Chapter III: Part 3

I answer, _Gods champions_ are sometimes strong, and sometimes weak, _strong_ in some things, _weak_ in others, and (as the strongest _bodies_) subject to spirituall _colds_ and _falls_, and _hurts_, which are most graciously recorded for our _comfort_ in our _falls_, as well as the holy _victories_ of the _Saints_, to make us _watchfull_, and _couragious_.

[Sidenote: A Christian bearing of reproof a good argument of much of Christ Jesus.]

Sixtly, in matters concerning others, it is a good _argument_ of _strength_, of _grace_, when we can patiently, and thankfully bear a _Reproof_, and _Admonition_, when we can esteem a _Reproof_ for our evill _words_, or _ways_, not as a _blow_ or _stroak_ on the _Head_, but as a sweet, and precious _Ointment_ powred on us.

Hence the admirable _patience_, and _meeknes_ of _Hanna_, when _Eli zealously_, but _uncharitably_ reproved her for _Drunkennes_. Hence when _Christ Jesus_ most sharply reproved _Peter_, and afterward _Paul_ dealt severely with him about dissembling in the matter of _Communion_; We hear not of the least _impatient_, or _bitter_ word to either, yea when he was unjustly charg'd, and that by _Saints_ (Act. 11) he patiently bears it, and returns a soft, and gentle _answer_, which turned their murmuring _accusations_ into joyfull _satisfaction_, and _thanksgiving_.

[Sidenote: Gods people may possibly be angry at reproofs.]

But now the _scorner_, yea the godly being (weak) reproved burst out in wrath. Thus not only _Ahab_ imprisons _Micaiah_, and _Herod_, _John the Baptist_, but _Asa_ also claps up fast the reproving Prophet, and the best of _Gods children_ are subject to such sad _distempers_, when either a mistake of _judgment_, or a _pang_ of _passion_ sinfully hinders the _receit_ and _working_ of the _Reproofs_ of the _Almighty_, which are wholsome heavenly _potions_ intended by him the _Father_ of mercies, for our good, who ever be the _cup_, the _vial_, or _instrument_.

[Sidenote: Naturall wisdome goes far, but not so far as spirituall.]

_Obj._ Many _Philosophers_ by _naturall wisdome_, and many _civill_ and _morall_ men, out of the _principles_ of _civillity_ and _morality_, and sometimes for some private ends, will bear a _Reproof_ with _patience_: And hence that of _Solomon_, rebuke a wise _man_, and he will love thee: whence it may seem that men by strength of _wisdome_ may receive in _love_, and _profit_ by a _Reprehension_.

I answer, _Gods children_ (as well as naturall men) may also act from _Rules_ of _Reason_, and naturall wisedom, but withall they act from an higher _ground_, and _principle_, that is they hear they see _Gods wise_, and _holy_ permitting hand in the foulest _mouth_; So _David_ acknowledgeth _God_ in _Shimeis_ railing, and _Hezekiah_ in _Rabsheka_ his _provocations_, and _blasphemies_.

[Sidenote: Reproaches send Gods people unto God.]

2dly. _Gods children_ by _reproofs_, by _slanders_, and _reproaches_, are sent to _God_: So _David_ as a figure of _Christ Jesus_, and so _Moses_ also, when the people in their _murmurings_, reproached him, as the _cause_ or _occasion_ of their _miseries_, he runs to _God_, and praies even for those _unworthy_, and _unthankfull_ men.

Lastly, with reference to our walking with others, it is an _argument_ of great strength of _grace_, when _glory_ of the _Lord_ and the salvation of _Gods_ people is so great, and so _dear_ in our eyes, that we can with (upon _supposition_ of them two) that we not onely loose our _temporall_, but our eternall _state_ and _welfare_: Hence those two famous and _wonderfull speeches_ of those two glorious stars _Moses_ and _Paul_: Blot me out of thy _book_ saith _Moses_: And I could wish to be accursed from _Christ_, saith _Paul_, for _Israels_ sake.

_Ob._ But can such a _wish_ be lawfull though for the _gain_ and _glory_ of _Christ_, since to be accursed from _Christ_ cannot be without sin against _Christ_?

I answer: I will not dispute what _accursedness_ or _separation_ from _Christ_, that is, some saying that _Paul_ wished onely a _temporall_, and some an _eternall separation_ from _Christ_: some a _separation_ from _joy_ and _delight_ in the _presence_ of _Christ_, but not from the _puritie_ and holiness of _Christ_: But I say, doubtless so neer as any soul approacheth to these heavenly _copies_ of _Moses_ and _Paul_, so neer comes he to the greatest _strength_, and health, and beautie of a _Christian_ life.

_Ob._ But can any man now attain to such a _strength_ of _grace_ as this, so to wish?

[Sidenote: Different manifestations of Christ Jesus in his people.]

I answer: as it is in _nature_ so in _grace_, there are _children_ and _young_ men (or _strong_ men,) and there are _old_ and _aged_ men in _Christ_: Again, as it is _nature_, so in _grace_; there are _differences_ of _children_, and differences of _young_ and _aged_ men in _Christ_: every _Israelite_ had not the strength of _Samson_: nor every of _Davids_ Souldiers the _strength_ and _valour_ of _Davids worthies_: yet so neer to these heavenly _copies_ as we approach, the _stronger_ we are in the _grace_ of _God_ in _Christ_: And doubtless it cannot be but it is in the desire of every true _childe_ of _God_, not onely to enjoy a prettie moderate _health_ of _spirituall_ life, but to be as _strong_ in _faith_ as _Abraham_, in meekness as _Moses_, in _patience_ as _Job_, in _affection_ to _God_ as _David_, and as _zealous_ for the _Lord_ and his _glory_, as were this blessed _pair_ of _zealous_ servants of the most high, _Paul_ and _Moses_.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: Some means which Gods Spirit useth as preservatives.]

I am now come (dear Love) to the third and last _Head_ proposed, which is some few means of _recovering_ and _preserving_ of _Christian health_ and cheerfulness, and the preventing of _spirituall sicknesses_ and _diseases_: In this I shall desire to be brief, lest by too long a _discourse_ I discourage thy _reading_, and hinder thy use and _improvement_ of it.

[Sidenote: Soul-examination a soul means of spirituall preservation.]

First then, holy _consideration_ of our _estate_, a deep and frequent _examination_ of our _spirituall_ condition is an excellent means of _Christian health_ and temper: Thus teacheth us the holy _Spirit_ of _God_ by _Jeremie_, _Lam: 2_. _Let us search and try our ways, and turn unto the Lord._

This searching and examining of our ways in _Gods_ presence is (as it were) a casting up of our _accounts_ between _God_ and our souls, wherein we truly verifie that true saying, That often _reckoning_ makes _God_ and our _souls_ true _friends_.

This _dutie_ is hard, and therefore we must often crie to _God_ with _David_, _Psal. 139_. Search me O _God_, and try my _heart_, and see if there be any _wicked_ way in me, and lead me in the way _everlasting_.

[Sidenote: Affliction the season of Examination.]

This holy _practice_ ought to be frequent, but then especially when the hand, and _Rods_ of the _Lord_ are upon us: For then (as _Job_ saith) _God_ softeneth our _Hearts_, and we are most like then to be as the ground, mollified upon a _Thaw_, fit to be broken up, or like the ground moistened with _storms_, and _showers_ from Heaven, then in some hopefull turn for the _Lords_ most gracious _seed_, and heavenly _planting_.

[Sidenote: 2dly.]

[Sidenote: Christ Jesus his appointments undoubted means of Christian health and chearfulness.]

Secondly, maintain an earnest longing, and endeavour to enjoy _Christ Jesus_, who is our _souls_ life in every holy _Ordinance_, which he hath appointed. If it be possible (with true _satisfaction_ to our _consciences_, and _doubts_ in _Gods_ presence) let us never rest from being planted into the holy _society_ of _Gods_ children, gathered into the _order_ of _Christ Jesus_, according to his most holy _will_ and _Testament_: Remembering that _Christian health_, _grouth_, and _flourishing_, are promised to the _Trees_ planted in _Jehovahs_ house: And that the holy _Ordinances_ are the _Lords provisions_, and soul _meals_, and _Breasts_ which he hath graciously appointed for his _children_, of all _sorts_, and _ages_.

[Sidenote: Prayer with fasting a most Christian and mighty ordinance.]

Especially be much in holy _prayer_, and _fasting_ before the _Lord_: this is an _Ordinance_ of which neither _Pope_ nor _Devill_ could ever deprive a _child_ of _God_: If it be possible practice this duty with others, however before the _Lord_ in secret: remembring how frequent the _children_ of _God_ in holy _scripture_ were in this _duty_. _Daniel_ is an heavenly _pattern_: and so is _David_, who wept and chastised his soul with _fasting_ although he was reproached for it, _Psal. 69_.

Our holy _Bridegroom_ the _Lord Jesus_, tels us that the _Bridegroom_ shall be taken away, and then his servants fast: as if he had expressly named the times of the _Antichristian bondage_, wherein the _followers_ of _Jesus_, like the blessed _Women_, (_John the 20_.) _weeping_, cry out, they have taken away my _Lord_, and I know not where they have laid him.

This holy _Ordinance_ is of such admirable use among the _Saints_, that even in the first, and purest times of _Christianity_, we read of _Christian yoak fellows_, consenting to a _separation_ from each other, for a time that they may give themselves to _prayer_, and _fasting_, 1. Cor: 7.

_Obj._ But some say _fasting_ as it seems to be more proper to the _Old Testament_, so seems it not so usefull in the _New Covenant_, when more _spirituall_ worship, and _spirituall_ joys seem more _suitable_, and _seasonable_.

[Sidenote: The excellent use of prayer and fasting.]

I answer, all the former _Scriptures_ declare it to be an _Ordinance_ of the _New Testament_, as well as a _prayer_ itself: And for the _use_ of it, it is most admirable for the _separating_, and _abstracting_ of the _mind_, and _spirit_, from earthly _occasions_, and _comforts_, for the devoting of the _soul_ to heavenly _consideration_, and _examination_ of our wayes, for the pouring forth of _prayers_, and _cries_ to _God_ in the many great, and mighty _straights_ which _Gods_ people passe through in this _vale_ of _tears_, and _Lamentation_. And indeed it is (as I may say) the taking of a _soul sweat_, or _soul purge_ for the avoiding and cleansing out our spirituall _Humours_, and _corruptions_.

[Sidenote: 3dly.]

[Sidenote: Spirituall taking of cold.]

Thirdly, as ever we would preserve our _spirituall health_, let us carefully take heed of spirituall _colds_ and _obstructions_: For as it is in the _naturall_ man, a _cold_ it self is a great _distemper_, and the _ground_ and _beginning_ of others, when the _warm streams_ of _blood_, and _spirits_ are stopt up, and obstructed: So is it, (and much more in the _spirituall_) when our heavenly _spirits_ are stopt by damp _colds_, and _obstructions_ of unnecessary frequenting of _cold societies_, and _places_ destitute of the _life_ of the _Sun_ of _Righteousnes Christ Jesus_.

The _Lord Jesus_ is a _Christians Garment_: O let us keep that blessed _garment_ always close about us, and in all places, and in all companies, and upon all _occasions_ expresse the _life_, and _power_ of _Christ Jesus_, longing to know, and to follow his blessed _words_, and _examples_ in _life_, and _death_.

[Sidenote: 4thly.]

[Sidenote: Gods people must watch against the surfeiting upon worldly comforts.]

Fourthly, take heed of _spirituall surfets_, that the feeding too much upon the _comforts_ of _yoak fellows_, _children_, _credit_, _profit_, (though sweet, and wholsome as _hony_) turn not to _bitternes_, and _loathing_.

_Gods_ children as _travailers_ on the Land, as _Passengers_ in a _ship_, must use this world, and all comforts of it, with _dead_, and _weaned_, and _mortified affections_, as if they used them not: If _Riches_, if _Children_, if _Cattel_, if _Friends_, if whatsoever increase, let us watch that the _Heart_ fly not loose upon them: But as we use _salt_ with raw and fresh meats, let us use no worldly comfort without a savoury _Remembrance_, that these worldly _Goods_ and _comforts_ are the common portion of the men of this perishing _world_, who must perish together with them. Let us muse upon their _insufficiency_ to content, and fill our _Hearts_, upon their uncertain coming, and going with _Eagles wings_: upon their _anxiety_, and perplexednes full of _Thorns_, & _vexations_: upon their _certainty_ of departing, how soon we know not. O let us therefor beg _grace_ from _Heaven_, that we may use earthly _comforts_ as a _stool_ or _ladder_ to help us upward to heavenly _comforts_, _profits_, _pleasures_, which are only _true_, and _lasting_, even _eternall_ in _God_ himself, when these _Heavens_, and _earth_ are gone.

[Sidenote: 5.]

[Sidenote: The power of meditating the joyes that are to come.]

Fifthly, to maintain a spirituall _health_ and _chearfulness_ is of no small use (as _Paul_ writes to _Timothie_) sometimes to help our _cold stomacks_ with a little _wine_ or _strong drink_ of the _hope_ of the _joyes_ to come: Lay hold (saith _Paul_ to _Timothie_) of _eternall life_: and as the _Souldier_ meditates upon the _glory_ of his _victories_: The sick _passenger_ at Sea upon his _sweet refreshings_ on shore: the _Traveller_ upon his _journeys end_ and _comforts_ at his home: the _Labourer_ and the _Hireling_ on his _wages_, the _Husbandman_ on his _harvest_: the _Merchant_ on his gain: the _woman_ in _travail_, on her _fruit_: so let us sometimes warm and revive our cold _hearts_ and fainting _spirits_, with the assured hope of those _victories_, those _crowns_, those _harvests_, those _refreshings_ and _fruits_, which never _eye_ hath seen, nor _ear_ hath heard, nor never entred into mans _heart_ the things which _God_ hath prepared for them that love him: Of which however it pleaseth _God_ to give his servants a _taste_ in this _life_, yet the _harvest_, and the _vintage_ are to come, when they that suffer with _Christ Jesus_ shall reign with him, and they that have sown in _tears_ shall reap the never ending _harvest_ of inconceivable joyes.

[Sidenote: 6thly.]

[Sidenote: Bitter and untoothsome things may yet be of a blessed and wholsome use to Gods people.]

Sixthly, as it is in the _restoring_ of the _body_ to _health_, or in the _preserving_ of it in an healthfull _condition_: it is often necessarie to use the help of _sharp_ and _bitter_ things, _bitter pils_, _bitter potions_, _bitter medicines_, _sweatings_, _purgings_, _vomitings_, _blood-lettings_, &c. So is it with our _souls_, and _spirits_, and preservation of the _health_ and _chearfulness_ of the spirituall and the _inner_ man.

[Sidenote: Two sorts of bitter afflictions.]

The _sharp_ and _bitter_ things which it pleaseth _God_ to make use of in these cases are of two sorts.

First, such as himself is pleased to use towards us in the _way_ of his fatherly _afflictions_ of all _sorts_: on our _spirits_, our _bodies_, our _yoak-fellows_, _children_, _servants_, _cattel_, _goods_, &c. out of which, yea also out of the _injurious_, and _slanderous_, and persecuting dealing of others, yea and out of our own _sins_ and failings his most holy and infinite _wisdom_, fetcheth all sorts of _cleansing_ and _purging_, yea and sometimes a _cordiall_ and healing _physick_.

The second sort of sharp and _bitter_ means are such, as we _voluntarily_ use and _apply_ our selves unto our selves, for the _slaying_ and the _purging_ out of the _filthy humours_ and _corruptions_ of _pride_, _securitie_, _uncleanness_, _self-love_, _covetousness_, and what ever else remains behinde of the _body_ of _death_ in us.

[Sidenote: The Scripture the true storehouse of soul physick.]

It is true that the _word_ of _God_, and all his holy _Ordinances_, they are not only of a _feeding_, and _nourishing_, but also of a _purging_, and _cleansing Nature_, of a _preserving_, and a _restoring Quality_: and therefore out of these, we must take _direction_ for all our _spirituall Remedies_, against those _foul distempers_, unto which our _spirituall_, and _inner_ men are subject.

[Sidenote: 1.]

[Sidenote: The remembrance of our sins bitter, yet an wholsome pill.]

First, then it is an _wholsome_ though _bitter pill_, often to call to mind our _many_, our _great_, our _known_, our _unknown_ transgressions against; the _Lord_ as a _Creatour_, against the _Lord_ as a _Father_, against the _Lord_ as a _Redeemer_, against _Christ Jesus_, against his holy _Spirit_, against his _Ordinances_, against his _Saints_, against our _selves_, &c. Yea the _sins_ and severall _corruptions_ of our _Natures_, _callings_, and _conditions_, to which we yet are subject, and lye open, and without _supply_ of _Grace_, and _strength_ from _Heaven_, we shall fall, and tumble into, as well as the strongest of _Gods servants_, of whose wofull _falls_ we read of in holy Scripture.

_Obj._ It is a part of the _Lords New Covenant_, that he will forgive our _sins_, and remember our _iniquities_ no more.

[Sidenote: Gods children bound to beg for pardon of sin.]

I answer, unto all the _promises_ of all sorts, (_Ezek. 36_.) it pleaseth the _Lord_ to adde this Gospel _Proviso_; For all this I will be sought unto saith the _Lord_, according to that most holy direction, of the _Lord Jesus_, to pray daily, not only for _daily Bread_, but also for _daily forgivenes_.

_Obj._ The Lord hath forgiven them already in _Christ_, what need to pray for forgivenesse of them again.

_I answer_, We must marke the _Lords Ordinance_, for all this I will be sought unto: _Prayer_ and other _spirituall Ordinances_ hath the Lord appointed for our _souls_ good, as well as _corporall meanes_ for our bodily comfort.

[Sidenote: Godly sorrow not inconsistent but subservient to spirituall joy.]

Hence the many examples of the servants of _God_ throughout the whole Scripture, both before _Jesus Christ_ and since, _David_, _Peter_, _Mary Magdalen_, breaking forth into heavenly showres of godly _teares_. Hence the _Paschall Lambe_, (the figure of _Christ Jesus_) was appointed by the _Lord_ to be eaten with _bitter herbs_, implying and teaching that _Jesus Christ_ himselfe, his _blood_, _pardon_ of _sin_, _Life_ and _Salvation_, and all the _spirituall_ and _eternall sweets_ that here below we finde in _Christ Jesus_, they have not their _native_ and proper rellish without the helpe of such sharp and bitter _hearbs_.

[Sidenote: Gods councels absolve not us from menes & endeavours.]

What though therefore in _Gods councel_ before the _world_ was, all his works of _creation_ and _redemption_, _vocation_, _justification_, _glorification_ are knowne to him and acted by him? I say, in the most inconceivable deep _councels_ of his will, according to which he worketh all things, _Ephes. 1. 11_? yet were it _presumptuous madnesse_ in us, and a tempting of the _jealous eyes_ of the most _High_, to neglect the _wayes_, and _meanes_, and _paths_ of _mercy_ for _Soul_ or _Body_, which his most holy _Wisedome_ out of _infinite Grace_ and _goodnesse_ hath appointed to us?

[Sidenote: The due consideration of Gods justice is an heavenly though bitter pill.]

A second sharp and bitter _pill_ to purge out spirituall _corruption_, is a due and serious pondering of the _nature_, of the _justice_ of the most _High_; notwithstanding all the infinite _sweetnesse_ of the _Ocean_ of his _mercy_, and notwithstanding all the _colours_ and _pretences_ which we poor sinners invent to our selves, to hide from our eyes, the _greatnesse_ and _dreadfulnesse_ and terrours of it.

Well therefore might _Job_ say: therefore am I troubled at his presence, and when I consider I am afraid of him; and _David_, _Psal. 119_. My _Flesh_ trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy _judgements_.

_Object._ But _John_ saith, perfect _love_ casteth out _fear_.

_I answer_, The true love of _God_, never casteth out the true feare of _God_, but only that which is false and _counterfeit_, that which is the fear of a _Beast_ of _slaves_ and _Devils_.

Hence it is that the _Spirit_ of the fear of the _Lord_ was poured upon the _Lord Jesus_ himself.

This _feare_ is an holy _awe_ or _reverence_ proper to a true and heavenly ingenuous child of _God_, even (first and chiefly) to _Christ Jesus_, the _elder Brother_ (in a sence) of all the _children_ of _God_. To cherish which holy _fear_ of _God_, let us cast our eyes upon the fiery flashes of his severe _justice_ revealed unto us in a three-fold time, the time _past_, _present_, and to _come_.

[Sidenote: The dreadfull rejection of the Angels]

For the time past, how dreadfull is that we finde of the _rejection_ and _ejection_ of so many glorious heavenly Spirits the _Angels_, tumbled down for their sin of _Pride_, from the heighth of _Heaven_, and their glorious attendance upon _God_, to the depth of _Hell_ in horrible _slavery_ to everlasting sinnes and torments.

[Sidenote: The dreadfull sentence upon all mankind.]

How dreadfull was that dolefull _Sentence_ upon the whole race of _mankinde_, for the Sin of the first _root_, our first _Parents_ in _Paradice_? How wonderfull those _Plagues_ and _Destructions_ upon _Pharaoh_ and the land of _Ægypt_, for their oppressing Gods people.

[Sidenote: The destruction of _Egypt_ and _Sodom_, & the whole world.]

And (before that) how fearfull and horrible was that _destruction_ and _burning_ up of _Sodom_, and _Gomorrah_ and other _Cities_ with _fire_ and _brimstone_ from Heaven?

And (before both these) how wonderfully fearefull and universall was, the _destruction_ of the whole _world_, in that choaking, and All-o'erwhelming _flood_ or _deluge_.

[Sidenote: Fearfull stroaks of Gods justice upon _Israel_.]

How fearfull were the stroaks of _Gods_ displeasure upon his owne people of _Israel_, in their many _Destructions_ and _Captivities_? How fearfull the rejection of the ten _Tribes_ wholly swallowed up and lost for so many _ages_ and _generations_?

[Sidenote: Upon the _Jews_ and _Jerusalem_.]

How lamentable were the _destructions_ (and especiall that by _Titus_ and _Vespasion_) of the holy _City_, that glorious _Jerusalem_, in the slaughter and captivity of 1100000 thousand _Jewes_, _men_, _women_ and _children_?

How fearfull was the rejection of that whole _Nation_ of the _Jewes_, ever since but a _curse_ and a _scorne_ to all the rest of the _Nations_ of the world to this day?

[Sidenote: Upon the Son of his love the _Lord Jesus_.]

And (above all) who can but tremble at the _impartiall flames_ of _Gods justice_ on that _green_ and _innocent_ tree, his owne, and only begotten son _Christ Jesus_, when he stood surety in the room of _sinners_ to make _satisfaction_ for their _transgressions_?

_Object._ Grant _Gods justice_ and _fierce wrath_ to be so hot, so fiery and fearfull towards his _enemies_, yet, what need his _children_ fear his _justice_, since that it is satisfied and his wrath appeased towards his people, by the _sufferings_ and _blood-shed_ of _Christ Jesus_.

[Sidenote: The heavy & dolefull stroaks of Gods righteous hand upon his own people in this world.]

_I answer_, It is so evident, that although _Christ Jesus_ his blood, hath quenched the fire of _Gods eternal wrath_ toward his people, and sweetened the bitter _Cup_ of all present _Judgements_ and _afflictions_: yet for his _Name_ and _Justice_ sake in this world, _Gods children_ have temporally felt the fearfull stroks of his displeasure, and judgment must begin at the house of _God_.

Hence that dreadfull _blow_ of _Gods_ righteous _hand_ upon our first _Parents Adam_ and _Eve_, cast out of _Paradice_ with their _posterity_ (even the whole race of _mankind_) notwithstanding their belief in the _promised seed of Christ Jesus_.

Hence the heavy _stroakes_ upon _Lot_, upon _Lots wife_, upon _Moses_, upon _Aaron_, upon _Sampson_, upon _Eli_, upon _David_, upon _Hezekiah_, upon _Josiah_, &c.

_Object._ But some may say, _God_ sees no sin in _Jacob_, &c.

[Sidenote: Gods holy end in his sore afflictions upon his people.]

_I answer_, Their calamities are Judgements, that is righteous sentences of the most high, _Judgements_, though not eternall Judgements: these vindicate _Gods_ name and _Justice_ before an unrighteous _world_, and beare him witnesse of his _impartiality_, even towards his owne _children_; these humble and bring his people to repentance and confession, and quicken their pace, and their hearts, to watch against future _sins_ and _provocations_.

Hence saith the _Spirit_ of _God_ expresly, _1. Cor. 11_. For this _cause_ (that is for his childrens abuse of the _Lords Supper_) many are _weak_ and _sick_, and some are falne _asleep_; _God_ chastiseth his own people, true _christian Churches_, for the abuse of his holy _Ordinances_ and _appointments_.

[Sidenote: Gods justice visibly seen in the present sorrows of all sorts.]

In the second place, let us cast our eyes abroad and behold the direfull signs and tokens, of _Gods_ severe Justice executed at this present in the _world_. How lamentably doe we see before our eyes the daily and continued effects of that first _wrath_ upon mankind, in so many _sorrows_ of all sorts for the first transgression.

Let us consider of the great constant _reproach_ and misery over all the _Nations_ of the _World_, by reason of _Gods_ righteous _Sentence_ in the division of so many _Tongues_ and _Languages_.

[Sidenote: The horrible desolations of late years.]

O come and see (saith _David_) what _Desolations_ (_Psal. 46._) the _Lord_ hath wrought in the _Earth_? How many _hundred thousands_ of _men_, _women_ and _children_ have of late years been swept away in the _world_, by _wars_, _famines_ and _pestilences_?

And since we are commanded to _weep_ with them that _weep_; O that our _heads_ were _fountains_, and our _eyes rivers_ of _waters_, that wee might weep with _Germany_, weep with _Ireland_, yea, weep day and night with _England_ and _Scotland_ (to speake nothing of other remote _Nations_) in laying againe and again to _heart_ the stroakes of _Gods_ most righteous _judgements_, in their most fearfull slaughters and _desolations_.

[Sidenote: The wonderfull spirituall judgements upon the Nations.]

[Sidenote: The direfull judgement upon the Jewes.]

The effects and marks of these most dreadfull _blowes_, every _eye_ is forced to see but yet there are some _stroakes_, more fearfull and yet not easily perceived; such are the righteous _judgements_ of _God_, giving up the _Nations_ of the _world_ to so many horrible and blasphemous _worships_, _idolatries_ and _superstitions_. To speak nothing of whole _Nations_ and _Kingdomes_, that know not at all the true and living _God_, how _cold_ and _hard_ is that _stone_ that lyes upon the _mouth_ of that wonderfull _grave_ of _unbeliefe_, wherein the _Nation_ of (_Gods_ choice and love) the _Jewes_ lye buried and o'rewhelmed to this day?

[Sidenote: The direfull judgement of Mahumatanism, and Antichristianisme.]

Who can but _wonder_ and _tremble_ at so many hundreth thousand and millions of men given up for so long a time (in so many and so mighty flourishing _Nations_ of the world) I say, given up to those two monstrously bewitching _Worships_ of _Mahumatisme_ and _Antichristianisme_, the dire effects of _Gods_ most righteous judgements upon the _Easterne_ and _Westterne_ professors of the knowledge of _God_ in _Christ Jesus_?

[Sidenote: The lamentable captivity of Gods own people to Antichristian worships.]

Adde to these that most fearfull and deplorable _captivity_ of the very _soules_ and _consciences_ of _Gods_ owne people (for so many hundred years) under false and superstitious _Worships_. A righteous _judgement_, though not so easily discerned, yet in it selfe most dreadfull, and exceeding all the temporall calamities in the _world_.

[Sidenote: The dreadfull and eternall judgement yet to come.]

But (thirdly) from these two times of _past_ and _present_, let us cast our eyes on the third which is yet to come, as _sure_ and _wonderfull_, will shortly be these two most wonderfull and dreadfull _downfals_ of those two so mighty _Monarchies_ (so great enemies to _Christ Jesus_) the _Turkish_ and the _Popish_: according to the Prediction of the holy _Prophets_. How fearfull the _effusion_ of the _Viols_, in part fulfilled, and yet to be powred forth in their season? And not a little wonderfull is that mighty _destruction_ of the _Nations Gog_ and _Magog_ gathered as the _sand_ of the Sea against the camp of the _saints_ of the holy _City_.

And (to come to the full _period_ and _finall sentence_ of the most righteous _Judge_ of the whole _world_) with what _horrours_ and _terrours_ shall these _Heavens_ and _Earth_ passe away; this _Earth_ with the works thereof being consumed and burnt up? How inconceivably direfull will the last _eternall judgement_ be, when two worlds of men (the former destroyed by _water_, and this by _fire_) shall appeare, before the most glorious _Tribunall_ of the Son of _God_? When all the most _secret sins_ shall be brought to _tryal_, and an account shall be given for _every idle word_?

O who who can conceive the _terrours_ of that thundering _sentence_ [_Goe yee cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devill and his Angels, where the worm never dyes, and the fire never goes out_.]

_Object._ But some may say, Can these sayings be any other then a _Parable_ or _similitude_? for is the _Devill_ capable of any _materiall fire_? such as now is grievous and painfull to _flesh_ and _blood_?

[Sidenote: The Parables of holy Scripture are ful of heavenly kernels of Truth.]

_I answer_, Grant these sayings _Parabolicall_ or _similitudes_, as also that of _Dives_ and _Lazarus_: yet what are _Parables_ and _similitudes_ but _Glasses_ to represent unto us in more plain and easie wayes the holy _truth_ and mind of _God_?

[Sidenote: The worme that never dyes, and the fire that never goes out.]

The _Kernell_ of _truth_ is not the lesse sweet though wrapt up in the _shels_ and _husks_; Beyond all question therefore _Christ Jesus_ foretels most sure and inconceiveable plagues to all that know not _God_, and obey not his glorious _Gospel_: And by this _Worme_ that never dyes, and this _fire_ that never goes out, declares a _torment_ to be inflicted upon both _men_ and _devils_ which shall be extream like fire which shall be universall upon the whole sinfull _creature_, no part exempted, which shall be also _eternall_, never dying, never ending, yet we may adore _Gods_ righteous judgements and (working out _Salvation_ with fear and trembling) make sure of a _Jesus_ a _Saviour_ to deliver us from the _wrath_ that is to come.

[Sidenote: The meditation of death.]

In the next place (my deare Love) let us downe together by the _steps_ of holy _meditation_ into the _valley_ of the shadow of _Death_. It is of excellent use to walke often into _Golgotha_, and to view the rotten _skuls_ of so many innumerable thousands of millions of millions of men and women, like our selves, gone, gone forever from this life and being (as if they never had _life_ nor being) as the swift Ships, as the _Weavers shuttle_, as an _arrow_, as the _lightning_ through the aire, &c.

It is not unprofitable to remember the faces of such whom we knew, with whom we had sweet acquaintance, sweet society, with whom we have familiarly eaten and lodged, but now growne _loathsome_, _ugly_, _terrible_, even to their dearest, since they fell into the _jawes_ of _death_, the _King_ of _terrors_.

And yet they are but gone before us, in the _path_ all _flesh_ must tread: How then should we make sure, and infinitely much of a _Saviour_, who delivers us from the _power_, and _bitternesse_ of _Death_, and _Grave_, and _Hell_, who is a _resurrection_ and _life_ unto us, and will raise up and make our bodies glorious, like his glorious _Body_, when he shall shortly appear in glory.

It is further of great and sweet use against the _bitternesse_ of _Death_, and against the _bitter-sweet delusions_ of this world daily to thinke each day our _last_, the day of our _last farewell_, the day of the splitting of this _vessell_, the breaking of this _buble_, the quenching of this _Candle_, and of our passage into the land of _Darknesse_, never more to behold a sparke of _light_ untill the Heavens be no more.

[Sidenote: 3 Terrible uncertainties.]

[Sidenote: Meditations of death powerfull as to many heavenly purposes.]

Those three uncertainties of that most certain _blow_, to wit, of the _Time_ when, the _Place_ where, the _Manner_ how it shall come upon us, and dash our _Earthern Pitcher_ all to pieces, I say the consideration of these three, should be a threefold _cord_ to bind us fast to an holy _watchfulness_ for our _departures_, and a _spur_ to quicken us to aboundant _faithfulnesse_ in _doing_ and _suffering_ for the _Lord_ and his _Christ_, it should draw up our minds unto _heavenly objects_, and loosen us from the vexing _vanities_ of this vaine _puffe_ of this present sinfull life.

Oh how weaned, how sober, how temperate, how mortified should our _spirits_, our _affections_, our _desires_ be, when we remember that we are but strangers, converse with _strange companies_, dwel in strange houses, lodge in strange beds and know not whether this day, this night shall be our finall change of this strange place for one far _stranger_, darke and dolefull, except enlightened by the _Death_ and _Life_ of the Son of _God_.

How contented should we be with any _Pittance_, any _Allowance_ of _Bread_, of _Cloaths_, of _Friendship_, of _Respect_, &c.?

How thankfull unto _God_, unto _man_ should we poor strangers be for the least _crum_, or _drop_, or _rag_, vouchsaf'd unto us, when we remember we are but strangers in an _In_, but passengers in a Ship, and though we dreame of long _Summer_ dayes, yet our very life and being is but a swift short _passage_ from the bank of _time_ to the other side or _Banck_ of a dolefull _eternity_?

How patient should our _minds_ and _bodies_ be under the _crossing_, disappointing hand of our all-powerfull _Maker_, of our most gracious _Father_, when we remember that this is the short _span_ of our _purging_ and _fitting_ for an eternall _Glory_, and that when we are _judged we_ are _chastened_ of the _Lord_, that we should not be _condemned_ with the world?

How quietly (without the _swellings_ of _revenge_ and _wrath_) should we bear the daily _injuries_, _reproaches_, _persecutings_, &c. from the hands of men, who passe away and wither (it may be before night) like _grasse_, or as the _smoake_ on the chimnies top, and their _love_ and _hatred_ shall quickly perish?

Yea, how _busie_, how _diligent_, how _solicitous_ should we be (like _strangers_ upon a strange _Coast_) waiting for a _winde_ or _passage_) to get _dispatched_ what we have to doe before wee hear that finall call, _Away, Away_, let us be gone from hence, &c.

How should we ply to get _aboard_ that which will passe, and turne to blessed _account_ in our own _countrey_?

How should we over-look and despise this _worlds trash_ which (as the holy _woman_ going to be burnt for _Christ_ said of money) will not passe in Heaven?

How zealous for the true _God_, the true _Christ_, his _praise_, his _truth_, his _worship_, how faithfull in an humble witnesse against the _lyes_ and cozening delusions of the _Father of lyes_, though guilded o're with _truth_, and that _by_ the hands of the highest or holyest upon the Earth?

How frequent, how constant (like _Christ Jesus_ our _Founder_ and _Example_) in doing good (especially to the _Souls_) of all men, especially to the _Household_ of _Faith_, yea even to our enemies, when we remember that this is our _seed time_, of which every minute is precious, and that as our _sowing_ is, must be our eternall _Harvest_: for so sayeth the Spirit by _Paul_ to the _Galathians_: _He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption_ or _rottennesse, and he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting_.

_FINIS._

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Transcriber's Notes:

Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.

Obvious printer's errors were corrected.

Every effort has been made to replicate this text faithfully, including obsolete and variant spellings, inconsistent and non-standard punctuation, inconsistently hyphenated words, and other inconsistencies.

There are several places where opening or closing parentheses marks appear, and it is not clear from the text where the paired parenthesis would appear. In each case, the single parenthesis was left in place and no opening or closing parenthesis added.

However, where printing issues interfere with readability, and the intent is absolutely clear from the text, changes were made to the transcribed text.

For example: multiple spellings of "Iesus" have been changed to "Jesus".