The Day of a Godly Mans Death Better than the Day of his Birth, Sermon 2

The Day of a Godly Mans Death Better than the Day of his Birth · Sermon 2

p. 49A SERMON on NEW-YEAR's Day.

EZEK. XLV. 18.

Thus saith the Lord GOD, In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young Bullock without blemish, and cleanse the Sanctuary.

MANY and various were the Rites and solemnities to be attended under the Ceremonial Dispensation. Most of Them were contain'd in the Mosaical Law of Commandments. But here in our Text we have a new Institution; which I don't remember to have met with before. It is the anniversary Solemnity of Cleansing the Sanctuary by a sacrifice of atonement in the … of the Year. Thus saith the Lord GOD, in the first month, &c.

HERE 1. We may observe the Work assigned:

2. The Time fixed.

1. HERE is a Duty prescrib'd; namely, The offering a sacrifice to GOD, for purging of the Temple. p. 50The matter of the sacrifice was a Young Bullock without blemish. Being design'd for the Honour of GOD, who is infinitely perfect, it ought to be the most perfect in it's Kind, else we do not give him the glory that is due unto his name.—Moreover, This signify'd the complete strength and purity that was to be in CHRIST, the dying sacrifice; and the sincerity of Heart, and unblame… bleness of Life that shou'd be in Believers, who are presented to GOD as living sacrifices. The Oblation was to be of the Fattest and Choicest; for GOD deserves our Best; and Wo to them who present unto Him only the Halt, the Lame and the Blind, the Torn and the Sick. Should I accept this of your …ands? saith the LORD. Cursed is the Deceiver, who sacrificeth to the LORD a corrupt thing: For I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts††Mal. 1. 13, 14.Mal 1:13Mal 1:14

NOW the End of this offering was to make Reconciliation for the House of Israel to cleanse the Sanctuary, to expiate for the sins of the preceding Year; the Iniquities of the holy Things, both of the Priesthood, and the Congregation: And also to bespeak the necessary Aids and Restraints of Divine Grace for the Future; that they might escape former Errors and Pollutions, and worship and serve GOD in a more holy and acceptable manner.

AND hereby They signified Their Repentance and Humiliation for what had been amiss in Them and in Their Performances in Time past: as well as Their Vow and Promise to be more watchful, faithful & diligent in serving GOD for Time to come.

p. 512. HERE is the Time appointed, even the first Day of the first Month. The work aforesaid was to be the annual Employment of the New-Year's Day. And 'twas Employment sutable to the Day, well-fitting the season; very proper work to begin the Year withal.

THE first Day of the first Month is a famous Day in Scripture, for many memorable Actions & Events. 'Twas on this Day that Noah ††Gen 8. 13.Gen 8:13first looked out of the Ark, after the Flood, and had the joyful sight of the restored World. A happy New-Year's Day indeed was This.—'Twas on this Day also that Moses ‖‖Fx…d. 40. 2.(the man of GOD) reared the Tabernacle for Divine Worship; according to the Commandment of the LORD. And a good New-Year's Day's Work it was.—And 'twas on this Day that Ezra the Priest **Ev… 7 9.began his Journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, on the pious Intention to set up the House of GOD there, and to teach in Israel, the good Knowlege of the LORD. A good beginning of the New-Year!—And so was that in Hezekiah's Time ††2 Chron. 29 172 Chr 29:17, when on the first Day of the first Month, he began to repair and purify the Temple, and set in order the Service thereof; having it in his heart at the same Time to covenant with the LORD GOD of Israel, that his fierce wrath might turn away from Them.

BY these and other Things, the first Day of the first Month has been signaliz'd, and hath contracted a sort of solemnity; and challenges a special Regard from Us, in the annual Reversion of it; not p. 52indeed a superstitious Observation of it as holy Time, but an Application of it to some religious Exercises, which at this Juncture are peculiarly seasonable. And accordingly it has been the laudable Usage of many serious Christians both ancient and modern, to distinguish this Day (in the Yearly Returns of it) by agreeable Exercises of Devotion: Which pious Custom they have found to contribute exceedingly to the inflaming their Zeal, exciting their Diligence, and promoting their attainments in Religion. And this Reflection (methinks) is Argument enough to recommend the Practice, were there no Scripture-Rule to enforce it. But I doubt not, The Precept in my Text is a sufficient Warrant. For tho' the Jewish Institution of a Sin-offering on a New-Year's Day be out of Date; Yet the general Reason of the Solemnity remains in full force. Christians are still to offer spiritual Sacrifices, tho' the Legal or Ceremonial be abrogated: and we have the same occasion as the Jews had, to solemnize the Beginning of the Year, by presenting these unto GOD. And will it not be our Reproach, to fall short of Them in Care of our Souls, and Duty to our great Master & Benefactor?

BUT (to say no more here) surely it can't be amiss to begin the Year with Religion; with which every Week, yea every Day shou'd commence. GOD in the First and Best Being, and the supreme LORD of all our Time: Hence the First of every period and Season belongs to Him; and therefore the First-Fruits of the yearly Revolution should be consecrated to his Glory and Service.

p. 53BY the good Hand of our God upon us, We are are now arriv'd to the Beginning of another year, according to the common Account. And as it falls out in Providence, our New-Year's Day is the Lord's Day, [is Sacrament-Day with us,] and so is filled up with religious Dutys. Thus we begin the year with GOD.—Now the LORD keep this in the Imagination of the Tho't of our Hearts, and establish our way before Him: and grant that the Services and Entertainments of the present Day may have a good Influence on the whole succeeding Year: that, if we are spared this Year also, we may on the Sabbath, which will close the year, still feel the happy Impressions of this Sabbath, and have them abundantly increased.

THERE are special Meditations, religious Tempers, and Actions, which are eminently sutable to preface & introduce the year withall. Wherefore I thought, to put you in Mind of These, and exhort you to them, would be a word in season. And the LORD grant it may be not only seasonable, but also profitable both to You and to Me, being mixed with Faith!

MY Business now then is to direct you in, and excite you to, a good Improvement of a New-year's Day.

THE Method I shall go in is this; (1) I shall mention & recommend some things respecting the year past. (2) Others that respect the year beginning.

SOME think, this first Month has it's Name from …anua (the Latin for) a Door, because it is (as were the Door) the Opening or Beginning of a New-year. p. 54But 'tis most commonly thought, it derives from Janus (a famous Person in heathen Story, supposed to be the same with Noah in sacred History) who was wont to be painted with two Faces, which at once saw things past and future.—And agreeably this Month (that wears his name) has like him a two-fold Aspect, it points backward as well as forward. Accordingly the customary Inscription of the Year at present is Double; both the Year passing, and that advancing come into the usual Date of things. This may give us occasion, not improperly to take both Years under our consideration. Wherefore as propos'd before,

1. I shall instance in some Dutys of Religion relative to the Year concluded; that very properly challenge a place among the pious Exercises of a New-Year's Day. This indeed I wou'd defer to be the Matter of our Entertainment on the finishing Sabbath of the Year; but that I know not whether … opportunities shall be continued so long; and probably some of my present Hearers will then be gone down into the place of Silence. Therefore I shall prevent my self in saying,

1. WE must look back on the Year concluded with Solemn Repentance for the many Sins & offences of it. We shou'd begin the present Year with Penitent Reflections on the Sins of the foregoing Year: Our own sins, that is; for we are call'd … judge our selves, and not others. Indeed we shou'd lay to heart, and sigh and weep for the Abominations committed by others; because of the Dished nor done thereby to the Name of GOD, and also th… we may not partake of their Guilt & Doom, … p. 55that which I am now urging more especially, …s a deep Self-abasement and Humiliation for our own Personal Miscarriages, particularly in the last Year. We must be sensible, that we are daily sinning more or less in Tho't, Word, & Deed, thrô the influence of corruption within and temptations without. The sorrowful Experience of the most improved Saints on earth speaks loudly to the truth of this. 'Twas the complaint of a humble Penitent, My sins are more than the hairs of my head. Who can understand his errors?—Doubtless, if we strictly examine the Records of Conscience, and take an impartial view of the frames of our heart, and the manner of our conversation in the Year past, We shall all find we've been (some in a greater, others in a lesser degree) making sad work for Repentance and have heavy complaints to exhibit against our selves. In many things we all offend. In all things the very Best come vastly short of their just obligations. Are there not innumerable instances, wherein we can charge our selves, either with Omission of, or Negligence in Duty, or Contradiction to it? Can't we justly accuse our selves of greatly m…spending Time, and frequently foregoing desireable opportunities of doing and getting good?—Has not a quarter-part of the Year at least with all, and nigh half with the generality been altogether wasted in our Beds? Truly it is a very humbling consideration, that we've been oblig'd, for the relief of our impotent Nature, entirely to lose so many valuable hours in Sleep as we have, But it is matter of more sad Reflection, that so much preti…s Time has by many been spent in Sleep unneccessary in indulgence of p. 56the Flesh; or unseasonably, as in the solemn Worship of GOD, to the dishonour of his Name, and the wounding of their own Souls. O that all who are guilty in this point wou'd seriously reflect, and grievously resent their Sin!—But then we have in many other ways lost a great deal of our Time. It is to be fear'd, that some among us have in a manner wholly fool'd & squander'd away the Year, having been idle every Day and all the Day, as well as Night: Slothful & unprofitable Servants, who have …id their Talents in a Napkin, nay have to … Lord's Goods in riotous living. Have not only don… nothing at all for the honour of GOD, for the good of their Neighbor, or the salvation of their own Souls: but have done much to the contrary; casting off Fear and restraining Prayer before GOD; denying the LORD that bought them, and despising their own Souls; walking after the Imagination of the… evil hearts; indulging themselves in vain Thoughts and vile Affections, corrupt Communication, and wicked Deeds; being proud, passionate, covetous, or sensual, unclean, intemperate, unjust, uncharitable, & to every good work reprobate. Thus they… spent their Days in Vanity, and brought their … to an end, as a Tale that is told ††Isa 92 9.. A Tragical Story indeed!—And as to others of us, who have not let the Year altogether run waste; yet … great Portions of it have we thrown away in Idleness, Folly, and Impertinence; and fill'd up no … of it (as we ought to, and might, have done) with … labour and industry. If we have not … stood still yet we've walk'd but …; or gone in … p. 57round of Duties, making no progress; and it may be, some have gone back from the LORD in too sad and shamefull degrees.—How many of us are there, who have done but little work this year, and got but little good, and but little improv'd the blessed means and seasons of grace we've so plentifully and undeservedly enjoy'd! Have we not many of us loytered away much of our Time, and let numberless pretious Minutes, if not Days and Works, slip away in sloth and negligence, which might have been employ'd to excellent purposes in the worship and service of GOD, or in the work of our Generation? How often have we voluntarily neglected, or been needlesly diverted from holy Duties, Christian Conversation, and various good Works, which we have had opportunity for, and an outward Call, as well as inward impulse to? How have Sabbaths been trifled away, and lost? How have Sermons been forgotten or perverted? And Sacraments omitted or prophan'd? How have Closet-Devotions, and Family-Religion been neglected, or carelesly attended and shuffled over? And how have Relative Dutys been transgressed? How have the various Providences we've passed under, been unheeded or unprofitable? Mercies slighted and abused; Afflictions ill-resented and un-improv'd? In a word, How have our Souls and Eternity been disregarded, the World pursu'd, Sense indulged, GOD dishonor'd, and the Devil gratify'd, by the Transgressions of the wicked, the unfruitful … of Christians, and the Apostasies of Professors! For as some of the Best have liv'd to very small purpose, and … forth but little Fruit: So many others p. 58(we may fear) have liv'd to very ill purpose, bringing forth Fruit to themselves, wild grapes, the grapes of Sodom, and clusters of Gomorrha. Have we not reason to lament, that there are some Professors, who have this Year miserably fallen behind-hand, and gone back in Religion, decay'd in Grace, and declin'd in their Zeal & Activity for GOD, Love to his House and Day, Ordinances and Ministers, and the Communion of Saints! Are there not some, wh… profess to know GOD; yet in works have deny'd him Being disobedient, proud, prophane, earthly, sensual; Careless about and formal in religious Dutys, disorderly in their walk, gradually leaving off to be wise and to do good, and frequently allowing themselves in those sinful neglects or vitious practices, which (it may be) once they abhor'd & trembled at; securely venturing into the way of Temptations, and patiently suffering the World, or the Flesh, by degrees to recover it's Dominion and le… them captive. It may be there are those here present, who having begun in the spirit, have … in the flesh; who little thought in the Beginning of the Year, that such a fearful Change wou'd come upon them so soon. And if it had then been prognosticated, what they wou'd be, and how they wou'd speak, and behave themselves before the Year's End, they wou'd have said, GOD forbid! Be it far from me! Am I … Dog, that I should do this abominable thing?—Oh! How treacherous & deceitful are our Hearts! How sickle & false, how variable and unsteady a Creature is Man! Unstable, as water, carry'd about with every wind, an easy Prey to every Adversary; and never able to stand in the p. 59hour of Temptation, unless almighty Grace prevent, restrain, support, and strengthen!

O Let us all now consider our Ways, look back upon the past Year, and weep over the manifold miscarriages of it. Thus, let the Sinner & ungodly review his Life, and call to mind (as far as possible) and lay to heart the many sins he has been guilty of. O let there not be occasion for the LORD, to renew that Complaint (Jer. 8. 6.) I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: No man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? But from an humbling Conviction that there is just ground for it, seriously put this Inquiry to your Consciences; and accomplish a diligent search, that if possible you may find out all that has been amiss. And when you remember all your Transgressions ††Ez…k. 20, 43., wherewith you have displeased GOD and defiled your selves, Repent in sackcloth and ashes, loathing your selves in your own sight, asham'd of your folly, and afraid of the Judgments of GOD, which hang over your guilty Heads.

LET Hypocrites in Heart, that have been heaping up wrath **Job 36 13.Job 36:13, mocking GOD, flattering themselves, and deceiving others, by a plausible Profession, by specious Pretences, and external Performances of Religion; being Saints in appearance unto Men; but Sinners exceedingly before the Lord; I say, let these sinners in Zion be afraid ‖‖Isa. 33 1.Isa 33:1. May Fearfulness surprize the Hypocrites! O let your Heart meditate the Terror, and your Ear hearken to the Advice that is set before you in those applicable & awfull words, (Acts 8. 21, &c.) Thou hast neither p. 60Part nor Let in … matter: for thy heart is … in the sight of God. Repent therefore of thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the tho'… of … heart may be forgiven thee For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the! …ond of iniquity.

LET Apostate Professors consider & bewail their sad Declensions; and tremble at that terrible word of the LORD, (Heb. 10. 38.) If any man brace back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

LET the Children of GOD, whose Hearts are establish'd with Grace, also revive the memory of their Failing and Follys in the last Year, and renew their Repentance for'em. Let every one make a Review, and see what has been the ordinary Temper of his Heart, and the general Tenour of his Life: and be greatly bumbled for his unfruitfulness, unusefulness, and many mistakes and faults both of common infirmity and grosser aggravation; abundance whereof (no doubt) will come to mind upon diligent self-examination, O let us all deeply blush and mourn, in the Remembrance of what has been amiss in us. Let us be cover'd with a holy confusion of face, and fill'd with unfeigned Contrition of heart; and let us give glory to GOD, by the Renewal of our humble & penitent Confessions to him.

EVEN among Christians now (as well as among the Jews of old) there shou'd be a Remembrance had of Sins every Year **…, and our Remorse for them anew excited and express'd; and fresh applications by Faith, made to the Blood of Atonement, for the confirmed Pardon of our sins, and the acceptation of our Repentance, former as well as latter.

p. 61THE Jews of old were to have their annual day of Atonement, notwithstanding the daily expiatory Sacrifices preceeding: & it argu'd the Invalidity of the ceremonial oblations to take away Sin, that in them there was a Remembrance again made of sins every year. The Repetition of them did infer (and was occasion'd by) their insufficiency to make the Comers thereunto perfect; as the Apostle argues in Heb. 10. 1, 2.—But indeed now under the Gospel, We have a better Sacrifice **Hob. 9. 23., which having been offer'd once for all ††Chap. 10. 10., is a sufficient Propitiation, not for out Sins only, but for the Sins of the whole World ‖‖1 Job. 2. ….Job 2, is of unceasing and unbounded Efficacy, and needs not to be offer'd again: nor need the atoning Virtue of it be more than once apply'd by GOD for the same Sin. Yet this do's not forbid the repeated Exercises of Faith & Repentance, nor render a Yearly Recollection of Sins improper or unnecessary. For such were the manifold Defects of our former Repentance (both as to the Extent and the Intenseness of it,) that we may well renew our penitential Tears over that: And then, thô the Guilt & damming Efficacy of Sin repented of, be perfectly put away by a complete Remission: yet the Stain and Lust is but imperfectly done away by Mortification and Sanctification; and moreover the Sin may remane in many afflictive evil Effects. Now these things are matter of great Humiliation, & may well open again the springs of Repentance, and make our hearts to flow afresh with godly Sorrow; and quicken us to apply anew by Faith to the Bloud of Sprinkling, for the Confirmation of our Pardon, and p. 62the gracious accepting of our Repentance past an… present.

OF old on the New-Year's day, was the Feast … Trumpets; when with uncommon Solemnity the Jewish Priests sounded (as some think **Godwyn's Moses & Aaron. pag. 136.) Ram's Horns in memory of Isaac's Deliverance, & a Ram's being sacrificed in his room; which typify'd CHRIST the Mediator and Propitiatory Sacrifice. And this blowing the Horn might typify the Preaching of the Gospel, which calls Sinners to repent, and believe in CHRIST. I have therefore been doing but the proper work of a New-Year's day, in sounding the Gospel-Trumpet, and calling upon you to repent of Sin and fly to the Sacrifice of Atonement.

BUT so much for the first Head; which I've been the longer upon, because of the singular Importance of it; and it's Influence into the other religious Exercises of a New-Year's-Day: which I … proceed more briefly to speak of.

2. WE shou'd make sutable Reflections on the several Occurrences & Events of the Year. We shou'd endeavour to recollect the various Providence which have passed over us, our Persons, Families Relatives; and every remarkable Dispensation public or private, wherein we have been any way interested: but especially such as were of mean… concernment to us, We shou'd take a particular Notice of. Here I may say,—

(1.) WE shou'd look back on the Mercies of the Year with Gratitude & Praise. We shou'd reflect on the several favourable Passages of the Year; an… remember the Loving-kindness of the LORD according p. 63to all His Mercies, which He hath bestowed on us. We shou'd magnify His Name with Thanksgiving, & not forget all His Benefits.—In general, We shou'd adore the Divine Patience and Goodness towards us, in undeservedly lengthening out our Abode on Earth, and adding one Year more to the Days of the Years of our frail & sinful Lives. It is a Fruit of the Long-suffering and Forbearance of a good GOD, that we have yet a Standing in his Vineyard! Such barren Trees & unprofitable Cumberers of the Ground might justly have been long since cut down, and cast (as proper Fewel) into the unquenchable Fire.—O let us therefore take a thankful Notice of the Divine Patience, in sparing us to the End of another Year.—Moreover, in particular, let us call to mind and be thankful for those many Mercies and Blessings, that the Year has been replenish'd withal, & whereby it has been brighten'd and sweeten'd unto us.

THUS the Mercies of a Temporal Nature and external Reference should be gratefully remembred and acknowleged. Have the eyes of the LORD our GOD been upon us for good, from the beginning of the Year to the end thereof? Has He crowned the Year with His goodness, and fill'd it with the tokens of his favour on civil, secular, & bodily Accounts? Have we had the supports & comforts of Life continu'd to us; success in our Trade and Business granted us; Happiness in Relations and Neighbors; quiet Habitations & convenient Dwellings; the use of our Reason, the vigour of our Senses and soundness of our Limbs? Have we had continu'd Ease, Health, and Strength of Body? Or p. 64been rais'd up from Sickness, & recover'd of threatning Diseases? Have we been safely & comfortably carry'd thro' any other considerable Dangers and Distresses, and had the Divine Providence remarkably interposing for us in seasonable Succours, Preservations, and Deliverances?—In a Word, Has it been a Year of Peace & Liberty, of Plenty and Prosperity with us?—We must remember these Things; own the Hand of GOD, and acknowlege his Wisdom, Power, and Goodness in them, with all Thankfulness. We must adore and praise GOD as our constant Protector, and bountiful Benefactor; and give him the praise & glory of all that, which we have had the Good & Comfort of.

ESPECIALLY, Let us be thankful to GOD for Spiritual Blessings; Divine Mercies relating to our Souls and everlasting Concerns. Thus, has it been a Year of desirable Opportunities for our Souls? Have we had an uninterrupted Course of quiet and holy Sabbaths, the free and full Enjoyment of Sanctuary-Privileges & Entertainments; the Means of Grace in purity & plenty dispensed to us?—We shou'd bless GOD for such invaluable advantages.

HAS it been a Year of blessed Spiritual Experiences; powerful strivings of the holy SPIRIT with us, and heavenly Impressions on our Souls? We shou'd especially bless GOD for such Mercies.

HAS this been the Year of our Conversion to GOD; the acceptable Year of the LORD, the Year of our Redemption, and the time of Love? O let us remember the loving-kindness of GOD our SAVIOUR, and rejoyce in his good Work upon us! triumphing in the Praise of his rich & sovereign Grace abounding toward us.

p. 65OR has this been a Year of our special Sanctification, and Consolation? Have we had the great Shepherd & Bishop of our Souls continually leading and feeding us; and by his powerfull Influences nourishing, and cherishing, and maturing us? Have we been increasing with the Increase of GOD, and growing in Spiritual Knowlege, Faith, Holiness, & Comfort? Have we had special Communion with GOD in Ordinances & Providences? Have we receiv'd any signal answers of Prayer; or experienc'd the fulfilment of Divine Promises in any remarkable Instances? Have we been preserved from, or supported under, and saved out of any peculiar Temptation to Sin or Error? Have we been reduced from initial Wandrings at any time? Have we been much quicken'd to the Duty of our respective Stations and several Relations; been assisted, enlarged, and succeeded therein?—In a word, Have we had any singular opportunities of glorifying GOD, and serving our Generation; been spirited to improve them, … had Prosperity following our pious Attempts.

VERILY, those are favours, which they can never enough be thankful for, who have been made the happy Subjects of them. O let us every one consider what has been our Experience in these things: and wherein we have tasted the loving kindness of the Lord, (whether in this or that instance, & in what degree forever) let us, with the devout Psalmist, call upon our Souls, and all that is within us to bless the Lord; and let us magnify his holy Name with thankfull Hearts and joyfull Lips.—Thus the Mercies of the Year are to be recorded & reflected p. 66on with Gratitude & Praise. And I might add here, not improperly; What is the matter of our Joys & Praises, as to the time past, let it be the Encouragement of our Hopes for the future. "Let the last Year's Experience help to support and cherish this Year's Expectations". He that hath delivered, we may trust … yet deliver, and still prevent us with the blessings of Goodness.

(2.) WE shou'd look back on the Troubles and Trials of the Year, with humble, Patience, Meekness, and Submission. Doubtless we have all had our Afflictions of one sort or other, in greater or lesser degrees. And as we shou'd recollect our Mercies; so it is no less proper to recall our Afflictions. But then we must beware of all carnal Regret, Repining and Impatience (which we shall be much in danger of) under the remembrance of them. We must see & own the Hand of GOD in all the sad Occurrences of the Year; and adore his Sovereignty, Holiness, Justice, Wisdom, and Goodness in them: and be reconciled to all Events, however cross & adverse.

THUS, has it been a Year of Trouble with us on Spiritual Accounts? Have we been exercis'd with grievous Temptations; have we been under the awful Withdraws of the Spirit of GOD, been left to Decays in Grace, and Falls into Sin, which have provoked GOD to hide his Face from us, and remove our Souls far off from Peace, and fill us with great Bitterness? Have we had but little Communion with GOD; little Assistence from GOD, and little … in the Work & Service He has been calling us unto?—In a word, Whatsoever Soul-wants, or Soul-…, we have been under … these things p. 67we must recall to mind and lay to heart; remembring our Affliction & our Misery, the Wormwood and the Gall. My Soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me **Lam. 3. 19, 20.Lam 3:19Lam 3:20.

OR, has it been a Year of Trouble with us on Temporal Accounts? Thus, Have we met with disappointments in Trade by Sea or Land; has Business fail'd; have Thieves robb'd, Debtors defrauded, or Creditors oppress… us, and the like? Have we received unkindnesses from Friends, or met with Crosses in Relations? Have we suffer'd in our good Name, and been vexed with the strife of Tongues, and the scourge of lying …. Have we been visited with Sickness in our Persons or Families? Has Death come up into our Windows, to cut off our lovely Children; to take away the Desire of our Eyes; or Lover & Friend to put far from us, and our Acquaintance into Darkness?

IN short; Whatever Danger or Disaster we've met with, We must see that all proceedeth from the Lord, and therefore hold our Peace, and not open our Mouths in any way of Murmuring and Complaint. Psal. 39. 9. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. We must justify GOD in all his Proceedings, however (seemingly) harsh or rigorous; and to the Glory of his Name acknowlege, with afflicted humble Ezra,—after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, Thou our GOD hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve ††Ezra 9. 13.Ezra 9:13.

3. WE shou'd make our fervent Addresses to the Throne of Grace, in the way of Prayer:—Intreating, p. 68that GOD wou'd pardon all the Sins of the Year past and of our whole Life, and not remember them against us: that old Guilt may be purged away, now we are entring on a New-Year. Again, That he would accept us in all the Services of the Year; that our spiritual Sacrifices, and all the good Deeds, which by the help of his Grace we have done, or desired to do, for the honor of his Name, and serving of our Generation, may be accepted in his sight. So Nehemiah pray'd; †'†'Neh. 13. 22. 31.Neh 13:22Neh 13:31Remember … O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Remember me, O my God, for good.—Finally, That the good Impressions of the Year may remane; that the Ordinances and Providences (whether mercifull or afflictive) wherein we have met with GOD, may have a fresh and lasting Influence on our Souls; that the good Effects of them may abide, and our spiritual Experiences not be forgotten nor become useless to us: But that we may always reap some benefit and advantage from them.—Such Petitions as these, we must put up to GOD, relating to the Year past; therewith acting Faith in JESUS CHRIST, for the application of his cleansing Blood, and the communication of his sanctifying and comforting Spirit, for these ends.—But, thus much may suffice to have been said concerning the time past, and the duties reflex.

I proceed in the next place,

II. TO instance in some prospective Dutys; or Religious Frames and Exercises, relative to the Year advancing.

p. 69THUS, in the 1st. place, We must make a serious Dedication of our selves to the Service of GOD, with the most solemn Resolutions to live unto his Glory more than ever. This is what a grateful sense of Divine Goodness to us in the past Years of our Lives, as well as the consideration of Duty & Interest, shou'd engage us unto. I beseech you therefore, Brethren, by the Mercies of GOD, that ye present your Bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to GOD; which is your reasonable service: and be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good will of GOD ††Rom 1… 1. ….Rom 1:1. If the LORD spare is this Year also, he will come seeking Fruit from us; and we must give an Account unto Him. We shou'd therefore be engaging our selves to that Duty, which He requires, by the bonds of holy Resolutions. We must, by lively acts of Devotion, consecrate all the Powers of Soul & Body, all our Strength, and Time, and Talents to the use and honour of our great LORD and Master; resolving to be His, wholly, only, and continually; resolving to redeem the Time, to be fruitful in every good word and work; and to glorify him in all things thrô JESUS CHRIST. We must particularly oblige our selves by sincere and solemn Vows, to endeavour the Reformation of ourselves and our Families from, and to be watchful against, all those Sins which we have been most incident&inclined to; to take up the practice of those Duties we've hitherto omitted, and come into a speedy attendance on those Ordinances we've hitherto neglected; to be more vigorous in p. 70those Performances, which heretofore we have been too apt to trifle in: to be diligent in the discharge of those Trusts of any consequence, which we may be now in the exercise or expectation of: and faithfull in the Improvement of all those Opportunities of doing or receiving Good, which we may probably look to meet with, in the several Stations and Relations we hold among Men. In a word, we shou'd devote to GOD, to his use and service, the whole ensuing Year, and all the days and moments of it: unfeignedly desiring that they may all be some how improv'd to his Glory; and resolving that we will live to his Praise more than ever heretofore will be more zealous for his Interest, & more Zealous of good Works; more laborious & constant in working out our own Salvation, as well as doing good in our Generation: reserving no secret Lust of the mind or of the flesh to be gratify'd, nor grudging any Pains, and boggling at no Difficulty, that we may serve, please and glorify GOD, win CHRIST and finish the course of this Year with Joy, if we shou'd live to see the Period of it.—But Oh! how improbable is this, as to some of us at least? This may be the last Year of our Lives; it may be so … many of us; none, but the GOD of Life, knows who will this Year be called to die. O let us seriously entertain this Tho't.—The Conclusion of One Year more shou'd put us upon thinking of the Conclusion of all our Years: And this Reflection shou'd quicken us (methinks) to begin well the Year advancing as not knowing but that it may be our dying Year and therefore to resolve with holy Job, that all the days of our appointed time we will wait till … p. 71Change shall come; in a daily expectation of it, and a diligent preparation for it; doing with might what our hands find to do, referring to the Glory of GOD, to our own or others Good.—O let us not stir out of these Doors, without such pious Resolves, and such a solemn act of self-Dedication. This shou'd be the Axis and Centre of every Year's Revolution. Have any of you had any good Purposes and Resolutions in your minds, the prosecution whereof has hitherto been delay'd? Put it off no longer. Is the House of GOD yet to be set up in your hearts, the work to be begun? Begin it to …ay, as Moses did, who on the first day of the first month set up the Tabernacle. Are there things amiss with you to be amended, Corruptions to be purged out, and things wanting to be set in order? Begin this day to reform, as Hezekiah did, who on the first day of the first … began to sanctify the House of the Lord: So will you make this Day in the best manner remarkable, and this Year comfortable ††Mr. Henry's England's Hopes. A Sermon preach'd on New-Year's Day..

2. WE shou'd be mindfull of the Changes, that we are liable to; and begin the Year with a holy Fear and Trembling, not knowing the things that shall befall us. As to our Spiritual Concerns, we should look forward with a godly Jealousy, a humble Self-diffidence and Self-suspicion; considering that the way we have to go, is through an Enemies Country; and knowing how apt we are to stumble and stray, and how easily ensnar'd by Temptations, p. 72which surround us continually. Who knows what Snares the Enemy has laid for him this Year; what Temptations may assault him; and into what Sins he may fall, to the dishonour of GOD, and the wounding of his own Soul? Who knows, what Troubles of Conscience and Anxieties of mind he may be left to; what decays in Grace and losses of Comfort he may suffer? We should endeavour so to fear the worst, as to avoid Security; and yet so to hope the best, as not to sink into Despondency. Be not high-minded, but fear. Fear falling into Sin; fear falling under GOD's Displeasure. Happy is the man, that thus feareth always.—Again, as to our Temporal Concerns, we shou'd begin the Year with very humble Prospects; knowing, that our Times are in GOD's hand, and that he changeth the Times according to his sovereign Pleasure; knowing that the Fashion of this World passeth away; and that we have forfeited all our Enjoyments into the hands of Divine Justice; and therefore may well look for dark and afflictive Revolutions of Providence. Have we the World at present smiling … us? Are we in Health and Ease and Esteem Business growing, Family flourishing, Relatives & Neighbours comfortable, and every Circumstances affording very bright and hopeful Prospects to us. Yet we shou'd beware of securely trusting in Worldly Enjoyments, or vainly flattering our selves with Worldly Hopes. Trust not in uncertain Riches. Say not in your Prosperity; I shall never be moved …, I shall die in my nest. Say not; We will … into such a City, and continue there a Year, and …, and get gain: For ye know not what … p. 73be on the morrow ††Jam. 4 14.Jas 4:14. Say not; Soul, eat, drink and be merry; Thou hast Goods laid up for many Years: since thy Soul may this night be required of thee. Boast not thy self of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day …ay bring forth. In a little while your Riches and Worldly Goods may take to themselves wings and fly away, and leave you: or Death will come, and carry you away from them; and then whose shall all these things be? In that very day all your Thoughts and Hopes about this World shall perish, and all your earthly Comforts be taken from you. O let the Rich and Covetous consider this; and not set their hearts on that which is not. Let the Brisk and Voluptuous consider this; and not dwell carelessly, putting far from them the evil day. Let such as are Young and beginning the World consider this; and not labour to be rich nor seek great things for themselves: but lay their Expectations & Desires low; remembring the days of Darkness, which shall be many.

3. THERE must be a mixture of Hope, and Trust in GOD. Hope & Fear must be kept on a Ballance. Amazing Dread is to be avoided, as well as Presuming Confidence. We must be so apprehensive of Changes, as not to grow secure: and yet we must maintain a good Hope thro' Grace; not casting away our humble confidence. We must not be so afraid of Evil Tidings, as to be dispirited and despondent. We must not let our Fears so pr… vale, as to silence our Prayers, or weaken our Hands in Duty, and interrupt us in our Work. We must encourage our selves in the Lord, as David **1 Sam 30. 6.1 Sam 30:6in his p. 74distress did; and fetch relief from the Divine Promises, when Dangers look us in the face, or Burdens lie on our backs. We should realise the Truth of those great & pretious Promises which GOD hath given us in His Word; and look forward with Satisfaction in the Goodness, Power, and Wisdom of Divine Providence; to the watchful Care whereof, we must in well-doing commit our selves: entrusting GOD with all our Concerns Temporal and Spiritual, Personal and Relative. In the fairest and most pleasing Prospects, owning His Sovereign Dominion, and having all our Relyance on His Providence & Promises; but renouncing all Creature-Dependencies. And in the darkest Views and Appearances of things still keeping up a chearful Trust and humble Hope in GOD; being quiet from the inordinate fear of Evil; and anxiously careful about nothing: Having our hearts fixed, trusting in the LORD, and waiting for His Salvation. We must act Faith on all the Promises of GOD; but especially those great and pretious Promises, wherein we are assured, that the LORD is a Sun and a Shield; that He will give Grace & Glory, and with-hold no good thing from them that walk uprightly; and that all things shall work together for good to them which love GOD. Psal. 84. 11. Rom. 8. 28.

4. THERE must be a hearty Resignation to the Will of GOD, as to the Events that may be in the womb of Providence. We must lay our selves, and all our's, at the foot of Divine Sovereignty; submit all that we have and are to the Divine Dispose; and resolve to acquiesce in every Allotment of our heavenly Father: … follow the Spirit of GOD in all p. 75our Affections,& the Providence of GOD in all our Affairs, whatever He shall appoint us to, this Year ††See Mr. Matth. Henry's Life. Chap. 5. Which the Reader will do well to read often and where he may find several Hints that are offer'd in this Discourse.. We must commit our Wayes to the Lord, and cast all our care on him, who performeth all things for us; stedfastly purposing to welcome the will of GOD in all His Dealings with us, respecting either our Souls and the concerns of our spiritual State, or our Bodies & the circumstances of our outward Condition. We must resign all our Interests, and refer all our Cares unto Him. We must sacrifice to GOD our Persons, Lives, Names, Estates, Families, even all our Enjoyments, and all our Hopes; resolving to be satisfy'd whether it be a Year of Troubles, and Trials, or of Peace and Joy. Come Sickness, or Health; Confinement, or Liberty; Pain, or Ease; Poverty, or Plenty; Loss, or Gain; Reproch and Disgrace, or Reputation and Preferment; Sorrow & Mourning, or Consolation & Rejoycing; Death & Bereavements, or continuance of Life and Increase of our Offspring; Crosses, or Comforts in Neighbours & Relations, &c. In a word, whatever comes, we must resolve to be easy, and to welcome every Occurent however evil; endeavoring after the same resigned frame as David was in when he uttered those words, (2 Sam. 15. 25, 26.)—If I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee: behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

p. 765. THERE must be the exercises of a lively Faith in JESUS CHRIST. We must go forth in … Righteousness & Strength, from a conviction of our own Unrighteousness, Unworthiness & Weakness. We must act faith on CHRIST for all that Wisdom & Grace, which we may need in doing the Work, and bearing the Afflictions of the Year; in fulfilling the Resolutions we have made,& resisting the Temptations we may meet withall. We must rely on Him for His holy SPIRIT, to accompany Ordinances & Providences, and sanctify them unto us. We must rely on His Merits for acceptance with GOD in our present acts of Devotion, and in all the future Performances & Works of the Year. In a word, We must by an eye of faith have a view to CHRIST, as the meritorious & the efficient … all our hopes of needful Benefits for one …; and of …fulness we must expect to receive the Blessings we ask for. We must look on the Promises as founded in the Mediator; and desire to receive all our supports and comforts from them, through His hand.

6. And lastly, THERE must be earnest Prayer to GOD, with respect to the ensuing Year. There are many Errands to the Throne of Grace, many Petitions proper to be put up on the present occasion. Here to give a … hints briefly;—

AS to our selves, personally consider'd; we shou'd pray that the hand of our GOD may be upon as for Good, from the beginning of the Year to the …nd thereof. We shou'd pray with submission to the Will of GOD, that He wou'd provide for us, as to our outward man; that He wou'd smile upon us p. 77in our worldly Affairs & Concerns; that He wou'd daily follow us with His Benefits, and crown the Year with His Goodness; that it may be a Year of continu'd Health, Peace, Liberty, Plenty, Success in our Callings, and Prosperity in all our lawful Designs & Undertakings: and that all our Blessings may flow to us from Covenant-Love; that we may see & enjoy GOD, and taste His special Favour in the fruits of His common Bounty.—Or however we must pray that GOD wou'd prepare us, if it is to be a Year of Trials and Troubles; whether Personal Troubles in Mind or Body, Name or Estate; or Family-Troubles; or Publick Grievances: Whatever be the Affliction or Afflictions which Providence has designed for us, that we may be fitted therefor; and enabled to endure them patiently, as well as to improve them fruitfully: and to do the Duty of every new Condition we may be brought into.—We must pray, that the Presence of GOD may be afforded to us, His spiritual & gracious Presence: that GOD wou'd be with us through the Year and keep … in all way we have to go: that He wou'd continue to us the Means of Grace, and all our pretious advantages for our Souls; and … us to make a wise & faithful Improvement of …: That He wou'd add His special Blessing to the Means, and make them effectual for saving Good unto us.—Thus, Sinners Unregenerate shou'd pray, that this may be the happy Year of their Conversion: Yea, that this first day of the Year may be the day of God's … upon them; that now the… may be made a willing People, a … People to GOD: that old things may pass away and all things p. 78become new within them: that they may have a new Heart, and lead a new Life; and may no longer spend their Years in Vanity, nor consume their Days in Wrath.—So the Saints of the most High shou'd pray, that this may be to them a Year of eminent Growth in every Grace, of Progress in universal Holiness, of much Communion with GOD, and special Usefulness in their respective Places & Relations. We shou'd pray, that in the diligent attendence to Ordinances & Duties we may this Year be built up in CHRIST, receive more of the Spirit in His Gifts & Graces, as well as Comforts; and be advanced Heaven-wards: also that in the prudent and faithful use of all our Opportunities, we may bring much Glory to our GOD, & be Blessings to our Generation. That GOD wou'd restrain us from every Sin; more & more mortify our Lusts; fortify us against Temptations; and furnish us to every good Thought, Word, and Work. That He wou'd help us to acknowlege Him in all our Ways, and to serve Him in all our Capacities according to His will. That He wou'd ordain to Himself special Ho…our from us, and to the World special Benefit That we may be ready to all good Works; and do even our common Actions after a godly manner, in the Name of CHRIST, as well as for the Glory of GOD; and fill up our whole Time with Work, as the Duty of every Day requires: that if we live to the close of this Year we may be able to give a better Account of it, than we can of the last.—And if this shou'd, by the will of GOD, be the Year of our Death, and the End of our appointed Time, (as probably it will with some of us) that we may p. 79be found about our Master;s work; ready to be offer'd, and willing to die; and may enter into our Master's Joy. In a word, It shou'd be our Hearts Desire & Prayer, that CHRIST may be magnify'd in us, whether it be by Life or Death; and that whether present or absent we may be accepted of … the Lord. Thus as to our selves.—Again, As to our Families & Friends, this is a proper time to recommend them to GOD's Blessing with a peculiar solemnity. We shou'd in Prayer seriously wish a good Year to all our Domesticks, all our Relatives, and Acquaintants, as well as our selves. Now it is a fit Season in a more solemn manner to bless our Household, and pray for our Relations and Friends, our Parents, our Consorts, our Children, our Neighbours; even all that are near and dear to us: to resign them unto GOD by lively acts of Faith, and commit them to the Divine Keeping & Blessing by servant Prayer.—Further, As to the Church of CHRIST in the World; now is a fit opportunity to be more large & Solemn in our Intercessions for this: that the Year of the Lord's Redeemed may be hastned, and the Time of Reformation come, the Time of Refreshment from the Presence of the LORD, and the Year of Enlargement.—Again as to our Nation & Country, that it may be to them a Year of Peace, & advancement in Happiness, & Glory, So, as to the particular Town & Church which we belong to; that it may be a good Year unto them, a Year of Tranquillity and Prosperity. That the Town may have a Year of Health, and Success, and be made to flourish in all it's Interests: that the Church may have … to it daily such as shall be … p. 80the Officers & Members of it may be under the special Conduct & Blessing of the great Bishop of Souls; walking together in the Fear & Favour of GOD, in the Faith & Order of the Gospel, and in the Comforts of the Holy Ghost.

THUS I have in some imperfect manner gone thro' what was proposed; and have set before you some of those religious Frames & Exercises, which are especially seasonable on a New-Year's Day.

AND new what remains? But that we all apply what has been said, and put these Rules in practise. O that there were such an Heart in us! That we might every one be persuaded & enabled thus to begin the Year with GOD; every Year, and the advancing Year particularly.

TO excite hereunto, consider,—

1. THIS is most highly Reasonable. Every Act and Exercise, that hath been directed to, is at all times our reasonable Service; and at such a time as this peculiarly seasonable. Indeed the Work is in general the common Business of every Day: However, this hinders not but that it may be the more solemn Employment of some special Days on the Year. And so indeed it ought to be. Not only the first Day in every Week (thô this indeed especially) ought to be thus devoted to religious Exercises: but also the Beginning of every Month, and the Beginning of every Year are very fit seasons for the like Employment. It is but …it & just that GOD, who is the First, shou'd have the First, and be first …. The Heathe… cou'd say: A …. Begin with GOD, whatever you do.

p. 812. THIS will be of very Profitable Tendency; and afford us the best Prospects, as to the ensuing Year. 'Tis the general Salutation of the Day, I wish you a happy New Year. This is what … seriously and heartily wish you all; and in Token of my good Wishes, I have entertain'd you with such a Discourse at this Time; in which I have directed you to one of the most excellent methods to obtain the happy Year we wish one another.

THUS to begin the Year with GOD, is the most hopeful way to render it a good and holy, a prosperous and comfortable Year. This is a way to engage our selves to spend the Year with GOD, in his Service and for his Glory. It is a proper and very effectual means to keep up a lively Zeal for GOD, to keep us close to Duty, to make us wise in the Improvement of our Time, and quicken us to an unwearied activity in doing the Work of the Year. Moreover, This is a way to engage the special Presence of GOD to be with us through the Year; which is the Source of all true Prosperity, and which we have absolute need of, to direct and protect us in all our Ways, to assist and succeed us in all our Undertakings, to supply our Wants, and sweeten out Enjoyments, to support us under Afflictions, and make every Event (whether prosperous or adverse) to work together for our real (that is spiritual) Good. These Benefits are the desirable Fruits of the Divine Presence; and what, a good beginning of the Year has a happy Tendency to secure unto us.

LET us take he Advice then given (in Job 22. 21.) Acquaint now thy self with him, and … at …: p. 82thereby Good shall come unto thee, Let us begin the Year with GOD; sincerely applying our selves to the Work before us, and giving diligence therein: so shall we take a sure method to obtain a good and happy Year, if we live; and a blessed Eternity, if we die. If we now give up our selves to GOD in CHRIST, and continue walking with him, in all his Ordinances & Commandments, we shall spend our Days, not under the Wrath and Rebukes of GOD, but under his gracious Conduct, Smiles and Blessing: and shou'd it be our dying Year, we shall end our Days in his Favour, shall finish our Course with Joy, and be received into the Heavenly Paradise, where there is neither Beginning of Days, nor End of Years; where there is no more Death, neither Sorrow, nor Crying, nor any more Pain; but an uninterrupted Eternity of perfect Happiness and Glory. This will be our Crown and Reward. This is our blessed Hope. O let us be looking, longing and preparing for it. And as the Apostle exhorts, Heb. 4. 11, 16. Let us labour to enter into that Rest:—For which end, Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 3. 12, 13, 14. Take heed, brethren, l…st there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily while it is called, To day; … any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we … the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.