought to their very Doors and offer'd to them; Chriſt ſtands at the Door and knocks for entrance. They actually injoy many outward Mercies, and Spiritual Eternal Mercies are offered to them and urged on them; but when God's Patience is ended, let them Cry and Pray as long as they will, not the leaſt drop of Mercy ſhall be obtained for them. And as they ſhall not have the leaſt drop of Mercy, ſo they ſhall have Wrath and Miſery without mixture; Pain without mitigation or intermiſſion. They ſhall be caſt into outer darkneſs, where there's weeping, wailing and gnaſhing of teeth: they ſhall be cut aſunder; ſhall be plagu'd with the Worm that never dies, the Fire that never can be quenched, and that among Damned Devils forever. Truly, no Tongue can declare, no Heart conceive the greatneſs of this Miſery. Oh, it's a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the living God, Heb. 10.31. Who knoweth the Power of his Anger! None can deliver out of his Hands; he'll puniſh his obſtinate Enemies with Everlaſting Deſtruction.
Theſe Things thus briefly touch'd, if duely conſidered, will fully prove the Truth of our Doctrine, viz. That Great is the Danger of thoſe that go on in ſinful Ways. If they had a right Senſe of their Danger, it would fill them with Fear and Trembling. Oh how Ignorant, Stupid, preſumptuouſly Daring and Fool-hardy are they, in thus running on the thick Boſſes of Gods Buckler, and (as it were) challenging of his Almighty Vengeance againſt them! When Balaam's Aſs ſaw an Angel with a drawn Sword, that dumb Beaſt was ſo concerned for its own Welfare, as to get out of the way of Danger, Numb. 22.23. But Multitudes of Sinners ſeem more Senſeleſs, Stupid, Careleſs than that dumb Beaſt was. Our Text Repreſents Almighty God as having a Sword drawn (whetting it for Execution) and a Bow bent, and Inſtruments of Death made ready to puniſh the Wicked; and yet they go on Thoughtleſs and Fearleſs to meet Divine Vengeance. Many Beaſts are more concerned for their own Safety, than Multitudes of Sinners are for their Precious, Immortal Souls. The Ox and Aſs, the Crane and Swallow, may condemn a Fearleſs, Thoughtleſs Multitude of Sinners. Nay, the very Devils believe Gods coming Wrath and Judgment, and tremble at the Belief of it; but many ſinful Men won't fear and tremble, at the Threatnings and Wrath of God that are out againſt them. What, are they more Stupid than Beaſts, more Careleſs, Fearleſs, or Unconcern'd than Devils? But Stupid and Fearleſs as they are, if they go on in Sin till Divine Patience is ended, and Divine Vengeance comes to deal with them; then the ſtouteſt and boldeſt of them all, will be fill'd with inconceivable Anguiſh, Horror and Confuſion. Rev. 6.15,—17. The Kings of the Earth, and the great Men, and the rich Men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty Men, and every Bondman, and every Freeman, hid themſelves in the Dens, and in the Rocks of the Mountains; and ſaid to the Mountains and Rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the Face of him that ſitteth on the Throne, and from the Wrath of the Lamb; for the great Day of his Wrath is …ome, and who ſhall be able to ſtand? This ſhows, that Sinners who were Great and Rich, Stout and Strong, and had made others Tremble, even Kings, yea chief Captains and mighty Men, puiſſant Warriors; poſſibly ſuch as had approach'd many a fenced City, ſ…al'd the Walls, and ſlain the Inhabitants, had storm'd and carry'd many a Fortreſs, strong Citadel and Caſtle; that had with intrepid Boldneſs and Courage, fac…d the thundring Cannon, and encoun…red eminent Dangers; yet even ſuch, when they ſee the Almighty God cloath'd with Wrath and Vengeance to puniſh the Wicked; then their Courage f…s them, Paleneſs covers them, their Blood chills, they're fill'd with diſtreſſing fear, horror, deſpair; they would be glad to have the heavieſt Rocks and Mountains fall on them and cruſh them to pieces, if that might hide them from the much heavier Wrath of that God, who has drawn his Sword and comes with Inſtruments of Death to execute Vengeance on them. But alas, no Rocks nor Mountains can hide them from the Wrath of a revenging God; there's no poſſibility of their eſcape. Then great muſt be the danger of thoſe, who go on in ways of Sin. Surely, none but Fools, none but Mad Men will make a mock of Sin; a mock of that which is inconceivably hurtful and dangerous.
But we may now proceed to ſome Uſe or Application. From what we have heard, we may Infer,
1. That wonderful is the Love of God in giving Chriſt to ſave Sinners. Since Sin is ſo abominable and provoking to God, and juſtly deſerves terrible Eternal Vengeance; it muſt needs be amazing Love in God, that he ſhould give his Son to ſave Sin…s. God commendeth his love to us, in that wh… we were yet Sinners Chriſt died for us, Rom. 5.8. So 'twas amazing Love in our Bleſſed Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that he ſhould ſo Love Sinners as to give himſelf for them, an offering and a ſacrifice to God for a ſweet ſmelling ſavour, Eph. 5.2. He loved us, and waſhed us from our Sins in his own Blood, Rom. 1.5. Amazing and Unparallel is the Divine Love and Grace, in this Method of ſaving vile Sinners who juſtly deſerv'd Everlaſting Vengeance.
2. Wonderful is the Patience of God to Poor Sinners. Inaſmuch as Sin is unutterably hateful, abominable, provoking to God, and all Sinners are intirely in his Hand that he could cruſh them in a moment if he would; I ſay, inaſmuch as it is thus, its indeed admirable and wonderful that God ſhould ſpare Sinners, and bear with them as he often does. God could glorify himſelf in their ſpeedy utter deſtruction if he would, 'tis as eaſy with him to turn them into Hell if he pleas'd, as for us to cruſh a Moth under our Fingers; and yet he often ſpares them long. It may be ſome Prayerleſs Perſons, ſome Profaners of Gods Name and Sabbath; ſome Drunkards, Fornicators, Adulterers, Thieves, Liars, Murderers, &c. and it may be others free from ſuch groſs viſible Scandals, who yet live Impenitent and Unbelieving, are yet ſuffer'd to live till they're Twenty, Thirty, Fifty, Sixty Years Old or more: tho' they're all this while ſinning againſt God, provoking him every day, yet he ſpares them and calls upon them to turn and live. This is amazing Divine Patience and Forbearance, It is riches of Goodneſs, Forbearance and Longſuffering, Rom. 2.4.
3. We ſhould heartily and ſpeedily repent, and turn from our Sins. If we turn not, our Text intimates, that God's ſharpened Sword and Inſtruments of Death, will Execute Vengeance on us. But yet ſuch are the wonders of Gods Love, Mercy and Grace; that if we heartily Repent of Sin, and Believe in Chriſt Jeſus, we ſhall then be Pardoned and Saved. There is forgiveneſs with thee, that thou mayſt be feared, Pſal. 130.4. He that covereth his Sin, ſhall not proſper, but whoſo confeſſeth and forſaketh, ſhall have mercy, Prov. 28.13. Let us therefore heartily repent and turn from all our Sins, and truſt in Chriſt, ſubmitting to him as the only Prophet, Prieſt and King of our Souls. Ezek. 18.30. — Repent and turn your ſelves from all your Tranſgreſſions; ſo iniquity ſhall not be your ruin. 1 Joh. 3.23. This is his commandment, that we ſhould believe in the Name of his Son Jeſus Christ. Iſai. 55.7. Let the wicked forſake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God for he will abundantly pardon. Yea we ſhould be ſpeedy as well as hearty, in turning from Sin and believing in Chriſt; for we know not how near we are to Death & Judgment. We may not boaſt of to morrow, we know not what a day may bring forth, Prov. 27.1. If we are never ſo careleſs and thoughleſs, yet we dont know but that Death may remove us into Eternity, before to morrow morning. Heb. 4.7. —To day, after ſo long a time, as it is ſa…d, to day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. It's therefore proper and needful that we take the advice, Eccl. 9.10. Whatſoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work nor device, nor knowledge, nor wiſdom in the grave whether thou goeſt.
4. We ſhould carefully watch against Sin, and the occaſions of it. Since Sin is ſo provoking to God and dangerous to our ſelves, we ſhould be moſt watchful and prayerful againſt it. Mat. 26.41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into Temptation. Yea we ſhould carefully watch againſt the Occaſions of Sinning, to avoid them as much as may be. Thoſe things which tend to draw us into Sin and hurt our Souls, and have no tendency to benefit our Souls; ſhould be carefully avoided. Needleſs going to Taverns and ſpending time there, brings no glory to God nor good to Souls, but the contrary. Health-Drinking, what glory did it ever bring to God or good to Souls? it has often been an occaſion of much Sin, & therefore of much Diſhonour to God and hurt to Souls. A needleſs frequenting of ill Company, leads to abundance of Sin, Miſchief and Miſery: A Companion of Fools ſhall he deſtroyed. Surely, the thoughts of Gods Sharpened Sword and Bent Bow, of that Vengeance he is preparing for Sinners; ſhould make us very watchful, careful, prayerful to avoid Sin, yea (and ſo far as we can) the occaſions of Sinning, thoſe things which lead and tend to the hurting of our Souls. Perſons are apt to cheriſh in their own minds, many Pleas, Arguments, Pretences for theſe and thoſe ſinful (at leaſt doubtful) Practices; but whole Armies of ſuch vain pretences, would vaniſh at the ſight of Gods drawn Sword and bent Bow: if they did but ſee the Vengeance deſerv'd by Sin, it would greatly deter them from it.
5. We ſhould grieve for the Sins of others. Their Sins diſhonour God and hurt themſelves; we ſhould grieve for them on both Accounts. I beheld Tranſgreſſors and was grieved, becauſe they kept not thy Word, Pſal. 119.158. If we ſhould ſee Mad-men cutting, wounding, gaſhing themſelves; would not this grieve us to the Heart? But Alas, Perſons are more Injurious to themſelves, while walking in Ways of known Wickedneſs, for thereby they deſerve Eternal Puniſhments in Hell. Surely then, we ſhould grieve for the Sins of others, ſigh and cry for all the Abominations committed by thoſe among whom we live, Ezek. 9.4.
6. We ſhould do what we can to prevent Sin in others. Private Chriſtians, by their good Examples, wholſome Counſels and Admonitions, fervent Prayers (as well as by the well Governing their own Families) ſhould do what they can to prevent Sin in others. Miniſters of the Goſpel, ſhould faithfully teach and exhort Perſons to Repent of Sin, and Believe in Chriſt: They ſhould lift up their Voice like a Trumpet, faithfully warn them to turn from their evil ways; whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. They ſhould teach them to deny Ungodlineſs and worldly Lusts, and to live ſoberly, righteouſly and godlily in this World. If Ministers are unfaithful Watchmen, they will bring on themſelves the Guilt of the Blood of Souls. So, ſuch as have Civil Authority, ſhould do their utmoſt to prevent Sin in thoſe under their Government. Good Laws ſhould be ſeaſonably made, and as faithfully executed. Civil Rulers ſhould be a Terror to evil Doers, and a Praiſe to them that do well. They ſhould do what they can, that the People under them may live in all Godlineſs and Honeſty (which is their Duty) and may enjoy Peace and Quietneſs as a Fruit thereof, 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. Thoſe in Civil Authority ſhould do what they can, to prevent all that's contrary to the Godlineſs, Honeſty, Peace and Quiet of the Subject. If Taverns are needleſly multiplyed and frequented; if Illuminations and Bonfires occaſion growing Diſorders, Rude Perſons making themſelves Judges who ſhall be ſpared or hurt in their Properties, whoſe Fences ſhall be burnt, and whoſe Habitations broken or ſhatter'd; I ſay, theſe or any other things that tend to hurt the Morals of a People, and are contrary to Peace and Quietneſs, Godlineſs and Honeſty, are worthy to be conſider'd, that ſo all proper Methods may be taken to prevent Wickedneſs, which is provoking to God and hurtful to Men. A ſerious, realizing Senſe of the Vengeance of God againſt Sin, would make all Sincere Chriſtians more careful to avoid Sin them…lves, and to endeavour the Preventing of it in others alſo. A thouſand Pleas, Arguments, Excuſes to indulge ſinful Practices, or plain leading Occaſions of Sin; would vaniſh and diſappear, before a realizing Senſe of Gods Vengeance againſt Sin. Would Men dare to do this or that … thing, if they ſaw God ſtanding with his Inſtruments of Death prepar'd to render Vengeance to them?
7. We ſhould count thoſe our worſt Enemies who prompt us to Sin, and thoſe our beſt Friends who endeavour to prevent our ſinning. Thoſe who by Frowns or Flatteries ſtrive to draw us into Sin; do endeavour to make a Breach between our God and our Souls to our utter Undoing. We ſhould avoid ſuch as Enemies indeed. But faithful Reprovers are faithful Friends, and ſhould be ſo eſteemed: Pſal. 141.5. Let the Righteous ſmite me, it ſhall be a kindneſs; and let him reprove me, it ſhall be an excellent Oyl, which ſhall not break my Head. And as we ſhould deſire for our ſelves, ſo we ſhould ſhow to others, ſuch Friendſhip. Therefore we ſhould have no Fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of Darkneſs, but rather reprove them, Eph. 5.11. We ſhould conſider one another, to provoke unto Love and good Works, Heb. 10.24.